In the demanding and high-stress environment of construction, it is essential to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of workers. Implementing PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) support programs on construction jobsites can have a profound impact on workers’ mental health, resilience, and overall wellbeing. By providing accessible resources, education, and support, construction companies can help workers cope with and recover from traumatic experiences, fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and support.
Implementation Tactics:
Training and awareness: Conduct comprehensive training programs to raise awareness about PTSD, its symptoms, and its impact on mental health. Train workers to recognize signs of distress, understand trauma-informed care, and provide appropriate support. Collaborate with mental health professionals to deliver specialized training sessions and workshops.
Peer support networks: Establish peer support networks or buddy systems within the construction community. Encourage workers to build supportive relationships where they can openly discuss their experiences, share coping strategies, and provide emotional support to one another. Peer support can be a powerful tool in reducing the stigma associated with PTSD and promoting resilience.
Accessible resources: Ensure that workers have access to resources related to PTSD support, such as informational materials, helplines, and mental health services. Display posters, distribute brochures, and provide digital resources that educate workers about PTSD, self-care techniques, and available support options. Promote the confidential and non-judgmental nature of these resources.
Behavioral Science Principles:
Social support and connectedness: PTSD support programs leverage the principle of social support to enhance workers’ mental health and wellbeing. By fostering a sense of community and connectedness, these programs create a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, seek validation, and receive support from their peers, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting healing.
Empathy and compassion: PTSD support programs encourage empathy and compassion among workers. By educating the workforce about the experiences and challenges faced by individuals with PTSD, these programs foster understanding and reduce judgment. Promoting empathy helps create a supportive environment where workers feel comfortable seeking help and providing support to their colleagues.
Trauma-informed care: Implementing trauma-informed care principles helps create an environment that recognizes the unique needs and experiences of individuals with PTSD. By integrating trauma-informed practices into policies and procedures, construction companies can reduce triggers, minimize retraumatization, and promote a sense of safety and trust among workers.
Sources:
Forbes, D., et al. (2020). Interventions to enhance resilience in adults with post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clinical Psychology Review, 81, 101881. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101881
Litz, B. T., et al. (2020). Supporting resilience in the workplace for posttraumatic stress disorder: Key considerations and future directions. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 30(3), 353-364. doi:10.1007/s10926-020-09889-x
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/product/SAMHSA-s-Concept-of-Trauma-and-Guidance-for-a-Trauma-Informed-Approach/SMA14-4884
Vanderplasschen, W., et al. (2013). Social support, social pressure, and their impact on motivation and retention in drug treatment: A qualitative study. Substance Use & Misuse, 48(6),
