Education session at World of Asphalt tackles mental health awareness

The asphalt industry can be a tough place; hard work, precision, and teamwork are demanded daily from skilled tradespeople. High-performance machines and meticulously planned projects take precedence for dedicated employees. However, mental health and well-being are crucial components to success in the workplace, and contractors and employers need to take charge of these growing challenges. 

Industry leaders are coming together at the World of Asphalt trade show to discuss mental health awareness in the paving and construction industry; the long-overlooked topic is now gaining the attention it deserves. 

Education to help the industry address mental well-being 

Dr. Vince Hafeli, president of Ajax Paving, is leading an educational session, Constructing a Safety Net: Strategies for Mental Health Awareness, offering insights on why mental health is a safety issue, how companies can foster a culture of support, and the steps leaders can take to make meaningful change. 

This critical workforce topic and educational session is co-presented by lifelong construction professional, Brandon Anderson, vice president of safety at Associated General Contractors of Missouri, and Rich Jones, career healthcare professional, therapist, sociologist, and founder of Youturn Health, a virtual behavioral health support network and resource program. These compassionate industry professionals are teaming up with Dr. Hafeli to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of the conversations in the construction industry. 

"The well-being of our workforce is just as critical as the quality of the work we do. Mental health is a growing concern in the construction and paving industry, and we're proud to host Constructing a Safety Net: Strategies for Mental Health Awareness at World of Asphalt," said World of Asphalt show director Brittany Schmidtke. "Led by industry leaders Dr. Vince Hafeli, Brandon Anderson, and behavioral health expert Rich Jones, this session will provide vital strategies for fostering a supportive workplace culture, reducing stigma, and ensuring teams have the resources they need to thrive." 

Mental health is a critical issue in construction 

The construction industry faces many unique mental health challenges, including long hours, physically demanding work, and high-pressure deadlines, which all contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. According to the CDC, construction workers have some of the highest suicide rates of any profession; it's critical for companies to prioritize mental health as a cornerstone of their safety culture. 

As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the construction industry, Dr. Hafeli has firsthand experience implementing programs supporting the well-being of modern skilled trades workers. His educational session at World of Asphalt provides practical strategies to employers and employees for building a workplace that values physical and mental health. 

Key takeaways from this session

• Mental health is not an illness 
• The construction industry ranks second in the nation for death by suicide 
• Accidental overdose deaths are disproportionately elevated in the construction industry 
• Recognize early warning signs 
• Develop valuable workplace support systems 
• Learn more about mental health and addiction resources 
• Foster a culture of open discussions 

"I am told mental health is the next frontier in workplace safety," said Dr. Hafeli. "I say the frontier is here, and we must address mental health and addiction as we look to improve the safety of our workers." 

Building a safer, healthier future for construction professionals

The asphalt industry makes strides toward improving workplace safety every day, and now it is time to focus that productivity on mental health awareness and the personal well-being of people. This educational session provides industry professionals reasonable strategies to create a workplace where employees, and leaders, feel supported, both physically and mentally.