5 Reasons Why Mental Health in Construction is So Important

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in America. They work long hours in all weather conditions and are constantly exposed to potential injuries. Despite the dangers, construction workers continue to show up day after day to do their job.

But what about their mental health? Construction workers are more likely than other Americans to suffer from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. Their suicide rate is also significantly higher than the national average.

Construction workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

There are many reasons why mental health in construction is so important. First, the nature of the job can be very dangerous. Construction workers are constantly exposed to potential hazards, and this can lead to anxiety and stress.

Hazards include:

  • Falling
  • Slips and trips
  • Airborne
  • Moving Objects
  • Noise
  • Vibrating Tools
  • Shock and Electrocution

They are constantly working long hours in all weather conditions.

The majority of construction workers work more than the 40-hour work week.  This is not only tolling on the body but as well as the mind.  Working long hours can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation as they are away from their families for long periods of time.

Effects of working long hours:

  • Decreased productivity
  • Increased injuries
  • Stress
  • Poor eating habits
  • Overactivity
  • Illness
  • Loneliness

You should try to eat healthy meals, drink plenty of water, get a good night’s sleep, and stretch to keep your body in the best shape possible to handle these conditions.

Despite the dangers, construction workers continue to show up day after day to do their job.

Construction workers are some of the most important people in our society. They build the homes we live in, the infrastructure for energy, the schools our children attend, and the hospitals where we receive treatment. Without them, our world would be a very different place.  To continue building these amazing projects for our modern society, mental health must be spoken about more in the office and on jobsites.

Having a safety supervisor or manager that understands the importance of this is a great first step in keeping their team’s moral high.

Here are a couple ways a manager can keep their team’s moral high:

  • Prioritize break time
  • Encourage promotions
  • Offer benefits
  • Schedule Off-Hours
  • Offer training and education
  • Respect work-life balance
  • Show appreciation

Construction workers are more likely than other Americans to suffer from depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders.

Mental health problems like depression and anxiety is not only harmful to the worker but to the entire organization.

Anxiety and depression in your workforce can lead to:

  • Absenteeism
  • Errors and accidents on the job site
  • Productivity and quality of work
  • More likely to experience injuries or illness

Their suicide rate is also significantly higher than the national average

According to the CDC, construction has the highest suicide rate of all industries, at 53.2 suicides per 100,000 workers. That’s about 4x greater than the national average (17.3/100,000) and 5x greater than all other construction fatalities combined (10.1/100,000). Statistically speaking, suicide could rightfully top the list of OSHA’s Fatal Four Hazards.

Too often, the construction industry’s culture of safety is limited to the physical aspects and neglects the psychological aspects. Now, more than ever, Nooter is committed to providing our workers with guidance, resources, & most importantly, support.

Crisis Resources

  • 988 Suicide Crisis Hotline
    • 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This hotline is available 24/7 and provides free, confidential support to those in need.
  • Crisis Text Line
    • Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7 support via text. Text HOME to 741741 at any time to speak to a trained crisis counselor.
  • Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Admin
    • SAMHSA National Hotline: A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral & information service. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Veterans Crisis Line
    • Confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Available 24/7: Dial 988 & press 1, chat live, or text 838255.
  • National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
    • Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “Helpline” to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org for information, resource referrals & support.

View Nooter’s Underneath the Hardhat resources here

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