A growing body of research suggests that enhanced worker benefits, such as paid medical or family leave, can significantly improve mental health outcomes in the construction industry. A recent webinar hosted by CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training—explored the connection between workplace policies and the well-being of construction workers, highlighting how comprehensive benefits can help reduce suicide rates.

Mental Health Challenges in Construction

The construction industry faces a severe mental health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction workers die by suicide at a higher rate than the national average. High job stress, physical demands, job insecurity, and cultural stigmas surrounding mental health contribute to this alarming trend.

However, understanding the root causes of these struggles and implementing solutions can make a meaningful difference. The CPWR webinar, featuring experts in occupational health and workforce well-being, focused on potential policy-driven interventions that could lead to improved mental health outcomes.

Research Findings on Worker Benefits and Suicide Reduction

Jonathan Davis, assistant professor of occupational and environmental health at the University of Iowa, analyzed U.S. violent death data from 2013 through 2020. His findings revealed that out of nearly 130,000 suicide deaths in that period, 15% were among construction workers.

“Where we found the biggest difference for construction workers was alcohol and substance use,” Davis said during the March 25 webinar. “That lets us infer that any intervening on alcohol and substance use will likely bring down that rate of suicide.”

Beyond substance use, Davis examined state laws and benefits to determine their correlation with improved mental health outcomes. His research found that states offering paid family medical leave saw a 60% reduction in female suicides and a 21% drop in male suicides compared to states without such policies. Similarly, access to paid vacation time correlated with a 7% reduction in male suicides and a 32% reduction in female suicides.

These statistics indicate that employer-provided benefits, particularly paid leave, could play a critical role in suicide prevention. “Some suggestive evidence that paid leave would be something that would help bring down the rate of suicide, especially if implemented at the employer-employee level,” Davis concluded.

Union-Led Initiatives to Address Mental Health

Alongside policy-driven approaches, grassroots programs spearheaded by unions have also demonstrated success in improving worker well-being. Allison Weingarten, senior analyst for Washington, D.C.-based professional services firm MDB, presented a case study on a New York union’s assistance program during the webinar.

A survey of apprentices in the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local 1 found that 43% of respondents cited paid sick leave as the most important workplace benefit they would change. The union took proactive steps in response to mental health and substance use concerns, launching an employee aid program after losing five apprentices to drug overdoses in an 11-month span.

The initiative provides education on drug and alcohol use, referrals to treatment facilities, and support for workers and their families. Before the program’s implementation, only 10% of workers seeking treatment for substance use maintained recovery. That number surged to 78% after the program was established.

Expanding Support Across the Industry

In addition to union-led initiatives, industry organizations are increasing their focus on holistic health programs. CPWR highlighted the efforts of the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT), based in Falls Church, Virginia. Originally established to address asbestos exposure, SMOHIT has since expanded its mission to encompass total worker health.

As part of its outreach, SMOHIT representatives visit union chapters affiliated with the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), paying workers their wages for two days while they undergo training on drug awareness and first aid.

“We haven’t really hit any obstacles with our employers once they realize how good and wholesome this is and how it’s really helping our people on the jobsites,” said Edmund Robison, a SMOHIT field representative. “They want us to come educate their contractor associations on this.”

A key component of this training includes education on the use of naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses. SMOHIT ensures that each union chapter receives naloxone doses as part of its outreach efforts.

Industry-Wide Implications

The findings presented at the CPWR webinar highlight the urgent need for construction companies, unions, and policymakers to prioritize worker well-being through expanded benefits and targeted intervention programs. By addressing substance use, improving access to paid leave, and providing mental health education, the industry can take meaningful steps toward reducing suicide rates and fostering a healthier workforce.

As research continues to shed light on the factors contributing to mental health struggles in construction, these insights serve as a call to action for employers and policymakers alike. Investing in worker benefits isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a life-saving measure that can shape the future of the industry.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.