Construction Mental Health Corner

During my 30 year tenure in the construction industry, safety has been a constant theme. We’ve worked with clients to help develop safety programs, promoted the benefits of helmets over hard hats, and even worked to streamline programs related to creating a safety culture. As we enter 2026, AOE wants to help tackle another major safety issue our industry is facing—mental health. 

Simply, the construction industry is facing a mental health crisis. Did you know that construction ranks as the second-highest industry for suicide rates? In fact, construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. This is compounded by other challenges, such as high rates of substance abuse, chronic pain, fatigue, and mental health struggles.

For too long, we’ve focused solely on physical safety, and while these efforts are crucial and must be continued, we need to add mental health and emotional well-being to our platforms. It’s time to meld the worlds of business and wellness, to create a culture where mental health is valued just as much as physical safety. 

AOE recently provided seed money to the Construction Mental Health Alliance, a new 501(c)(3) organization that is working to address these challenges head-on. Their mission is to drive systemic change in the construction industry by embedding mental health, emotional well-being, and psychological safety into every level of the workforce—from company leadership to the jobsite. Their vision is bold but necessary: a construction industry where mental wellness is valued as highly as physical safety. Imagine a world where workers feel supported, leaders are proactive, and well-being is built into every project, contract, and decision. CMHA has gathered the best tools, resources and expert guidance from across the construction industry to help you find answers, support and hope.

Each month, AOE will highlight some of the key interviews, resources and activities available from CHMA. You’ll also gain insights into how we, as an industry, can take actionable steps to prioritize mental health and well-being. 

Listen to the most recent AOE podcast episodes:

From Hard Hats to Helmets – Advancing Safety in Construction with Scott Greenhaus

In this episode, we’re diving into the evolution of head protection in the construction industry with none other than Scott Greenhaus, a leader in safety innovation and engineering excellence.

Building Resilience and Addressing Mental Health in Construction With Scott Greenhaus

In this episode we welcome back Scott Greenhaus to discuss the mental health challenges facing the construction industry, from the stigma surrounding mental health to actionable steps companies can take to support their teams. With decades of experience in engineering, safety, and leadership, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge to this important conversation.