Invisible Hazards: Mental Health as a Construction Safety Issue

In discussions about construction safety, the topic of mental health is all too often neglected. Emphasis is typically placed on protecting the physical body from hazards of injury and death. This is understandable as construction is such a physical occupation. However, mental health is equally important, and when left unaddressed can be as dangerous as any physical hazards.

One reason mental health is so rarely talked about in construction is that it tends to be an “invisible” issue. Unlike dangers to the body which can be perceived by one or several of our physical senses, things like stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma may be perceived only by the person suffering from them. But just as a gas leak may go undetected until a small spark ignites a large explosion, these invisible issues have many real consequences.

Here are just some of the consequences of mental health disorders:

• Physical Health. Your mind does affect your body, too. Stress and anxiety raise your cortisol levels which heightens your blood pressure. Depression may cause fatigue and affect your sleep-wake cycle and appetite. Trauma-related issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can seriously affect your nervous and immune systems.
• Substance Abuse. People suffering from mental health disorders may be at higher risk of falling into substance abuse and addiction. When helpful resources aren’t readily available, drugs and alcohol are a common but maladaptive means of coping with difficult mental health issues.
• Suicidality. According to the CDC, suicide rates in the construction industry are four times greater than the national average, giving it some of the highest rates out of all major U.S. industries. That’s certainly an occupational hazard worth addressing in the conversation about construction safety.

Having addressed the importance of mental health in construction safety, what are some next steps that you can take to cultivate a better work culture?

• Educate and raise awareness. There is often a stigma around discussions about mental health, and this stigma is especially prevalent in a male-dominated industry like construction, in which workers can feel pressure to “tough it out” or be seen as weak. Continuing to educate and raise awareness about mental health and related topics will help combat this stigma and open more avenues for people to seek help.
• Provide helpful resources. Access to more and better resources can only be of benefit when it comes to mental health. Educational material is one such resource. Others include crisis hotlines and company mental health benefits. Some general resources will be listed at the end of this article.
• Avoid a “one-and-done” approach to care. Someone struggling with their mental health can’t be “fixed” by a single visit to a therapist. These are complex issues that need to be addressed in a sustained manner. A supportive work culture and access to mental health benefits goes a long way in this regard.

We’ve reached the end of Construction Safety Week, but these issues don’t stop when the weekend comes around. Construction safety in general, and mental health in particular, are lifelong concerns which demand our constant vigilance and mindfulness. How will you continue to put these principles into practice going forward?

Are you struggling with your mental health or looking for ways to help someone else who is? Check out some of the resources linked below, and let us know of any others in the comments section. Thank you for being a part of this important discussion.

Resources:

Construction Safety Week Mental Health Resources

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Crisis Text Line

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