Physical risks, long hours, and challenging work can lead to mental health issues for industrial and blue-collar workers. Yet, stigma often prevents these workers from asking for help. They may fear being perceived as weak or be concerned about losing their job.
Studies have shown that laborers may have increased risk for depression and anxiety compared to corporate (white-collar) employees.
The Anti-Stigma Coalition recently hosted a Facebook Live to discuss blue-collar workers’ mental health challenges and how employers and fellow workers can improve mental wellness in the workplace.
When a CDC study ranking construction as the number one industry for deaths by suicide. The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention was created to change the culture in the workplace, raise awareness and provide resources.
Janice Vertlieb, vice president of accounting at Grove Roofing in Buffalo, is the liaison to the national Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
“Typical stoic behavior is prevalent in the construction industry,” Vertlieb said. “There is old school kind of mentality and new apprentice bringing new philosophies about mental health, who are more inclined to voice their feelings.
“We talk a lot about mental health, safety and the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol as coping methods. We are giving them the power—there is no judgement,” she said. “We make them feel comfortable that no one will judge them.”
Adam Sassone, Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer at the Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA), said that the most valuable thing to give employees is your time.
“People need to know you care about them,” he said. “They are welcome to come into my office and have a one-on-one conversation—to vent or talk about things. It’s important to build an environment where people feel comfortable coming to you,” he said.
Safety is always a consideration on the job site, and mental health issues can negatively affect a work team
According to Darold Fountain, owner/president/CEO of Aurora Window System Contracting, safety is the most important thing that his company does.
“If I have a guy who hasn’t slept, he is a threat to everyone’s safety,” Fountain said. “That’s why you must rely on your team and a part of prevention is having your people take care of themselves.
Fountain says he works to create an environment where the door is open, people can communicate their concerns, we can slowly begin to move forward and crash into stigma.
Check out the replay of the Facebook Live discussion.
