Risks & Prevention for Construction’s “Silent Epidemic”| Property & Casualty

Risks & Prevention for Construction’s “Silent Epidemic”| Property & Casualty

Many within the construction industry refer to mental health as a silent epidemic. The occupational safety and health magazine, EHS Today, discovered more construction workers die by suicide annually compared to every other workplace-related fatality combined. More than ever, your business must make mental health a part of your safety culture by fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up and asking for help. 

Review these four suggestions to lower your organization’s risk and make a positive change to benefit your workers’ mental health and overall wellbeing. 

1. Promote Mental Health Awareness

Create a workplace supportive of employees’ mental health by encouraging awareness and destigmatizing mental challenges or illnesses. A Westfield Health study showed that nearly 60% of construction workers reported struggling with mental health, but only a third said they would communicate this to their employers. Not only educate your employees about mental health and illness but also communicate how they can confidentially get help. When you talk openly about mental health, employees are more likely to feel comfortable with the conversation.

Establish a workplace supportive of mental health by:

  • Encouraging social support among employees (e.g. an organized support group).
  • Establishing a confidential portal for employees to let HR or managers know if they're struggling and need help.
  • Providing training on problem-solving, effective communication and conflict resolution.

2. Address Workplace Stress

While nearly 80% of Americans consider their jobs stressful, construction workers are more vulnerable to burnout than in any other field. Chronic workplace stress can contribute to increased employee fatigue, irritability and health problems. Additionally, workplace stress costs U.S. employers approximately $300 billion in lost productivity annually. 

Further, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes mental illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety) as being recordable if work-related stress is a contributing factor. To report, the employee must voluntarily provide their employer with a physician or other licensed health professional’s (e.g., psychiatrist, psychologist) opinion stating the mental illness is work-related. 

While it may not be possible to eliminate job stress, you can help employees learn how to manage it effectively. Common job stressors for construction workers include a heavy workload, long and irregular hours, labor shortages and job insecurity.

Various activities can help reduce employee stress, including:
  • Ensuring workloads are appropriate. 
  • Facilitating open communication and providing a space for constructive feedback.
  • Immediately address negative and illegal actions in the workplace; do not tolerate bullying, discrimination or any similar behaviors. 
  • Recognizing and celebrating employees’ successes. This contributes to morale and decreases stress levels.

3. Evaluate Your Benefits

Employee mental health conditions have a direct impact on workers’ compensation claims. If these conditions are left untreated, they can result in poor outcomes and excessive expenses for your organization. Even worse, jurisdictions can vary whether mental health claims can be covered under workers’ compensation. Some states will allow for mental health claims when the injury contributed to a mental health condition. Work with your broker to make sure your employees can get the help they need if their condition is work-related. 

Review the health benefits you offer to ensure that they support mental wellbeing. Do they cover mental health services? Are there voluntary benefits you could add? Consider offering simple perks like financial planning assistance (as financial stress often contributes to poor mental health), employee discount programs (e.g., gym memberships) and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

4. Provide Mental Health Resources & Training for Managers

One of the most significant problems hindering mental health support is the stigma that surrounds it. Despite recent moves in society toward destigmatizing mental health, issues persist, particularly in the male-dominated construction industry. Mental health discussions for this demographic are far and few between, which is largely due to fear of embarrassment or the perceived negative impact that speaking up could have on their career.

It’s important that you properly train management to recognize the signs of mental illness, excessive workplace stress, workplace bullying and fatigue. Moreover, managers should be trained to handle potentially difficult conversations with employees surrounding their mental health. Ultimately, they should be prepared to speak openly and proactively about mental health. 

We’re Here to Help Promote Mental Health Awareness

As an employer, you must consider, support and promote the mental health of your workforce and make changes if your employees are struggling. Physical safety is often top of mind in the construction industry, but the mental wellbeing of your workers can affect their ability to succeed on the job and stay safe. If you have questions about OSHA’s mental health reporting, providing a culture of safety or mental health’s effect on workers’ compensation insurance coverage, connect with a member of our team

This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice. 



Risks & Prevention for Construction’s “Silent Epidemic”| Property & Casualty https://www.cbiz.com/Portals/0/Images/GettyImages-1310862764-1.jpg?ver=bAmsUOikfjxdgFYk4s2ABQ%3d%3dhttps://www.cbiz.com/Portals/0/Images/GettyImages-1310862764.jpg?ver=47gfiABXu7eewId115vDMw%3d%3dA mental health crisis in the construction industry is dubbed “The Silent Epidemic.” This Mental Health Awareness Month, use these 4 tips to promote mental health at your company.2022-05-23T17:00:00-05:00

A mental health crisis in the construction industry is dubbed “The Silent Epidemic.” This Mental Health Awareness Month, use these 4 tips to promote mental health at your company.

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