David Rible, chief executive officer of the Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA), announced Monday a comprehensive initiative aimed at raising mental health awareness across the construction sector. The campaign, launching in coordination with Mental Health Awareness Month this May, seeks to educate workers and dismantle the long-standing stigma surrounding mental well-being in the trades.
The construction industry faces a silent crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the profession has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, with approximately 6,000 construction workers lost to suicide in 2022 alone.
Industry experts point to the unique culture of construction as a primary barrier to seeking help. The American Society of Safety Professionals suggests that the “stoic and self-reliant” nature of the workforce often causes individuals to view mental health struggles as a sign of weakness.
“Construction workers do their job in all kinds of conditions that people would not wish on their worst enemy,” Rible said. “Yet we rarely hear about this sobering fact: construction workers struggle with mental health issues at rates far greater than most industries. We are working, one measure at a time, to do something about this.”
Beyond the cultural stigma, the UTCA identified several industry-specific stressors:
- Job insecurity: The seasonal “ebbs and flows” of construction work create financial and emotional stress for families.
- Physical strain: Strenuous hours and demanding labor often lead to chronic exhaustion and disrupted sleep patterns.
- Isolation: Long shifts away from home can strain personal relationships.
To address these issues, the UTCA is rolling out several high-visibility tools to keep mental health at the forefront of the conversation:
- Visibility on the job: Yard signs will be placed at construction sites and member offices throughout the state.
- Digital advocacy: UTCA staff will utilize specialized email graphics, and the association will increase mental health content across social media.
- Shared experiences: The association will share anonymous personal stories from within the industry to remind workers that they are not alone in their struggles.
Rible emphasized that the solution begins with simple, interpersonal connections. “Even something as simple as asking a colleague about their health can make a difference,” he noted.
The campaign encourages all members to share photos of awareness signs and participate in industry-wide communications to help “wipe out” the stigma.
Resources for Help If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7:
- Call or Text: 988
- Online Chat: 988lifeline.org
