Anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more are as dangerous to worker safety as any more tangible jobsite threat, but these can’t be mitigated with caution tape.
Unfortunately, the frequency of mental health issues is increasing within the construction industry. A 2020 study found that 83% of construction workers have experienced a mental health issue. Evidence from the 2007-2009 financial crisis suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic could increase the risk of suicide in the construction industry.
This means that, of the people you work with every day — from happy-go-lucky Bill to Gina who always brings in donuts — chances are good that at least one of them struggles with their mental health. Or, maybe it’s you. From laborers to high-level executives, mental health issues affect people indiscriminately.
Your jobsite is not the exception.
While regulations and monitoring for physical safety have increased dramatically over the years, mental healthcare lags behind. But, mental health is important — very important — and should be prioritized as highly as wearing a hard hart.
The construction industry as a whole needs to work on improving mental health outreach and support, but that can only take place one jobsite at a time. May is national Mental Health Awareness Month, and although this element of employee safety should be a priority year round, there is no better time than now to educate yourself and begin making changes.