Hot weather and societal negativity compound the typical stressors—such as the upcoming end-of-season push—that the asphalt paving industry places on workers. During morning tailgate talks, keep an eye out for overstressed workers.
Checking in with your crewmates to let them know you care demonstrates respect and concern for their wellbeing. Taking time to listen or just being patient can go a long way to making people feel respected and cared for. The construction industry as a whole is finally taking this level of mental health care onboard.
Mental health is a personal issue, a family issue, a community issue and a society issue. That’s why it’s an important part of our safety every hour of every day, including on the job site.
During the morning tailgate talk, ask the question: “What was the best thing you saw yesterday?” Ask the question: “What’s going ‘good’ for you right now?” As members of the crew answer these (or other questions you prefer), notice who avoids eye contact or who has nothing to say. Maybe that person is someone you should have a private conversation with later in the day to make sure everything is all right.
If you or someone in your organization is in crisis,
text HELLO to 741741.
The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is 988.
The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), Princeton Junction, New Jersey, has a host of toolbox talk templates and other resources available to companies and is linked alongside the Suicide in Construction Awareness Proclamation at theasphaltpro.com/suicideprevention.
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