duction company now, the long days are still rough. The odd hours make the concept of a regular sleep schedule nearly impossible.
The mental load of a construction worker is incredible as well. In the medical field, construction crews are expected to perform possible life-or-death actions while exhausted. There are strict safety protocols while building— with good reason— because, if they miss something, the whole structure could fall and hurt others.
In the case of a rigging tech or someone else whose job is to be up in the air, there’ s even risk when reaching for tools. All it takes is one slip of the fingers and suddenly that screwdriver or wrench becomes deadly, gaining speed as it falls toward the ground and anyone who happens to be standing underneath it.
Even in the offseason, construction workers are under stress. If you don’ t have enough money to cover your bills through the winter, you may have to take up temporary employment shoveling snow or traveling to warmer states to find gigs.
For construction workers with families to support, putting your body through the wringer year-round is a grim reality you often face. And even if you’ re able to take the time off during the colder months, going from 50 + hours a week to nothing can also be negative to your mental health.
Protect the Construction Community and Their Families
You aren’ t alone— you have available resources. Here are a few:
• The Construction Industry Helpline offers free services for both workers and families of those who work in the field.
• 911 is always an option if you or a loved one is attempting or threatening suicide.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline works like 911, but when you dial 988 they connect you with a trained crisis worker.
• In some cases, someone who is suffering mentally and physically may lash out at others. The National Domestic Violence Hotline may be able to help if you find yourself in an abusive situation at home and aren’ t sure how to get out of it.
• The National Drug Hotline may be of assistance if you think you have a problem with drugs and alcohol.
It can be common for construction workers to suffer from depression during the quiet season. Also, the physical pain of being inactive for long periods and then throwing your body back into those brutal conditions can be a horrible shock to your system.
All of these factors may be the reason why the CDC has listed construction / mining as having the highest rate of suicides by industry in 2023. They also state that, in 2021, the suicide rate of U. S. citizens of the working age had risen by 33 % in the past two decades. The workforce as a whole is getting more and more stressful and the construction industry is no exception.
The career is also listed as the No. 5 profession with the highest rates of drug use. Workers may start with overthe-counter sleep aids, pain relievers and caffeine to get their body to do what it needs to get through. However, when those become ineffective, they may feel forced to turn to illegal substances to get by.
It’ s a terrible cycle.
The Construction Community Can Protect Each Other
Owners, managers and coworkers can also be of service. It’ s important to:
Know the warning signs of suicide. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some warning signs of suicide are:
• Volatile mood swings.
• Taking more risks in your life that jeopardize your health.
• Becoming anti-social and avoiding activities that used to bring you joy.
• A rise in substance abuse.
• Talking or joking about death, not being around or giving away precious possessions. If everyone in your company is aware of these red flags, they may be able to spot them in others and reach out to help.
12 August 23, 2024 www. contractorshotline. com