Focusing on the overall well-being of employees ranks high in priority across all organizations. Mental health concerns exist in all industries but there is a growing concern within the construction industry, specifically. Construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups according to the Centers for Disease Prevention. With September being suicide prevention and awareness month, it is an important time to raise awareness and strengthen the fight against suicide and mental health. First and foremost, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please jump to the end of this blog to find many resources that can provide immediate help.
Why Construction?
Research from the Carson J. Spencer Foundation, an organization focused on suicide prevention, has found that industries with the highest risk of suicide have factors of being a male-dominated workforce, having shift work, access to a lethal means of suicide, and being fearless in a risky environment.
With these key factors in mind, the connection to the construction industry becomes clear. The construction workforce is comprised of nearly 91% males. In this industry, the majority of the work is performed in shifts to accommodate certain construction work on the job site and to align with building schedules. Construction workers also work in dangerous environments, that require strict safety protocols for all on-site personnel to follow.
Take away those factors, the construction industry is a stressful career. Construction workers are constantly unaware of their next job, leading to high-stress levels on personal finances and how to provide for themselves or their families. As workers may already be stressed, not having a daily structure can increase that anxiety. It is important to be cognizant of this and be prepared to support it. Incorporating a wellness program within your organization is a great way to provide employees with support and resources to help navigate them to a better tomorrow.
Raising Awareness and Resources for Prevention
Construction Suicide Prevention Week was launched in 2020. This program is dedicated to increasing education, awareness, and prevention of the unfortunate number of mental health cases in our industry. A network of construction professionals and companies have banded together to become more involved in this movement to lower the number of individuals suffering from mental health illnesses.
Contractors, community members, industry associations, and clients must all work together by providing resources to their people on how to safely ask the right questions and how to get the right help. Partnering with third-party safety teams can be another resource for organizations to join together to protect employees’ mental health. Third-party safety teams can have a wider influence on employees, trade partners, and all of those on-site. Some companies are implementing mental health talks alongside their daily Safety Toolbox talks to spread awareness. Safety toolbox talks are a common group discussion in the construction industry that focuses on job site safety. It is a time to review safety rules and regulations and a daily reminder that safety is the number one priority. Our employees’ mental health should fall under safety obligations, so normalizing mental health will help build awareness around this disease.
Implementing a mental health program is a way to provide employees with the right resources for a range of situations they may need additional help with. Some companies offer free and confidential services through their insurance where the employee can have face-to-face or virtual visits with a counselor or therapist depending on their needs. There is also the option to bring in professionals such as massage therapists to focus on stress management or licensed mediation coaches to walk through the importance of meditating and de-stressing.
What to look for
Know the signs, symptoms, and what to look for in those who may be battling a mental illness. Though it may not be easy and there isn’t one specific behavior or action to determine a mental illness, there are some common signs to be aware of.
Recognizing some of these signs can help decide if speaking to a professional is the next step. Receiving a diagnosis is often the first step in a treatment plan. A healthcare provider can help develop a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or other lifestyle changes.
Be the Solution
Address mental health and suicide as a health and safety priority to your team. Help your organization by creating a safe and welcoming culture, providing training to help those at risk, and raising awareness about mental health in construction. The more we talk about it, the less we feel isolated and alone and the easier it is to ask for help. One of the hardest parts about COVID is that it created isolation, separation, and ultimately loneliness. We are created to connect and support each other. Our mental health is dependent on it.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
If you feel like you are suffering and need help, or are concerned about a friend, family member, or coworker, there are several free resources that provide confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
