Mental health and workforce wellness are becoming increasingly important components of construction safety programs, with industry organizations placing greater emphasis on resources that help workers and supervisors respond to workplace challenges. The United Association and Mechanical Contractors Association of America are bringing contractors, labor representatives and safety professionals together for a new summit focused on applying those resources in mechanical construction workplaces.
The inaugural UA-MCAA Mental Health Summit is scheduled for Oct. 18-21 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, D.C. The event will focus on practical approaches to mental health and substance use issues affecting construction workers and organizations.
The four-day program will include presentations and interactive sessions addressing employee assistance programs, peer support initiatives, suicide prevention, substance use awareness, leadership development and workforce wellness.
Speakers will include mental health advocate Kevin Hines, author and speaker Marshall Davis Jones, and Anthony Gallagher, along with contractors, labor leaders and mental health professionals involved in workplace programs.
Breakout sessions will address how organizations can establish peer support networks, identify mental health concerns, communicate more effectively with employees and support workers affected by suicide loss.
The program also includes VitalCog mental health awareness training. Eligible participants can take part in an optional full-day course leading to VitalCog Train-the-Trainer certification, allowing organizations to expand mental health education across their workforces.
Mental health programs are increasingly connected to broader construction safety and workforce initiatives. For mechanical contractors, the summit provides training and resources that can be incorporated into employee support programs, leadership practices and jobsite culture.
The event also creates a forum for contractors, union leaders and safety professionals to share approaches to workplace mental health and substance use challenges.
Source: MCAA.
