Volume 11 Issue 6
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2020 $5.00
MENTAL HEALTH in the workplace B Y J AY K O B LU N
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aterpillar decided mental health and wellness in construction is not a topic that can be ignored any longer. Mental wellness is an often-overlooked, but critically important element of workplace safety. Workers who are struggling with depression and anxiety are more likely to be involved in incidents that harm themselves or others, especially around the holidays. Caterpillar doctor John Pompe and Michelle Walker from Construction Alliance for Suicide Prevention discussed risk factors in the industry, warning signs that an employee may be struggling, and actions employers and managers can take to help in a mental health awareness webinar. “In 2016 the CDC released a study that ranked suicide death by occupation, and construction ranked at the top of that list,” said Walker. “Construction is the industry with the highest level of suicide.” Walker grew up in a small oil town with a parent in the industry. She said she understands the innate stoic behaviour many individuals have towards mental health in the construction industry. “I understand the culture of a construction worker; stoic, tough guy, get it done. It’s what draws some people to the industry and is a positive aspect of the industry,” she said. “But those same positive characteristics of being self-sufficient and handling everything on your own, and not asking for help can also create risk factors around mental health for not seeking treatment if it’s necessary.” The moderator of Caterpillar’s event said the goal of the webinar was to talk about the complex aspects of safety that are less understood. The psychology behind it. How employers and managers can create a culture focused on safety and overall mental health with a focus on construction industry and trades. continued on page 12
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