Empowering the Next Generation of Construction Workers: Mental Health Awareness Month and Construction Safety Week

For prospective workers eyeing a career in construction, understanding the importance of mental health and safety is key. Commemorating May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month and Construction Safety Week from May 6 – 10, 2024 recognizes the significance of these topics in the construction industry.

Construction Safety Week, is an opportunity to highlight the industry’s commitment to safety. For prospective workers, it’s a chance to gain insight into the safety protocols and practices that govern the construction industry. By instilling a culture of safety early on, these principles can be carried into future careers. Check resources for discussing construction safety and participating in a Construction Safety Week event here.

Safety in construction encompasses more than just physical well-being—it extends to mental health as well.

For those interested in construction as a career it’s important to shed light on the mental health challenges common in the construction sector. Long hours, demanding work environments, and job-related stressors can take a toll on workers’ well-being. Research shows that construction workers are at a heightened risk of experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

As prospective workers prepare to enter the construction workforce, it’s essential to address the stigma surrounding mental health. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the Take a Moment campaign. It champions the importance of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health without guilt or shame.

Normalizing conversations about mental health and providing access to resources and support services, sends a message that empowers workers to prioritize their well-being throughout their careers. Look at NAMI’s resources to take part in the Take a Moment campaign or advertise NAMI’s helpline visit here.

By prioritizing mental health alongside physical safety, we can create a sustainable construction industry for future workforces.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis counselors listen empathetically and without judgment. Your crisis counselor will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area.