Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
World Mental Health Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting supportive actions. This year’s theme for the day in October, “Mental Health at Work,” was particularly relevant for the construction sector, which faces significant challenges in addressing the mental well-being of its workforce.
The importance of mental health in construction
The World Federation for Mental Health urges stakeholders to engage in discussions and identify actionable steps to ensure accessible mental health care for all. In Ontario, the residential construction industry is making strides to tackle these critical issues, recognizing that the high-pressure environment and physical demands of the job can exacerbate mental health challenges.
Leading the charge in mental health advocacy
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) has emerged as a trailblazer in mental health advocacy. Since hosting its first construction-focused mental health symposium in November 2019, this initiative has evolved into an annual event, with the 6th Annual Mental Health and Addictions Webinar scheduled for late November 2024.
“Over the past few years, the construction industry’s approach to mental health has significantly matured and expanded,” said Andrew Pariser, vice president at RESCON. “Feedback from industry members has been invaluable, and we are dedicated to continuous improvement.”
Key initiatives by RESCON
RESCON is focusing on several key initiatives to promote mental health:
- Data collection: Enhancing statistics to better understand mental health impacts on construction workers and the broader population.
- Stigma reduction: Actively working to diminish the stigma around seeking help for mental health issues.
- Resource awareness: Promoting existing supports, including workplace benefits, government programs, and crisis hotlines.
- Help accessibility: Providing clear guidance on how and when to seek help for oneself or others.
- Best practices development: Establishing proactive policies for managing mental health emergencies.
- Trend monitoring: Tracking mental health issues intensified by COVID-19, substance abuse, and PTSD.
Collaboration across the industry
Mental health has become a central topic in health and safety committee meetings across the construction industry. RESCON partners with labor organizations to proactively address these issues, focusing on reducing stigma and meeting workers where they are.
The ongoing need for action
Despite notable progress, the construction industry still faces alarming statistics. Approximately one-third of construction workers report mental health struggles, with substance abuse rates nearly double the national average. The suicide rate in the sector is more than three times that of the general population, highlighting an urgent need for action.
Demand for mental health resources continues to rise, fueled by the lasting impact of COVID-19 and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues. “The stigma still exists, but as the industry and government work to address it, it evolves or diminishes,” Pariser said. “Mental health is no longer a taboo discussion topic. While workers may still be reluctant to ask for direct help, the stigma around others having mental health issues has greatly reduced.”
“We now need to focus on encouraging those who need help to ask for it. In addition, we want to continue working with our members to expand and enhance their policies to create best practices before they are needed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Advocating for change
Recent studies indicate that work-related stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent health concerns in construction. Alarmingly, only 25% of Canadians facing mental health challenges seek help, underscoring the need for enhanced support systems.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, construction leaders are encouraged to advocate for mental health through various strategies:
- Education and advocacy: Utilize resources to raise awareness about mental health challenges among employees and peers.
- Enhanced support: Integrate mental health services into employee benefits and foster a culture of psychological safety.
- Peer support Initiatives: Develop mentorship programs to strengthen community and communication among workers.
By prioritizing mental health, the construction industry can create a safer and more supportive environment for all workers.