Construction Leaders Urged to Prioritize Mental Well-Being and Culture Change

TRENTON, N.J. – As June marks Men’s Health Month, a time traditionally focused on preventing physical illness and encouraging routine check-ups, Associated Builders and Contractors – New Jersey Chapter (ABC-NJ) is spotlighting a quieter but deadly crisis impacting the construction industry: mental health and suicide prevention.

Spearheaded by ABC-NJ President Samantha Roman, the organization is calling on employers, industry leaders, and policymakers to confront what she calls a “growing crisis” in the field, noting the staggering suicide rates among construction workers — particularly among men.

“Construction workers have one of the highest suicide rates of any occupation in the U.S., with male workers in particular at elevated risk,” said Roman.

A Hidden Epidemic Within a Vital Industry

The construction industry employs millions of workers nationwide, many of whom face daily physical strain, inconsistent schedules, job insecurity, and time away from loved ones. Those factors, compounded by cultural norms that often discourage vulnerability or asking for help, can lead to mental health challenges that go unaddressed until it’s too late.

“Construction is a demanding field. The work is physical, the hours are long, and the pressure to perform is constant,” Roman explained. “Many workers can face financial strain, chronic pain and time away from family — all of which can contribute to mental health struggles.”

Citing data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Roman emphasized the scale of the problem.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. These are not faceless numbers. These are our teammates, our neighbors, our loved ones.”

A Call to Build a Culture of Support

Roman stressed that the industry must broaden its definition of jobsite safety to include mental health alongside physical safety. ABC-NJ is urging contractors and leaders across New Jersey to integrate mental health awareness into their workplace culture.

“Talk about mental health the same way we talk about fall protection or PPE — as a critical part of safety,” she said.
“Create environments where workers feel safe to speak up and ask for help.”
“Provide access to mental health resources, including confidential counseling, suicide prevention training and employee assistance programs.”
“Train supervisors and leaders to recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.”
“Break the stigma by sharing stories, showing vulnerability and reminding every worker that it’s OK to not be OK.”

To support these goals, ABC-NJ is encouraging companies to share resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and to actively collaborate with local and national mental health organizations. ABC-NJ itself offers access to various tools and training sessions that help employers create a safer emotional climate on worksites.

“We have tools in our metaphorical toolboxes to help those in need,” Roman said.

More Than Structures: Protecting the Workforce

Roman emphasized that while the industry is focused on constructing buildings and infrastructure, protecting the people who build them must be the priority.

“Together, we can make a difference. As president of ABC-NJ, I am proud of the work our members do every day to build New Jersey. But no project is more important than protecting the lives of the people who make it all possible.”

“This Men’s Health Month, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s be leaders in compassion, in conversation and in culture change,” she added.
“Let’s make it known – on every job site and in every office – that mental health matters, and that no one has to face it alone.”

A Growing Industry Challenge, National in Scope

While Roman’s message is directed at New Jersey, the issue is national in scope. Construction has consistently ranked among the top industries for suicide rates. Many national organizations, including OSHA, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and the CDC, have called for improved training, open dialogue, and better employee assistance infrastructure.

The conversation initiated by ABC-NJ aligns with broader national efforts to make the construction industry more mentally resilient and supportive, especially in male-dominated trades where stigma is still prevalent.

Originally reported by Samantha Roman in NJ BIZ.