Awareness, empathy and supportive workplace policies make a difference

In today’s world, the nature of work has changed dramatically. Even with the rise of remote and alternative forms of labor, people remain at the heart of any industry’s success. However, in physically demanding fields like precast manufacturing, mental health often lingers in the background — an unspoken concern that can significantly affect job performance, safety and overall well-being.

Curtis Moore, partner at Fisher-Phillips and a member of the NPCA Safety Committee, sees the reach of mental health challenges in many industries, noting it is especially prevalent in high-risk, labor-intensive roles.

“I think the more you talk about it, you realize it is a common problem across sectors of the industry,” Moore said. “And then you talk about, it’s not just construction, it’s all of these high-risk job profiles that suffer from this.”

Physical Work and Its Mental Health Toll

Heavy labor can be taxing not just on the body but also on the mind. In precast manufacturing, the strain of operating machinery, lifting heavy materials and maintaining intense focus creates an environment where stress and potential injuries can occur. When pain or injury coincides with day-to-day pressures, workers may be more vulnerable to problems like substance abuse — sometimes as a coping mechanism.

A 2024 study by American Addiction Centers found that around 15% of construction workers in the United States have a substance abuse disorder, nearly double the 8.6% national average among adults. For Clint Kilborn, Regional Sales Manager for Equipment and Automation at Afinitas and a member of the NPCA Safety Committee, this is part of a broader pattern.

“It’s the elephant in the room, but it’s not uncommon for plant workers to struggle with substance abuse,” said Kilborn, who has been working closely with precast plant employees for more than 10 years. “However, in my experience, typically there’s a deeper, underlying cause.”

Identifying the Underlying Struggles

Below the surface of substance use lies a deeper issue: mental health challenges. Awareness of issues like depression, anxiety and stress is more prevalent than ever among working-age adults. Still, many people quietly endure symptoms that may only become obvious when a crisis hits. In 2017, the CDC reported nearly 38,000 deaths by suicide among those aged 16-64. The construction industry saw the second-highest number of cases.

Being mindful of signs that something is “off” with a coworker can be crucial in preventing tragedies. Construction and precast manufacturing are high-stakes environments where concentration is key, so if someone is showing changes in behavior — such as irritability, fatigue, or a lack of focus — it could indicate deeper mental or emotional struggles.

“Obviously, drug or alcohol impairment is a safety issue that must be dealt with immediately,” Kilborn said. “But it is important to dig deeper and determine if that individual needs more specialized care to treat an underlying mental health issue.”

Resources and Support Systems

Many employers provide support structures for those grappling with substance abuse or mental health difficulties. Human Resources departments often have policies and counseling services to help workers before matters spiral out of control. Depending on insurance coverage, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may also offer direct access to virtual mental health counselors and other in-depth services.

Yet, in Kilborn’s experience, the most potent resource is often a supportive, empathetic workplace culture. A listening ear or a simple “How are you holding up?” from a colleague or supervisor can be the catalyst that encourages someone to seek help.

“That’s one of the things I love about my company,” Kilborn said. “Afinitas kind of wrote the book on great corporate culture and caring about the health and well-being of those in our span of care. One way we do this is through weekly check-ins with team members.”

Fostering a Healthier Work Environment

Beyond professional support, self-awareness is critical. The CDC has guidelines to help individuals recognize the signs of stress or burnout, such as ongoing anger, irritability or exhaustion. If you notice these feelings, it’s wise to step back, reflect and determine whether accessing formal resources could help.

Leadership plays a pivotal role in setting the standard. Supervisors and managers who make time to listen when employees express concerns can create an atmosphere where asking for help feels safe rather than risky. In some workplaces, a zero-tolerance policy for substance issues is being replaced with more nuanced approaches that emphasize intervention and support.

“Some of the employers I’ve worked with have said, ‘Yeah, we’re not a zero-tolerance policy. It depends on whether you self-report,’” Moore explained. “They’re taking into account that human element a little bit and trying to help people.”

Shifting Attitudes Toward Mental Health

Encouragingly, the conversation around mental health is becoming more common, especially in high-stress industries like construction and manufacturing. Employers increasingly seek training on how to identify and address mental health challenges among their teams.

“I think the industry has done a good job over the last five to seven years,” Moore said. “A lot of conferences I went to for different areas of construction and concrete have started inviting speakers on the topic of mental health and even suicide, because sometimes that’s a big issue in the industry, too. And I think the more you talk about it you realize it is a common problem across sectors of the industry.”

Ultimately, creating a culture of safety and acceptance is the best way to safeguard against the exhaustive nature of demanding work. Seeking assistance should never be a source of shame — taking advantage of resources, both personal and professional, can be a lifesaver.

“For me personally, it’s like this gigantic weight lifted off your shoulders when you’re able to get stuff out there,” Kilborn said. “At the end of the day, we care. The world is a better place with everybody in it.”

In every sense, prioritizing mental health benefits not only workers themselves, but the entire industry. Recognizing signs of distress, offering genuine support and creating strong safety nets can make an immeasurable difference — on and off the job site.