Construction Mental Health Alliance Launches Industry Pledge

Newly formed nonprofit, the Construction Mental Health Alliance (CMHA) has announced the official launch of its Industry Pledge.

Now available on the company’s website, the pledge includes “measurable goals” for the North American construction industry and its mental health practices.

The pledge invites construction leaders across the continent to commit to preventing traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and head injuries. The nonprofit also focuses on improving mental health and reducing suicides in the construction industry, as well as managing mental and physical fatigue and improving health and wellness.

“As leaders in the construction industry, we recognize that protecting the physical and mental health of construction workers is essential to safety, productivity, and the well-being of families and communities,” the pledge reads. “We commit to visible, measurable actions that improve safety culture and workforce health.”

Several organizations have already made the pledge for their companies, the CMHA says. The company is hoping its pledge will serve as a blueprint of sorts for the construction industry, offering a cornerstone from which firms can build awareness about mental health across the industry.

“For too long, our industry has asked workers to power through pain, both physical and mental, without the support they deserve,” says Scott Greenhaus, president of the CMHA. The Industry Pledge gives every company a way to lead with intention. When we make psychological safety a shared standard rather than an individual choice, we change the trajectory of an entire profession. This is about accountability, and it only works when we move forward together.”

Those who take the pledge are also invited to spread the word further, CMHA representatives say. Pledgers are encouraged to tell their team, clients, and subcontractors, using the digital media toolkit on the organization’s website.

“Other recommendations include downloading resources for Toolbox Talk or safety meetings covering mental health, opioid misuse, head injury prevention, fatigue management and wellness strategies,” the CMHA says. “Most important is reminding field teams that confidential crisis support is always available by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”