Workplace safety is evolving
In the bustling world of construction, where physical labour and stringent deadlines dominate the landscape, psychological health often takes a backseat. However, recognizing and addressing psychological health issues in the construction industry is not only crucial for the well-being of the workforce, but also for the overall productivity and safety of the industry.
Construction work is inherently demanding, involving long hours, physically strenuous tasks and often dangerous working conditions. Workers face constant pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to high levels of stress. The nature of the job often requires employees to work in harsh environments, endure extreme weather conditions and operate heavy machinery, all of which contributes to physical and mental fatigue.
Moreover, the transient nature of construction projects can disrupt workers’ personal lives, leading to instability and a lack of consistent social support. Frequent relocations and time spent away from family can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness, further impacting psychological health.
Global statistics paint a concerning picture of psychological health in the construction sector. The latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual report on occupational injuries revealed a 7.7 per cent increase in construction fatalities and a 13.1 per cent increase in suicides in 2022 over 2021.
In Saskatchewan, from 2014 to 2023, the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) accepted 1,848 workplace psychological injury claims. In 2023, 235 workplace psychological injury claims were accepted, with 181 of those claims being time loss claims. Sadly, there was one fatality in the province, as a result of a psychological injury claim. These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for psychological health and safety awareness and support within the industry.
The implications of poor psychological health extend beyond the individual, affecting the overall efficiency, productivity and safety of construction projects. Psychological health issues can impair concentration, decision-making abilities and overall cognitive function. This can lead to increased errors, safety incidents and injuries on the job site, posing risks not only to the affected worker, but also to their colleagues.
Productivity also suffers when workers are grappling with psychological health challenges. Absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees are physically present, but mentally disengaged) can lead to project delays and increased costs. In an industry where deadlines and budgets are critical, the economic impact of untreated mental health issues can be substantial. One Prince Albert-based general contracting company has been focusing on building their psychological health and safety program.
“We see mental health in the workplace as the next logical step in our health and safety program,” said Keith Bird, internal operations manager at RNF Ventures. “We see this as an important part of the evolution of workplace safety. We just want to be part of it, if not out in front.” Bird says there are challenges to overcome in order to build an effective mental health program in this industry.
One of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health in construction is the stigma associated with it. The industry has long been characterized by a “tough guy” culture, where showing vulnerability is often seen as a sign of weakness. This cultural norm discourages workers from seeking help or even acknowledging their struggles.
“We see this as an important part of the evolution of workplace safety. We just want to be part of it, if not out in front.”
– Keith Bird, RNF Ventures
“I think there’s still a stigma out there. I compare a job crew to a sports team. The days of coaches ruling through fear and intimidation [have come] to an end,” said Bird. “We’re seeing the same thing in our industry. Workers aren’t afraid any longer to ask questions and challenge decisions. That helps eliminate the stigma.”
To combat this stigma, it is essential to foster an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized. Employers and industry leaders must take proactive steps to create a supportive culture that encourages workers to speak up about their mental health without fear of judgment or repercussions.
“[Our] end goal would be that we’d have a situation in our workplace where we would have our guys feel comfortable with the people that they’re working with, or feel that it’s a safe enough space that if they’re having some difficulty, they could say, ‘Hey, you know guys this needs to change,’ or, ‘I need to do something different here.’”
Three years ago, WorkSafe Saskatchewan launched the psychological health and safety program on its website, worksafesask.ca. This program supports employer awareness and development of psychological health and safety knowledge.
In 2023, WorkSafe Saskatchewan launched its first community of practice for the construction industry in collaboration with Dr. Joti Samra of My Workplace Health and Merit Contractor Association. The group met every month in 2023 and used resources available through WorkSafe Saskatchewan to support RNF Ventures and another Saskatchewan construction company in developing an action plan to address key psychological health and safety issues in their organizations.
The WCB’s prevention team supported a research study in partnership with Ian Lewis, an occupational therapist and employee well-being practitioner based in Regina. The research published in Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitation-sciences) in March 2024 identified powerlessness in a subtheme, “I’m not the same as I was, but I really don’t have a choice but to work.” One participant expressed this powerlessness as “my opinion and experience didn’t really factor in when I was on my road to wellness.” Study participants indicated that co-worker, supervisor and employer-level characteristics play an important role in helping workers return to work. Worker input into a return-to-work plan is critical to psychological well-being.
Bird says that the psychological health and safety program gives RNF Ventures a competitive advantage in the industry. “Our hope is that it makes our company better and … makes it a better place to work and … maybe that’s one of the reasons that we get a new hire,” he said.
The construction industry, with its unique set of challenges, cannot afford to overlook the importance of mental health. By breaking the stigma, implementing effective mental health initiatives and fostering a supportive work environment, the industry can not only improve the well-being of its workforce, but also enhance productivity and safety. It is time for the construction sector to build a foundation of mental health awareness and support, ensuring a healthier and more resilient future for all its workers.
“The communication alone that’s going on around mental health within the industry … it’s top of mind with lots of industry organizations,” Bird said. “You see people talking about it [and] that’s a big first step and I think I think we’re moving in the right direction.”
WorkSafe Saskatchewan is developing a mental health awareness campaign for the province, with a focus on supporting leadership to work toward reducing the stigma of mental health in the workplace. To learn more about the psychological health and safety supports that WorkSafe Saskatchewan offers, go to worksafesask.ca/resources/psych-health-safety-resource-centre.
