Photo: pogonici/123RF
The construction industry continues to witness high rates of suicide among its employees. Each member of industry has a role to play in ending the stigma associated with mental health struggles. For those who feel they’ve never experienced mental health issues, spotting someone who is struggling and engaging to help can feel awkward and, perhaps, out of place in this industry. On the other side, those in industry who are struggling with their mental health may find it difficult to seek help and vocalize their difficulties out of fear of being perceived as weak or unfit for work.
As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Piling Canada is encouraging industry to continue the fight to end mental health stigma. There are many resources available to industry to help train employees on how to spot someone who is struggling and provide guidance to those who are seeking support. It’s not only important that workers make it home at the end of the day, but also equally important that they return to the jobsite in the morning.
Below is a list of Canadian firms that provide mental health training and supports for the Canadian construction industry. This is not an exhaustive list and many provincial construction safety associations have mental health resources and training opportunities available.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
CMHA offers several national programs, as well as free downloads.
Phone: 416-646-5557
info@cmha.ca
www.cmha.ca
Construction Industry Rehabilitation Plan (CIRP)
CIRP is a treatment program with a focus on the construction industry.
Phone: 604-521-8611
Toll free: 1-888-521-8611
info@constructionrehabplan.com
www.constructionrehabplan.com
Guarding Minds at Work
Guarding Minds at Work is a free set of resources to assess and address psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Phone: 905-570-8094
Toll free: 1-800-668-4284
www.guardingmindsatwork.ca
Here to Help
Whether seeking information for yourself or others, Here to Help provides resources for substance abuse and mental health, and has targeted approaches depending on the audience.
Phone: 604-669-7600
Toll free: 1-800-661-2121
bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca
www.heretohelp.bc.ca
LivingWorks
LivingWorks offers training programs for suicide prevention.
Phone: 403-209-0242
Toll free: 1-866-956-6139
info@livingworks.net
www.livingworks.net
Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
MHCC provides a variety of mental health resources and training programs, including The Working Mind program.
Toll free: 1-866-989-3764
theworkingmind@mentalhealthcommission.ca
openingminds.org
Not Myself Today
Although not construction-industry specific, Not Myself Today can help companies build mentally healthy workplaces.
Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
Provided by Canada Life, all materials are free for all Canadians.
www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com 
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