compared to all other job-related fatalities combined, according to the CDC, which reported there were 53.3 deaths by suicide compared to 9.4 per 100,000 for all other fatalities combined.
Why the construction industry? Several factors have contributed to this behavioral health crisis. Construction is a tough job both phys- ically and mentally. Physically, there are more opportunities for workers to be in- jured than in other jobs. Muscle and bone injuries are common, and doctors often prescribe opioids for pain management. Opioids are highly addictive, and even
prescribed use can very quickly escalate into misuse or an opioid use disorder. Some studies suggest that a person can experience withdrawal after only five days of prescribed use (CDC, 2017). In addition, the psychological dependency associated with opioid use disorder is overwhelming. Many times, the worker is taken by surprise in terms of “becoming addicted.” Mentally, construction work has typ-
ically valued a “tough guy” mentality. In addition to stressful life factors with cycli- cal work, employees may push themselves to work even when they’re not mentally or physically ready. Additionally, construction workers often do not have paid sick leave; if they
Mental health awareness should transcend “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Make it easy for employees to find information. Make access to resources for mental health and substance use a frictionless, “low barrier” experience. Meet your employers “where they are” in their journey.
don’t work, they don’t get paid. Tis too, can add to the pressure to work regardless of their health. In general, toughness is prized in the construction industry. It’s what gets the job done. But it can also prevent the people who need help from seeking support out of fear of being seen as weak or getting passed over for the next job. Tere is also considerable stigma – not
just in construction but in the United States in general – around having a mental health or substance use issue. It’s seen as a moral failing or character flaw instead of a disease or something that needs support to be properly addressed.
What Can You Do About It? Te other noteworthy statistic is the overall engagement rate for behavioral health.
Studies by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that construction has the highest rate of overdose deaths and the second highest rate of suicides compared to all other U.S. industries. The truth is these construction numbers are astronomical when compared to the general population.
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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR MAY/JUNE 2024
The overwhelming majority of people struggling with mental health or substance misuse issues never even get help for their condition. Most people simply go on to the bitter ends, suffering in silence. For example, in 2022 only 6% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) received any type of help for their SUD. People get better if they get help; for example a 2018 analysis by the Recovery Research Institute at Harvard found 75% remission rates for individuals who engaged in at least six months of “help.” Interestingly, it didn’t even matter what type of help was sought, regardless of the recovery pathway, 75% got healthy. Visit
www.recoveryanswers.org for more information.
Te good news is that employers can impact employee behavioral health by positively impacting this engagement rate. Employers can help to destigmatize behavioral health issues by holding open discussions and promoting psycholog- ical safety. Leadership can impact the process substantially via mandatory training on behavioral health and as- sertive engagement strategies. Furthermore, leadership can impact outcomes by sharing their own strug- gles when applicable and appropriate. Leadership can embrace a “we are all in this together attitude” and challenge
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