The construction industry is facing an increasing mental health crisis. In addition to the physical dangers of the job, a new study finds that long hours, isolation, and the pressure to meet demanding deadlines are leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among workers.
This blog explores the urgent need for improved mental health support and safer work environments for construction workers in Columbia, South Carolina, and across the U.S.
Study finds construction workers are most likely to die from suicide, compared to other occupations
An article from NBC News reveals a disturbing mental health crisis in the construction industry: Male workers’ suicide rates are an astounding 75% higher than the general population.
In 2022, around 6,000 construction workers in the U.S. died by suicide, compared to around 1,000 who died from catastrophic work-related injuries.
Long hours, isolation, and job stress, worsened by a construction boom, are attributed to this disturbing trend. Despite new mental health initiatives, like peer support programs, construction workers continue to suffer, at least in part, because of the stigma surrounding mental health.
Justin Azbill, a construction safety director, recalls how he nearly took his own life during the pandemic due to extreme job stress and burnout while working 19-hour days. Fortunately, after a day spent with his daughter, he realized the gravity of his decision and sought help for his mental health crisis.
He now advocates for mental health awareness in the industry and stresses the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging workers to seek help, highlighting the emotional toll of isolation and harsh working conditions in construction.
Companies like Hoffman Construction have begun introducing programs to support workers’ mental health, but the industry still faces significant gaps.
Josh Vitale, a superintendent for Hoffman Construction, explains what’s at stake:
“There’s a lot that goes into how stressful it is, not just physically, but mentally and psychologically. I think progress is fantastic, but we have to realize that we are legitimately wringing the life out of people.”
While safety standards to reduce physical harm have improved, mental health initiatives in the construction industry have been slower to develop. Unfortunately, many workers still feel uncomfortable discussing their struggles, as efforts to normalize these conversations at work have lagged.
In light of these serious mental health concerns, the construction industry needs to take a comprehensive approach to mental health by providing more resources and supportive work environments as worker shortages and project demands continue to rise.
Dangers of the construction industry
Construction work fatality rates are among the highest across all industries. As discussed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), injuries in construction are dominated by what they call the fatal four: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions.
In 2022, there were 1,056 fatalities in construction, with work-related falls, slips, and trips causing 423 of those deaths. Alarmingly, the fatality rate rose to 13.0 deaths per 100,000 workers, up from 12.3 in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These physical dangers often compound mental health struggles, leading to a serious crisis in the industry.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that, in 2020, struck-by incidents in the construction sector led to 150 deaths and 14,000 nonfatal injuries. The nonfatal injuries resulted in $1.4 billion for workers’ compensation claims where employees were unable to return to work for more than 5 days.
Despite the monetary compensation for these injured workers, construction-related injuries can cause more than just physical harm. These incidents and their aftermath place tremendous pressure on workers, affecting both their physical and mental well-being.
The connection between workplace injury and mental health is significant. A construction worker who is injured on the job may struggle not only with physical pain but also with depression, anxiety, and financial instability. Even today, many workers feel pressured to stay silent about their mental health struggles due to the stigma surrounding the topic, which perpetuates the industry’s high suicide rate.
For workers dealing with the aftermath of a work-related injury or mental health crisis, it’s essential to know that help is available. It’s important to seek support, whether it’s for physical recovery or mental health.
Help is available for SC workers struggling with mental health issues or workplace injuries
If you’re a construction worker feeling the strain of your job, you’re not alone. The toll of long hours, tough conditions, and isolation is real, but so is the support available. If you’re struggling mentally, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
For construction workers in Columbia, SC, who’ve suffered on-the-job injuries, the team at Smith, Born, Leventis, Taylor & Vega is here to help. We understand the unique dangers you face daily, and we’re committed to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve. We believe you shouldn’t have to worry about your medical bills or lost income after a workplace injury. That’s why we offer free consultations to help you get the financial support you need to recover and return to work.
Whether it’s navigating workers’ compensation claims or standing by you as you heal, our Columbia work injury attorneys are here to ensure you get the support and compensation you need.
Schedule a free consultation with us today.
References
Breloff, S. P., Garza, E., Brogan, A., Bunting, J., Trout, D., Pena, M., & Earnest, G. S. (2023, April 4). Struck-By Injuries in the Construction Sector: Common Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities to Keep Workers Safe | Blogs | CDC. Struck-by Injuries in the Construction Sector: Common Hazards, Barriers, and Opportunities to Keep Workers Safe; CDC. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2023/04/04/2023-struck-by-stand-down/
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2022. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Top Four Construction Hazards. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/construction_hazards_qc.pdf
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
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 988lifeline.org; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://988lifeline.org/
