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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Suicide and Mental Health Challenges in the Construction Industry

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There has been an extensive focus within the construction industry on safety hazards and how their presence can be reduced to safeguard the physical well-being of employees. However, this attention is often not reciprocated for the protection of workers’ mental health. A survey conducted in 2020 revealed that 83% of construction workers had struggled with mental health issues. As Adrienne Selko reported in EHS Today, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups. Over 5,000 people working in construction die by suicide each year. That’s five times more than the annual number of jobsite fatalities.” These statistics represent astounding critical problems in the construction industry that need to be resolved.

The socioeconomic composition of the construction industry is male-dominated and reflects historical conventions and cultural expectations surrounding traditional gender roles that are associated with stereotypes of masculinity. Since the work is physically taxing, a deeply embedded expectation of mental and physical toughness has created a culture that highly values resilience and physical endurance and makes it difficult for workers to admit any type of weakness. Thus, mental health problems have become stigmatized and segued into a phenomenon commonly known as a “silent pandemic,” wherein employees don’t disclose their issues. Sadly, their silence prevents them from getting help and exacerbates their challenges.

Though fewer in number, female construction workers have their own mental health challenges, many of which stem from them being in the minority and therefore feeling isolated. They too are subject to a gender stereotype that not only affects their self-esteem, but also means that they are often subject to verbal and/or sexual harassment, unequal remuneration, and/or limited prospects for career advancement. They often have to deal with linguistic challenges as a result of the predominance of male-oriented language and communication techniques, and the differences in the use of language can lead to a sense of being left out or unacknowledged and make it difficult to communicate effectively. The lack of effective, well-fitted personal protective equipment for women is also a problem, as it not only jeopardizes their physical safety and comfort but also contributes to psychological stress. Added to all of the above is the major stress that can result from trying to balance work and home — a task with which many women struggle daily. The hard nature of construction jobs and the problems they struggle with daily make female construction workers particularly vulnerable to mental health problems.

A variety of stresses and difficulties play major roles in the high incidence of mental health issues and suicides in construction. The first is the industry-wide problem of job instability. Unpredictable employment patterns arise from the fact that construction projects are by nature temporary and dependent on market demands, project timetables, and the economy. Workers routinely switch between projects, which prevents consistency and continuity in their work, and the need to constantly adjust to changing work settings, teams, and project standards can cause emotional strain and lead to instability and upheaval in both their personal and professional lives. Automation has increased levels of apprehension among middle-aged employees who are concerned about the possibility of losing their jobs and a lack of opportunities for advancement, and the rapid advancement of technology has undermined their sense of pride in conventional craftsmanship, resulting in profound mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The physical demands of construction jobs, such as working at heights, rigorous physical effort, and exposure to inclement weather, can cause physical exhaustion and strain, increase the potential for accident-producing injuries, and add to workers’ overall stress levels. The demand for efficient pain management increases when construction workers are hurt, as lack of relief results in persistent discomfort, a lower quality of life, and added stress that impairs their ability to perform their job. Ironically, the process of addressing the pain experienced from injuries may unintentionally worsen mental health issues and result in a complicated interaction between physical and mental health. Thus, it is imperative that workers who suffer pain from on-the-job injuries receive timely and effective medical treatment.

Opioids are often the treatment of choice for pain management due to their effectiveness; however, their psychotropic characteristics put the user at risk for becoming addicted. Construction workers may rely on these drugs for extended periods due to the relief they provide and their need to return to work quickly, and long-term use is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. According to a 2018 survey, 20% of the construction industry’s funding for prescription drugs was for opioids, and 15% of construction workers struggled with problems caused by misusing them. Opioid-addicted men are twice as likely to commit suicide as those who are not addicted, and the interplay between physical harm, pain relief, and psychological difficulties is evidence of the intricate problems that are prevalent in the construction industry.

Employers, companies, and policymakers must prioritize comprehensive mental health initiatives to reverse the alarming trend of increasing mental health challenges and suicides within the construction industry. Training programs tailored to the unique stressors of the construction sector should be initiated to provide employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental distress, stress management techniques that are effective for preventing or coping with the problems, and resources for assistance. Equally important is the need to foster a culture of support wherein employees feel safe acknowledging their mental health problems so that they can be recognized and addressed in a timely and effective manner.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

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A supportive and inclusive workplace culture is essential to mitigating or preventing mental health problems among female workers in the construction sector. Employers can begin by offering training programs that raise awareness about gender-related issues, promote diversity and equality, and address unconscious biases. Establishing clear policies against discrimination and harassment is crucial, as is providing the mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents promptly. Providing access to mental health resources, including counseling services and support groups, can be instrumental in helping female workers cope with stress and challenges, and creating mentorship programs and networking opportunities specifically designed for women can help build a strong support system and enhance career development. Ensuring that safety measures and facilities cater to the needs of all workers, regardless of gender, contributes to a more comfortable and secure work environment for all.

Establishing employee assistance programs is crucial for promoting mental well-being, as they offer confidential counseling services and resources for employees facing personal or work-related challenges. Ensuring that employees are not only aware of these programs but are also encouraged to utilize them without fear of judgment is essential for their effectiveness. Workplace awareness campaigns can also play a pivotal role in destigmatizing mental health issues, and various communication channels can be leveraged to disseminate information, share stories, and provide resources to foster an open and supportive dialogue about mental health, break down longstanding barriers, and promote a culture of understanding.

Flexible work arrangements are another valuable intervention for accommodating the diverse needs of construction workers. Flexible schedules or remote work options acknowledge the importance of achieving a good work-life balance and provide the support needed for strong mental health.

Leaders within companies play a key role in shaping the culture of the workplace; therefore, it is important that they equip their supervisors and managers with the skills to identify and respond to mental health concerns. Leaders who model healthy work habits and prioritize their own mental well-being lead by example and contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Policymakers should be aware of the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being and ensure that safety protocols encompass both aspects. This approach acknowledges the holistic nature of occupational health and contributes to a regulatory framework that fosters a safer and more supportive work environment.

Regular health screenings that include mental health assessments as part of routine occupational health check-ups contribute to early detection and intervention. By placing equal importance on mental and physical health, companies demonstrate their commitment to the overall well-being of their workforce. Post-incident support protocols are critical for addressing the potential impact of traumatic incidents on mental well-being; thus, companies should develop strategies that provide mental health support to workers after accidents or critical incidents.

For an extensive discussion on mental wellness in the construction industry, see the fireside chat from the 2024 Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Meeting’s plenary session, which featured Sharareh “Sherri” Kermanshachi; Travis McCarthy, senior vice president and transportation group Southwest regional manager at Sundt Construction; and Peter Tateishi, CEO of AGC of California.