According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), negative psychosocial factors such as physically demanding responsibilities, minimal control over work tasks, lack of support from supervisors or co-workers, and job dissatisfaction are prevalent in the construction industry. Researchers have found that heightened stress levels lead to an increase in injury rates and negatively impact organ systems. As these systems begin to shut down, individuals may experience a loss of motivation and difficulty completing challenging tasks. Stress can also lead to musculoskeletal disorders which account for 20% of nonfatal construction injuries.
To mitigate the harmful effects of psychosocial factors on construction workers, it’s important for employers to establish a wellness program that offers both mental and physical support. By combining safety and wellness programs, you can give your workers the tools they need to stay healthy and productive, which in turn can boost your bottom line. Even small changes can make a significant difference in reducing injuries and illnesses, ultimately leading to fewer fatalities in the construction industry. Consider:
- Telehealth services can be a resource for workers to schedule a call or visit with a therapist whenever they need to talk to someone.
- Host a Mental Health First Aid training for HR teams and managers to help them better identify mental health issues within their workplace.
Providing benefits targeted towards mental health will go a long way in showing you care about your employee’s well-being and help companies be equipped with tools to show support for their employee’s mental health.
To learn more about providing mental health and wellness resources for your workers, reach out to a Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA) advisor.