A Review on the Mental Health Stressors of Construction Workers
Deema Almaskati, Sharareh Kermanshachi, Apurva Pamidimukkala
Abstract
The mental health of construction workers is often neglected despite their overrepresentation in deaths associated with suicide and other mental health conditions. The nature of the construction sector is inherently stressful, and failure to manage individual stress levels can manifest in depression, which can eventually lead to suicide ideation and suicide. This study identifies prevalent mental health conditions within the industry, defines mental health stressors on construction worksites and determines their frequency of citation, and discusses best practices for the promotion of a healthy work environment. Through the identification of 13 factors negatively affecting their mental health, the findings highlight the significance of protecting not only the physical but also the mental health of construction personnel. The most frequently cited mental health stressors were found to be excessive work demand, work life imbalance, and poor working environments. Additionally, the study showed that the effective management of workplace mental health involves the implementation of a strategy considering the integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions. The promotion of a help-seeking culture may also help reduce the stigma around mental health and diminish internal shame, specifically for male construction workers.