‘Planting a seed’ of support critical to mental health in construction

Slips, trips and falls often top the list when discussing health and safety issues on construction sites. However, there’s another less visible threat that’s just as critical – mental illness.

“I think it’s a very important piece of the puzzle that hasn’t been considered historically, and as a former paramedic I am acutely aware of the impact that can have on individuals and families and their co-workers,” says Justin Leisle, director of health, safety, environment and quality at Ventana Construction in B.C.

“It’s something that has come to light, more so since the pandemic, but even prior to the pandemic with the opioid crisis and how it’s been impacting our industry.”

According to Statistics Canada, 33 per cent of men in the construction industry report poor mental health. In addition, 64 per cent of construction workers wished their employers did more to support mental health initiatives.

A 2020 study by the International Foundation of Employee Benefits across 35 Canadian apprenticeship programs, found 68 per cent of respondents suffered from anxiety disorders and 51 per cent experienced depression.

Another report indicated 2,500 Ontarians died of drug overdoses in 2020, a 60-per-cent increase from the year before. Of those who died, 30 per cent were construction workers.

Leisle notes that construction jobs can be hard on the mind as well as the body, but workers are often expected to suck it up and get on with the job.

“I think that’s a large part of it. It’s also the individuals attracted to our industry as well. In construction we have a, ‘We can do it by ourselves attitude. We’re fine.’”

The statistics, however, paint a different picture. Many workers are not fine and need help.

Leisle maintains company owners, directors, contractors, managers, supervisors and superintendents must lead the charge in addressing the issue and should not be fearful of talking about mental health.

“We all have a really important part to play with breaking down that stigma, talking about our own experiences with mental health, whether it’s with our families or personally. It’s important to remember that we’re all human, we all go through life’s ups and downs. It doesn’t matter if you’re the company owner, the director in the office, on the site, or the guy at the end of a tool, we’re all human and we all go through that.

“Just because I wear nice clothes and work in the office now doesn’t mean I don’t have problems. Stuff happens to me too. It’s important in talking about it to know that you’re not alone.”

Leisle is responsible for developing and implementing health and safety programs at Ventana. He’s also on several industry committees for contractors hosted by the BC Construction Safety Alliance and was a recipient of the top safety award of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) in B.C.

He says the contractor’s role in health and safety has changed and communicating with trade contractors and workers on a jobsite about mental health issues is critical.

“It’s one of the most important things you can do to help break down the stigma and get the conversation started. With that you’ll be surprised how people feel about the issue and people will start to open up.”

Talking is the first step, he notes.

“You don’t have to be an expert. You don’t have to know necessarily what to say. You don’t have to solve their problems. All you need to know is, ‘Here are the resources available,’ and then get them out there.”

As part of the ICBA, workers at Ventana have access to a benefits program that has mental health supports. The company also distributes hard hat stickers that have contact information on where to get help.

“It’s like planting a seed,” he says. “We’re trying to become innovative with getting the right information to people when they need it. In a world where you can get access to anything at your fingertips, it’s sometimes hard to get the pertinent, concise information you need at that moment.”

Wellness champions are also available to speak to individuals on or offsite, wherever they are comfortable, to put them in touch with resources.

In addition, Ventana’s safety committee had posters printed that outline mental health resources that are available. The posters were posted in all portable toilets. Initially, the company got no response to the posters but after a year workers began commenting on how it helped them and raised awareness of the issue.

“It was really nice to get that feedback and that validation,” says Leisle. “With mental health, there is so much not understood about it. Just doing a bunch of these things will have a cumulative impact.”

Although mental health remains an issue, Leisle believes that strides are being made.

“The volume of work we’re doing is huge, so if we’re lowering it just a little bit but our volume is increasing, that’s a bit of a win.”