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For decades, construction has been defined by grit and an unspoken expectation to push through just about anything \u2013 long work hours, pain and exhausting work. But that culture can take a toll. Latest stats show that mental health and addictions issues are still a persistent problem for the industry, as suicides and drug overdoses remain exceedingly high for construction workers.<\/p>\n
Disturbingly, that fact was driven home by speakers and panelists at a recent webinar on mental health and addictions issues in the construction industry that was hosted by RESCON. Presently, one in three workers report poor mental health and 83 percent have experienced moderate to severe mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Suicide rates in construction are 53 per 100,000 workers, nearly four times the national average, while construction worker deaths by suicide outnumber on-the-job fatalities from accidents by a ratio of roughly four to one. \u00a0Alarmingly, roughly 30 percent of Ontarians who die from drug overdoses are construction workers. As speakers at the webinar made clear, mental health is no longer a personal issue. It is a workplace safety issue, a productivity issue, and a workforce sustainability issue.<\/p>\n
Mental health is being discussed more openly, the stigma has started to ease, and resources are more widely available than ever before. To tackle the problem, the mental health of construction workers must be treated like any other critical workplace safety issue. As RESCON vice-president, Andrew Pariser, noted during the webinar, when we started conversations years ago, people were afraid to talk about the issue, but today mental health is recognized as a problem. But, while prepared to talk about the issue, many are still not willing to admit they might need help themselves. That reluctance remains deeply rooted in construction culture. Many workers fear that asking for help could cost them their jobs or damage their reputation on site. As Ontario Ministry of Labour director, Kate Cowan, put it bluntly, \u201cThe silence is costly, impacting safety, productivity and lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Construction is a demanding profession, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Workers must deal with myriad issues that contribute to chronic stress. Many workers still suffer in silence. Statistics shared during the RESCON webinars were startling. Eighty-three percent of construction workers have experienced moderate to severe mental health challenges, 50 percent report burnout and 25 percent of trades report they use substances daily or weekly to cope.<\/p>\n
A consistent message from industry leaders is that mental health must be treated the same as physical safety: planned for, talked about, and supported from the top down. The good news is that the industry has reached a turning point. Many tools already exist in the construction industry \u2013 and more are being developed \u2013 to support workers who need help. However, the problem is that sometimes workers don\u2019t know support is available, so communication is important.<\/p>\n
Many benefit plans include confidential counselling, mental health services, and addiction supports. However, clear messaging and education are critical to ensure workers know how to seek help. Organizations like Medcor Canada have introduced virtual mental health platforms that give workers a safe, confidential space to talk without requiring a diagnosis or formal treatment plan. As Medcor\u2019s Koren Waines told the RESCON webinar, \u201cNot everyone needs therapy. Everybody needs somebody to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has developed free toolkits and resources for workers, employers and supporters, including guidance on mental health, substance use and opioid awareness. The IHSA is also equipping its leadership with skills aimed at tackling the stigma and measuring the problem in a workplace and supporting those who come forward. The agency has a toolkit for workers, employers and supporters, with free resources and information.<\/p>\n
Importantly, Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo emphasized that support must extend beyond the jobsite. Families play a critical role in recovery and resources need to be accessible to them as well.<\/p>\n
Mental health challenges in construction are not new, but there is now a willingness to confront them openly. The next step is to ensure that workers know help is available \u2013 and feel safe asking for it. Because in construction, strength isn\u2019t about pushing through at all costs; it\u2019s about looking out for one another.<\/p>\n
Richard Lyall is president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON). He has represented the building industry in Ontario since 1991. Contact him at <\/em>me***<\/span>@****<\/span>on.com<\/span><\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n