By Nick Williams - R.I.S.E. LLC
The construction industry builds the infrastructure that shapes our world, but beneath the surface, it faces an escalating crisis—substance use disorders and mental health struggles among its workforce. These issues threaten not just individual lives but also job site safety, productivity, and company stability. Leaders in the industry can drive change by fostering a culture that prioritizes total worker health and well-being.
The Crisis Clarified
The statistics are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), construction workers experience one of the highest rates of opioid overdose deaths among all industries. Research indicates they are six to seven times more likely to die from an overdose than workers in other fields. High rates of injury, chronic pain, and the pressure to “tough it out” contribute to substance misuse, and untreated mental health challenges compound the crisis.
These struggles affect project timelines, increase safety risks, and contribute to high turnover rates. Ignoring the issue is no longer an option; addressing it is a business imperative and a moral responsibility.
What Makes Construction Workers Vulnerable?
Several factors create heightened risk:
- Limited Access to Healthcare: Many hourly workers lack consistent, affordable access to primary and mental health services.
- Workplace Injuries & Pain Management: The physical demands of construction work lead to high injury rates, and opioid prescriptions for pain relief often escalate into dependency.
- Cultural Stigma: The “cowboy up” or “tough guy” mentality discourages workers from seeking help for substance use and mental health struggles.
- Job Instability: Seasonal employment, project-based work, and layoffs create financial and emotional stress.
- Social Isolation: Long hours and remote job sites can lead to disconnection, a major factor in declining mental health.
Leadership: How You Can Take Action
Addressing these challenges starts at the top. Here are six actionable steps to make a difference today:
- Talk About Mental Health Openly
Culture shifts begin with conversation. Normalize discussions around mental health by integrating them into safety meetings and leadership messaging. Share personal experiences when appropriate to build trust and reduce stigma. - Strengthen Support Systems
Clearly communicate Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), peer counseling services, and health benefits. Workers should know exactly where to turn for support on issues such as grief, anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation. - Rethink Pain Management
Collaborate with occupational medical providers to prioritize non-opioid pain management options. Educate workers about the risks of opioids and provide alternative treatments when possible. - Foster a Culture of Connection and Psychological Safety
Encourage peer support through third party vendors such as YouTurn Health. Discuss social connection on job sites. A sense of belonging can be a protective factor against substance use and mental health decline. The State of Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention recommends community connectedness as the first step in their published comprehensive response plan. - Partner with Industry Initiatives
Join efforts such as the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention or local workforce health initiatives like Recovery Friendly Leader from Dr. John Narine. Sharing both successes and challenges strengthens the industry-wide response to this crisis. - Become a Recovery-Friendly Workplace
The Colorado Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, signed into law with bipartisan support (SB 24-048), provides employers with tools to support employees facing substance use and mental health challenges. Engaging with programs like this can create lasting, positive change.
The Business Case for Mental Health Investment
Investing in workforce mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. Companies that prioritize worker well-being see:
- Fewer Injuries & Incidents: Addressing mental health reduces workplace accidents and safety violations.
- Lower Workers’ Compensation Costs: Preventative care leads to fewer claims and lower premiums.
- Higher Retention & Productivity: Supported workers are more engaged, loyal, and efficient.
Conclusion: Constructing a Healthier Future
The construction industry stands at a crossroads. Ignoring the crisis puts lives, projects, and businesses at risk. Leadership must take bold, intentional action to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. By fostering a workplace culture where seeking help is encouraged and supported, the industry can safeguard not just individual well-being but the future of construction itself. This is the moment to lead with compassion, to prioritize worker health, and to build a stronger, more resilient workforce—because a thriving industry starts with thriving workers.
About the Author:
Nick Williams is the CEO of both R.I.S.E LLC and the American Subcontractor's Association of Colorado. He has chaired the AGC Mental Health Working Group since 2021. He holds a graduate certificate in Total Worker Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. He loves traveling the world with his wife and son, is almost always with his West Highland Terriers named Pacey and Joey, and is an avid consumer of all things pop culture.