Protecting What’s Beneath the Helmet
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around 40 million adults in the United States are affected by anxiety disorders every year. However, only 27% of those individuals receive any treatment.
“The stigma around mental health in the construction industry can be a barrier,” says Jim Grant, Gray’s executive VP of field operations. “There’s a desire to not show any weakness by asking for help.”
A recent survey revealed that 83% of construction workers have struggled with a mental health issue, according to EHS Today. In fact, a CDC analysis revealed construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide across all occupational groups.
Shifting industry culture
Safety is always priority No. 1 for Gray, and especially for construction workers, that includes mental health. So we’re always asking how we can shed light on these unspoken needs, destigmatize, and change the culture within the industry so we can ensure everyone goes home safely.
At Gray, we prioritize providing safety and availability for team members to discuss these sensitive issues—whether it be with a human resources representative, supervisor, or trusted peer.
Education is the foundation
According to OSHA, of the 83% of U.S. workers suffering from work-related stress, 54% report that stress affects their home life. We believe the first step in lowering those statistics is getting our team members the resources they need to understand.
For example, Gray previously created a series of mental health resources for team members, titled “Beyond our Hard Hats.” This six-part series offered information and insight around mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
“I think these materials really helped bring awareness to the issues and opened up potential conversations,” said Lisa Beckett, site safety engineer at Gray. “Our Employee Assistance Program participation has tripled, which is a good indication that people are utilizing the resources available to receive support.” Those resources also include therapy and mental health coaching through Lyra Health.
As a part of this campaign, Gray also put together informative posts displayed in trailers, restrooms, and across all heavily trafficked areas around jobsites and in regional offices to serve as a consistent reminder that help is available, and none of our team members is alone.
“Gray provides support to our team members (and family members) who are out on the job sites with immediate counseling resources through our Chaplain program,” said Beckett. “This allows our Gray family to keep short accounts of stressors that can build over time and create poor mental health or unhealthy coping mechanisms. The Chaplain services are free and unlimited to Gray team members and our Trade Partners onsite.”
Fostering a culture of care
With these education and resources prioritized, Gray keeps care and safety at the center of our culture. There are many everyday decisions that go into operating safely, Grant noted, but starting with a clear, healthy mind means those decisions are free of distraction.
“It’s critical that those struggling with a mental health issue have the opportunity to seek help—not only for their safety but to ensure they don’t put others into a hazardous situation,” Grant said.
“In the construction industry, safety is comprised of good decisions made every minute,” Grant said. And at Gray, we want our decisions to be begin with taking care of ourselves and one another.
Additional resources
If you or someone you know needs help, there are several avenues for information and assistance. Contact the NAMI HelpLine to find out what services and support are available in your community.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.