STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. The day serves as a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, especially in heavy construction, where high demands, long hours, physical strain, and pressure to meet deadlines can take a toll.
Why does mental health matter in heavy construction?
- High stress environment: Tight schedules, safety hazards, and physically demanding tasks can increase stress.
- Isolation and fatigue: Long shifts or remote jobsites can lead to loneliness and burnout of workers and crews.
- Stigma: Workers may hesitate to talk about mental health challenges, fearing judgment or job impacts.
When mental health struggles go unaddressed, they can affect not only workers’ personal well-being but also workplace safety, productivity, and team morale.
Signs to watch for:
Managers, supervisors, and workers should be aware of warning signs of mental health issues.
- Sudden mood changes or irritability
- Increased fatigue or lack of focus
- Withdrawal from team interactions and increased isolation
- Decline in quality or safety of work
How can we support each other?
- Talk about it: Normalize conversations about stress, anxiety, and mental well-being.
- Check-in: A simple “How are you doing?” can make a big difference.
- Use resources: Encourage workers to use employee assistance programs (EAP), mental health hotlines, or community support.
- Lead by example: Supervisors should model healthy work-life balance and openness about mental health.
In construction, we work hard to protect each other from physical harm. Let’s bring that same commitment to protecting mental health. We can achieve this by reducing stigma, encouraging open dialogue, and ensuring access to support.
This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to reflect, reach out, and support your crew and workplace.
