Did you miss CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 mental health series this spring? With personal stories, data and resources, the content focused on the unique challenges that construction workers face and how the industry can improve mental wellness. The series underscored that the construction industry is not immune to mental health issues, with professionals experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use and suicide than many other sectors. This series is part of CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365’s comprehensive resource hub dedicated to mental wellness in the industry.
PERSONAL STORIES
One of the most powerful aspects of the series and the resource hub is the inclusion of personal stories from industry leaders, which humanized the conversation and made the issue relatable. For example, Denis Cashman, who appeared on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG podcast, opened up about his battle with addiction and how he navigated the difficult journey toward recovery. His story illustrates the importance of providing support for individuals facing mental health struggles and demonstrates that recovery is possible with the right resources and community support.
These stories are not just isolated examples; they represent broader themes in the construction industry where the demands of the job can often lead to severe mental health challenges. From PTSD to How Mental and Physical Health are Connected, the series covers a variety of topics not always talked about on a job site.
LEADERSHIP IN MENTAL WELLNESS
Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering mental wellness on construction sites. During the series, experts discussed how leaders can create environments where mental health is supported.
As Barry Schlouch of Schlouch Incorporated pointed out, mental health should be a top priority for leaders in the industry. Schlouch believes that taking a proactive approach to mental health is not only about improving productivity but also about creating a culture of care where employees feel valued and supported.
The CONEXPO-CON/AGG mental health series and resource hub highlights practical strategies and actionable steps to help recognize that someone is suffering. The article Why Does Mental Health Matter in Construction? is a must read to understand the complexities of the topic. Encouraging Men to Talk about Mental Health offers ways to create open communication for all workers.
The key takeaway is that mental health should not be an afterthought in the construction industry.
ADDRESSING THE STIGMA
One of the most significant challenges in the construction industry is the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among men. Research shared in the series revealed that men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women, and construction, being a male-dominated industry, is particularly vulnerable to this issue. The culture of stoicism and toughness often prevents workers from speaking up about their struggles, which can lead to dire consequences.
The series tackled this stigma head-on, encouraging men to talk about their mental health and offering pathways to reduce the taboo around seeking help.
By sharing personal stories and offering resources to help workers cope with stress, the series provided a foundation for changing the industry’s mindset on mental health.
The series shares the work being done by mental health programs to help save lives in the industry, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), which has been at the forefront of offering suicide prevention techniques and raising awareness about the mental health crisis in the sector.
LESSONS LEARNED
The key takeaway is that mental health should not be an afterthought in the construction industry. As Dana Wuesthoff, the show director for CONEXPO-CON/AGG, stated, mental health needs the same level of care and precision as the construction projects themselves. By making mental health a priority, the industry can foster an environment where workers feel safe seeking help and support, leading to healthier, more productive workforces.
“The construction industry is filled with professionals committed to precision in everything they do,” Wuesthoff said. “This level of attention and care must also be given to the mental health of all construction professionals. CONEXPO-CON/AGG is committed to breaking down stigmas and creating a future where mental health isn’t an afterthought but the cornerstone of our industry.”
Employers must take concrete steps to support workers’ total mental health by providing access to resources such as substance misuse disorder programs and integrating mental health awareness into training programs and safety protocols to ensure that workers are not only physically safe but also mentally supported.
One of the more actionable elements discussed in the series was the importance of stress management on job sites. Practical measures, such as allowing for adequate breaks, reducing overtime and ensuring that workers have access to professional mental health services, can make a significant difference in reducing the stressors that often lead to mental health challenges.
RELEVANCE MOVING FORWARD
Mental health remains a highly relevant topic for the construction industry. The challenges of long hours, high physical demands and tight deadlines will persist, but so will the industry's commitment to improving mental wellness. The rising awareness and willingness to address mental health issues suggests that the future of the construction industry can be one where mental wellness is as important as physical safety.
The lessons learned from the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 mental health series are clear: the industry must continue to prioritize mental health, break down stigmas and offer practical solutions to support its workforce. Doing so will not only save lives but also improve the overall health of the industry, leading to more sustainable and successful outcomes for everyone involved.
By continuing to provide resources, share personal stories and encourage open dialogue, the construction industry can create a culture of care that ensures the mental health of all workers is supported. As mental health becomes a cornerstone of safety and productivity, the industry will be better equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
One way to attack the mental health stigma is by telling your story. Please contact us if you would like to share your journey with fellow CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 readers.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to speak to a crisis counselor now. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and speak to a live, trained crisis counselor. Learn more about the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988.
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, a critical time for the construction industry, which faces one of the highest suicide rates of any sector. The stressful work environment, physical demands and job instability can take a toll on workers’ mental health. This month is a reminder for companies to raise awareness, offer support and promote open discussions about emotional well-being.
The CONEXPO-CON/AGG Mental Health Resource Hub and mental health series provides valuable tools and resources for addressing mental health issues. Please visit this site, share the articles and resources with your workforce and on social media. Communication and breaking the stigma around mental wellness is the first step in saving a life.
Photo credit: RAFAEL BEN ARI/BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
