[ad_1]
Nova Scotia survey of provincial construction industry reveals high stress connected to mental and physical health challenges.
High stress levels are at the centre of some of the industry’s leading mental and physical health challenges, according to a recent survey of almost 1,200 construction workers from Nova Scotia. Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS), in partnership with research firm WorkInsights, released the results of the first Nova Scotia-focused study on mental health in the construction sector.
Among the findings were that more than 36 per cent of the workforce experiences high or very high stress, with this directly impacting productivity, safety and turnover. Furthermore, the research suggests that high-stress environments were shown to lead to up to 60 per cent more workplace incidents, and that 40 per cent of the workforce is currently considering leaving due to stress, increasing costs and disrupting operations.
“This report confirms what we have been hearing anecdotally,” said MJ MacDonald, CEO of Construction Safety Nova Scotia. “While studies from across Canada and the United States have highlighted mental health challenges in construction, this is the first time we have data specific to Nova Scotia. Now, we can clearly see how our workers are doing and, more importantly, how to help them. This report provides a concrete roadmap for change.”
Conducted in spring of 2024, the study was commissioned to help bridge gap for data specific to Nova Scotia.
According to the survey, 37 per cent of employees are dissatisfied with their relationship with their manager, with 33 per cent of workplace stress being attributed to manager interactions, making supervisor support a key factor in worker wellbeing. Positive manager relationships reduce turnover risk by 45 per cent and lower stress-related impacts.
To cope, 26 per cent of respondents regularly use alcohol or drugs. Workers who rely on substances are 157 per cent more likely to report poor mental health, highlighting the urgent need for improved support systems on the job.
Amplifying the challenge is that half of workers surveyed do not feel comfortable discussing mental health with colleagues.
“These numbers reflect systemic issues affecting safety, productivity and retention across our sector,” said Michael DeVenney, founder of WorkInsights. “What workers are telling us is that they want healthier, more respectful, and more supportive workplaces.”
Despite these challenges, the study also identified a strong foundation within Nova Scotia’s construction workforce. Over 81 per cent of workers find genuine purpose in their work, 85 per cent clearly understand their job expectations and 74 per cent feel they are part of a cohesive team. The organization suggests that these positive elements demonstrate that many workers are engaged, providing a solid platform for employers to build and strengthen mental health supports that promote healthier, more resilient workplaces.
The report, Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces, is available at constructionsafetyns.ca/mentallyhealthyworkplaces.
CSNS is expanding its current mental health programming with new training programs and resources launching later this year.
“Addressing the mental health challenges in our industry will require leadership at all levels, but most importantly, that leadership needs to come from individual employers,” said MacDonald. “Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts at the company level, with a commitment to listening to workers and taking meaningful action. As the leading safety resource for the industry, CSNS will continue to expand education, training and support systems to meet our members’ needs, but it’s up to employers to take the lead and use these tools to build safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces.”