Will Take Steps Throughout May to Educate & Reduce the Stigma

WALL – Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA) Chief Executive Officer David Rible today announced that UTCA will be taking several steps this month to encourage greater awareness of mental health in the construction industry. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time meant to educate the public on and reduce the stigma around mental well-being.

“Construction workers do their job in all kinds of conditions that people would not wish on their worst enemy,” said Rible. “They do it so that we all can have places to live, work and have fun. 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.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the construction industry has among the highest suicide rates of any profession, with an estimated 6,000 construction work suicides in 2022.

The American Society of Safety Professionals has noted that one of the contributing factors may be the “stoic and self-reliant characteristics of individuals who work in the construction industry.” In other words, seeking or asking for help can be seen as a sign of weakness. This can make individuals hesitant to look for help and allow for untreated psychiatric conditions to manifest.

There are possible additional factors. The ebbs and flows of the industry can at times create uneasiness about job security. This puts stress on the individual and on their relationships and their families as well. The work itself can also produce stress. Construction workers often face long and strenuous hours, which can negatively affect an individual’s mental health and can also impact their sleep patterns.

“We need to look out for each other,” added Rible. “Even something as simple as asking a colleague about their health can make a difference. Whether it’s a seemingly small step or a large one, we all can play a part in making sure that mental health is addressed and the stigma around it wiped out.”

UTCA will spend May actively promoting mental health awareness through its social media channels. Employees will have a graphic added to their email signatures around Mental Health Awareness Month, and yard signs will be available for placement in construction areas and UTCA member offices. Members will be encouraged to posts pictures of the signs online and to share mental health related content throughout the month.

UTCA will also be sharing anonymous, brief personal experiences within the industry associated with mental health. These stories will be circulated through social media and within industry communications to show that those struggling with mental health issues are not alone.

Anyone struggling with mental health should call 988 or text or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

About UTCA

UTCA of New Jersey is a non-profit trade association headquartered in Wall, New Jersey. UTCA represents approximately 1,000 member firms in the public and private sectors, active in all phases of heavy, highway, utility, and marine construction, as well as site work including remediation of brownfields and contaminated sites. For more information, log on to http://www.utcanj.org and follow on X @UTCANJ.