In the rugged world of construction, the risk of injury casts an ever-present shadow. With long days of physically intense and high-stress work, this deadline-driven industry can be demanding. This is particularly true in road and bridge construction, where workers face dangers from environmental hazards, heavy machinery, heights, and even equipment and structural failures. The impact of these resulting injuries and events can lead to long-term physical rehabilitation and considerable psychological distress. While the focus has been primarily on the physical aspects of such incidents, the psychological impact should be considered equally important. As these workers build the infrastructure that connects communities, connecting these workers with the appropriate behavioral health resources during their return-to-work process is essential for better recovery and overall wellbeing.
The Impact of Poor Mental Health
Research evidence provides a strong indicator of how physical and psychological trauma endured by a construction worker can significantly impact their overall mental health. A study on mental health among construction workers found that nearly one in five workers experienced significant mental distress linked to injuries and self-reported pain. Follow-up interviews revealed that about 90% of the workers assessed met the criteria for a mental health concern. This research indicated that construction work-related stress and trauma can lead to higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, post-traumatic stress disorder and even substance use disorders. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study, mental health concerns among construction workers are higher than rates among the general population, and the suicide rate is considerably higher than the national average.
Benefits of a Mental Health Focus
Mental health services can support a comprehensive treatment approach, helping to alleviate the negative impact poor mental health can have on someone after an injury or traumatic incident. There are well-documented advantages to focusing more on workplace mental health, including:
- Better recovery times and outcomes from physical injury
- Better productivity
- Fewer callouts or delays
- Higher retention with more mentally satisfied and engaged workers
- Decreased injury and illness
- Decreased overall healthcare spending
If that isn’t enough, a study led by the World Health Organization revealed that every dollar invested in treatment for depression and anxiety can yield a return in terms of improved health outcomes and increased productivity.
Mental Health Program Development
Construction company leaders can bring mental health to their workplace and reap benefits for both the company and workforce. The following are some steps that can help build a mental health-informed organization:
- Educate/train leaders on mental health issues. Progress relies on their awareness.
- Assess current mental health practices, policies, knowledge and organizational culture. Sharing the results with everyone is vital for transparency, trust and future planning.
- Establish an accessible, year-round psychological health and safety program, possibly with a mental health consultant.
- Due to high suicide rates in construction, place special emphasis on suicide prevention.
- Ensure workers feel cared for by consistently addressing physical hazards to maintain a safe environment.
- Construction workers cite high financial distress as one of their foremost concerns. Organizations can address it by offering financial planning resources.
- Address work-related issues such as unrealistic demands, low task control, lack of support from supervisors/coworkers and long hours.
- Create a caring culture by destigmatizing mental health issues, emphasizing trust and transparency, offering active listening and offering appropriate rewards that aren’t always monetary.
- Normalize mental health. Hold regular conversations, check-ins or meetings openly discussing it without shame or judgment.
- Improve access to mental health services by offering mental health benefits, hosting awareness events, providing toolkits or posting signage.
Mental Health and Workers’ Compensation
A unique consideration of the interplay between physical and mental health is through workers’ compensation. As previously stated, construction sites can be dangerous, exposing workers to a variety of traumatic injuries and events. Research continues to reveal how poor mental health can inhibit recovery following a work injury or incident and lead to longer case durations and higher workers’ compensation costs. An effective workers’ compensation program will assist with physical injuries and also support mental health recovery. An integrated care approach can be essential to an employee’s healing process and return-to-work treatment plan. Involving a mental health professional could help ensure employees receive comprehensive care.
It is clear that poor mental health is common in the construction industry and that occupational injuries or incidents can trigger or worsen a mental health condition. The cost of these mental health challenges can be widespread and often deadly. The best care approach is to consistently and compassionately acknowledge its prevalence and address it in a way that makes a difference to both the company and workforce.
Monthly Mental Health
Now is an ideal time to pave the way for open discussions about mental health at work. Historically, industries like construction have viewed mental health as a risky and sensitive topic, but ignoring it could place workers struggling with poor mental health at greater risk of injury or worse. All year, construction firms should focus on mental health education, but May and September—Mental Health Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month respective—are powerful months for emphasis. This can be achieved by reducing stigma through open conversations and fostering acceptance. It’s also important to highlight the significance of early screening, intervention and treatment. Share available mental health resources, build cohesion and reduce feelings of isolation for those facing mental health challenges. Promoting mental wellbeing and self-care practices is essential for workers’ safety and resilience. Prioritizing mental health today can lead to better outcomes tomorrow.
SEE ALSO: SAFETY ON TOUR: LISTENING TO CONSTRUCTION LEADERS’ TOP CONCERNS
