In Georgia and across the U.S., the construction industry is experiencing a mounting mental health crisis. Long workdays, physical hazards, and extended time spent away from home are contributing to rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among workers, a new study reveals.
This blog highlights the critical need for mental health resources and a safer, more supportive environment for construction workers.
Mental health problems within the construction industry cause suicide rates to climb
The construction industry is grappling with a severe mental health crisis, with suicide rates alarmingly high among its workforce. According to an article by NBC News, in 2022, an estimated 6,000 construction workers died by suicide, reflecting a disturbing trend in which male construction workers are 75% more likely to die by suicide compared to men in the general population.
The report cites the stigma surrounding mental health within the industry as a significant factor contributing to these high suicide rates. Many construction workers believe that seeking help or admitting to struggles with issues like anxiety or depression is a weakness, making reaching out hard for those in need.
Justin Azbill, a safety director who nearly took his own life, is now trying to break this silence and speak openly about his experience to encourage others to seek help.
“In the construction industry, we’ve generationally been taught that if you talk to someone about a weakness or you’re struggling, then you’re weak and you won’t get hired,” Azbill shared. “One of the reasons I talk about it so freely is so people know that it’s normal and it’s OK.”
Josh Vitale, a superintendent for Hoffman Construction, also became involved in efforts to address the issue after he experienced mental health struggles following the loss of his baby. Vitale is regularly involved in suicide interventions at the Intel semiconductor project in Arizona and has counseled many workers.
“It would be rare to find someone in the industry who hasn’t known a person that has taken their life within the last year or two,” Vitale explained. “As an industry, we just keep putting more and more pressure on the worker to outperform what they’ve done before, and at some point it’s just untenable.”
Efforts to address the crisis have begun, but progress still needs to be faster. Some companies, like Hoffman Construction, have created spaces on worksites for workers to access mental health resources, including peer support and substance misuse meetings.
Industry-wide campaigns have also been launched, distributing materials with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and offering suicide prevention training. Bechtel, a leading construction firm, has committed $7 million to expand mental health programs tailored to construction workers to reach hundreds of thousands.
Despite these initiatives, changing the culture of silence around mental health remains a significant challenge. Many workers still fear that seeking help will jeopardize their job prospects, and the belief that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness is deeply ingrained in the industry. Protecting the mental well-being of workers has become essential to maintaining a stable workforce in a time of unprecedented demand.
Why is construction work so stressful?
Construction is a highly stressful occupation due to the long workdays and extended time away from home that many workers face. Workers often put in over 10-hour days and 60-hour weeks, enduring harsh conditions such as extreme heat, cold, and other inclement weather while racing to meet demanding project deadlines.
The nature of some construction projects frequently requires workers to spend months away from their families, living in temporary housing, hotels, or even their vehicles. This prolonged separation from loved ones can lead to feelings of isolation and emotional strain, further increasing the mental toll of the job.
In addition to the emotional challenges, construction workers are exposed to significant physical risks on the job, including death.
According to data from The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), construction workers account for approximately 20% of fatal workplace injuries despite making up only 7% of the workforce.
The industry also has one of the highest injury rates, with construction workers regularly facing dangers like falls from heights, heavy machinery, and hazardous materials. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor strains to severe spinal cord injuries that lead to long-term disabilities. Recovery from serious and catastrophic injuries is often slow, and chronic pain is common, leading many workers to turn to opioids for relief, which increases the risk of misuse and addiction.
The combination of long, physically demanding hours, isolation from family, and the constant threat of construction-related injuries creates a highly stressful environment for these workers. This stress is compounded by the financial instability many workers experience due to hourly pay that can fluctuate based on weather conditions or project delays, leaving them in a cycle of emotional and financial strain.
You are not alone; reach out for help regarding your mental health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, remember that you are not alone. The stresses of construction work can weigh heavily, but reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talk to a friend, a co-worker, or a mental health professional. There are resources available to support you, like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (just dial 988) or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you deserve.
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References
988 Lifeline. (2022). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org. https://988lifeline.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2019, February 28). AFSP. AFSP. https://afsp.org/
Pettypiece, S. (2024, June 23). Construction Workers Are Dying by Suicide at an Alarming Rate. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/economics/construction-workers-are-dying-suicide-alarming-rate-rcna156587
Wright, B. (2023, February 21). CPWR | Fatal and Nonfatal Injuries in Construction. CPWR |. https://www.cpwr.com/research/data-center/data-dashboards/fatal-and-nonfatal-injuries-in-construction
