Addressing Mental Wellness in Asphalt Construction

Mental health wellness has taken center stage in the construction sector, after a Jan. 24, 2020, report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that the industry has the second-highest suicide rate for all occupations. More recently, IbisWorld.com reported, as of 2022, the construction industry employs over 10.8 million people, and the industry is set to experience steady growth in the coming years. Leaders in the construction space are evaluating the impact of stressors that come with a construction job, and how to best approach the issue of mental health wellness among construction workers.

The asphalt paving industry has some unique markers that leave its employees vulnerable to mental health challenges. Like other construction positions, the asphalt trade is often seen as dirty or dangerous work, and workers can experience frequent injuries or life-threatening situations if proper training and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines aren’t followed.

Construction work in general can require long hours. Work in the asphalt industry often necessitates working in hot weather conditions and sometimes periods away from home or support systems for rural projects. The stress of completing multiple important projects in a compressed construction season, whether near family and support systems or not, can cause understandable stress, depression or anxiety for the workers who put their bodies on the line day after day.

Leaders in the industry are becoming more aware of these specific concerns and readying themselves to bring solutions to their employees. A 2020 survey released by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) showed that 14.3% of workers in the construction trade struggled with symptoms of anxiety. Managers working within the asphalt paving industry have been implementing programs to alleviate those struggles and symptoms.

Build Protective Factors Against Mental Health Crises, Suicide Risk

Mental Health Care Approaches

Because mental health concerns have become more commonplace within the construction industry, it’s vital to count mental health care as a priority, as these workers tend to have a tough exterior that may lead them to resist seeking help. There still exists a stigma surrounding mental health issues—a stigma that construction industry leaders have been working to eradicate to make things better and healthier for their crews.

Recognizing the warning signs of a mental health concern among one’s employees is the first step in reducing stigma and mitigating issues. Workers who are struggling may not be forthcoming with how they feel, but a keen eye can sense if something may be wrong.

Workers experiencing mental health issues may have decreased productivity and incidents of showing up late to work—or not at all. They may have increased conflict with other employees or isolate themselves from the team, take less care with safety on the work site, engage in risky behaviors on- or off-site, exhibit wild mood swings, or show up to the site under the influence. A study published July 24, 2023, by the American Addiction Centers, found that construction workers are also more likely to have substance abuse issues than others.

The First Step is the Most Difficult When Addressing Mental Health

Leaders and managers must turn their worksites and companies into an environment where workers feel comfortable speaking openly and approaching their managers with issues. A positive company culture can go a long way in challenging stigmas surrounding mental health illness among asphalt workers.

Companies can also evaluate their benefits and healthcare packages to ensure robust coverage is available for workers’ mental health needs. Some companies have started including apps such as Calm in their benefits packages to encourage better relaxation and sleep habits. Generous time-off packages may be an anomaly in the construction trades, given the long hours and needs of the industry, but some flexibility in time off may be an option if evaluated.

Accommodations are an important component of addressing mental health wellness in the workplace. Managers can modify job duties if an employee is struggling, divide labor to allow for rest or time off, or bring on extra help if someone needs assistance.

Companies should also make construction-worker-specific resources available to their staff, such as OSHA training that is mental-health specific. Some resources are available that are also more general, such as the Crisis Text Line or the National Help Line for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Mental Health Matters: Parity in Treatments

Create a Mental-Health-Friendly Worksite

Mental health is becoming more of a consideration in the workplace, and should be a priority for the construction trades, given the concerning statistics. A mental-health-friendly worksite requires awareness of the issues surrounding mental health wellness, accommodations and assistance, and access to resources that can help people overcome mental health issues.

Those in the asphalt paving industry have specific concerns that can lead to anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. The dangers and stressors of the industry require managers to lead with empathy and authentic concern. Together with a greater industry-wide focus on mental health, workers in the industry can better thrive in their roles.

Matt DiBara is the co-founder of The Contractor Consultants and owner of DiBara Masonry. He’s the fourth generation of an Italian immigrant-built masonry and known as the “undercover contractor” who works with celebrity clients and everyday homeowners to provide advice and insight about how to manage construction projects.