Minnesota bill looks to promote mental health in the construction industry

Minn. (Valley News Live) – Minnesota lawmakers are promoting a bill aimed at providing mental health resources to construction workers.

The bill by Senator Judy Seeberger looks to set aside $1 million over the next two years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the rate of mental health concerns among construction workers is higher than the general population.

“When folks are overwhelmed and they feel alone and they feel like suicide is the right choice for them, that’s a warning signal that something is not right. If we’re identifying it in an industry, then we darn well better step up and do whatever we can to save folks who are asking for help.,” said Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL – Afton.)

Brian Lauwers with OECS, OSHA Environmental Compliance Systems, says it all comes down to stress.

“I spent 20 years in the construction industry before I started here. It’s male-dominated, nobody talks about their feelings. It’s not something that we talk about much. ‘I had a bad night at home’ or something like that. We don’t do that. When you get into that, your stress builds and we run into a lot of issues.”

Those at the Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley, or the BIA, say that stress can come from a number of things.

“I know some people can just get caught in the fast-paced part of what we’re doing and all of the things that come along with it. I think it can start to take a toll on people,” said Adam Olson, the president of the BIA.

Fast-paced work with dangerous conditions.

“There is an inherent risk that something could go wrong. On the flip side of that, you get into schedules and production. Trying to get 10 subcontractors out on your job at the right time to get your work done. So it’s inherently very, very stressful,” added Lauwers.

Meanwhile, at Sanford, health experts like Integrated Health Therapist Laura Bohan say there are ways to keep working even if you’re feeling down.

“In general, for anyone regardless of work to practice is considered mindfulness. So that’s doing one thing at a time. Just kind of being aware of your surroundings, noticing what’s going on without judgment.”

Don’t forget, your employer might have resources too. As Olson with the BIA explains:

“It’s something worth keeping an eye on. It’s worth keeping a discussion open about. Making sure that there’s awareness around it. Making sure everyone knows there are resources available.”

If you or someone you know needs help, the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline number is 988.

The Minnesota Legislative Session ends May 19th.

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