Construction Inclusion Week Toolbox Talk 6
Mental Health in Construction
"Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength. Taking care of your mind is taking care of your life."
— Sigmund Freud
Mental Health in Construction
The physical and mental demands of field work can weigh heavily on workers, yet stress is often suffered in silence until it impacts safety or life at home. Normalizing quick peer check-ins and making wellness resources easily accessible help crews catch burnout early. Looking out for a teammate's mental well-being is just as essential as watching their back on the scaffold.
PILLARS:
Attract & Retain, Belonging & Workforce Culture, Commitment & Accountability
OBJECTIVE:
Provide crews with practical tools to identify signs of stress and burnout, normalize peer check-ins, and treat mental well-being as core safety.
Get Started
Sample Activity Options
JOBSITE ACTIVITY
Start a “Quiet Space” initiative. Create one area on site for short breaks or reset.
OFFICE ACTIVITY
Bring in a local Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or counselor for Q&A (anonymous questions allowed).
School/Community Activity
Co-host a youth mental safety day with short talks and role plays.
Group Activity
Go around and answer, what helps you reset when things feel off?
Discussion Questions
Jobsite safety encompasses both physical hazards and mental well-being. This discussion equips crews with practical tools to recognize stress and burnout, check in on teammates safely, and establish a culture where asking for support is supported.
- Why do so many people stay silent about mental health?
- What are some signs that someone may be having a challenging time?
- How can we support a teammate who’s experiencing stress or burnout?
- How can we support others without acting like counselors?
- How can leaders reinforce the message that it’s OK not to be, OK?
Construction Inclusion Week Toolbox Talk 6
Mental Health in Construction
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