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MENTAL HEALTH
BLANSCAPE/123RF
Construction workers are at risk for
mental illnesses and suicide
Workers in the construction industry are at increased risk of mental
ill-heath and suicide.7 In fact, the construction industry has the sec-ond
highest rate of suicide compared to other industries.8 Men are
generally at greater risk for completed suicide, and the construction
force is predominantly male.9 Often, the signs of crisis are missed due
to perpetuated stereotypes. Those in crisis are reluctant to ask for
help, and those with power to help are afraid to “talk about feelings”
or ask if their fellow worker is okay. This issue is further compound-ed
by the stressful job conditions that often accompany construction
work. It’s physically demanding, it’s high stakes and it often requires
distance from family members.10 It’s also getting more and more pre-carious.
With the trend moving toward contract work, and away from
steady employment, many construction workers are faced with the
stress of not knowing where their next job will come from. This leaves
those workers wondering how they’ll pay the mortgage or feed their
kids. These stresses can easily turn to feelings of despair and hopeless-ness
without anyone noticing.
Time for change
In order to address the issues faced by construction and bring more
resources to the forefront, a much-needed change is required. It
starts with smashing stigma and stereotypes, and it’s followed by
conversations. Without communication, construction workers
thinkbigmagazine.ca | Quarter 1 2019 | Think BIG 35
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