Review: Risk and Causative Factors of Psychological Harm Among Construction Workers

The construction industry has long had a reputation as a hazardous place for physical harm, but more recently attention has focused on the psychological toll on workers. This summary of the important article by Azizur Rahman, Katrin Leifels, and Kennedy Osakwe Adakporia compiles decades of evidence to establish the causes and risks of mental harm to construction workers.

The proof is clear: besides the obvious dangers of the job, many subtle pressures contribute to excessive levels of anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and suicide. These issues are not alone but are connected to the demanding nature of the work, insecure work conditions, and cultural aspects that make it difficult for employees to seek help.

Job insecurity is among the main reasons for bad mental health in construction. A substantial amount of the work is project-based or contract-based, in which employees may not be so confident about long-term security. Such uncertainty gives rise to chronic stress and may lead to constant worry about revenues and the lack of new opportunities. Apart from this, construction work generally involves very lengthy hours and non-traditional schedules. Work is often demanding in order to meet tight deadlines and workers fight through difficult physical labor with little time for recovery. The result is a never-ending cycle of fatigue and stress, which can undermine psychological as well as physical well-being.

Work-life imbalance is another recurring pattern that threads its way through the research. With long working hours and overloaded work schedules, workers may have little energy remaining for family, relationships, or personal care. Over time, this imbalance breeds isolation, resentment, and mental strain.

Dangerous working conditions also add to the problem. Construction workers toil in an environment where accidents and injury are the norm. Even if physically uninjured, constant potential for injury heightens levels of tension and stress. For the injured, pain and the rehabilitation process can generate distress, irritation, and psychiatric disorder.

Social and cultural factors also play a wide-ranging role. The report classifies that in construction, there is a “macho” culture that dissuades people from openly talking about their mental well-being. The majority of workers fear being stigmatized or characterized as weak if they admit they cannot cope, and this stigma deters them from seeking help. The lack of provision policies, such as work mental health programs or counseling services, adds to the misfortune. With no encouragement or access to resources, some resort to alcohol or drug use as a way to cope. Therefore, substance abuse is also high in this field, the study find, and while it may provide short-term relief to the user, ultimately, it worsens mental illness and can lead to accidents and even death.

Suicide may be the saddest statistic of all. Construction workers have one of the highest suicide rates of all occupations. Studies blame this on multiple stress, drug use, insecure employment, and untreated mental illness. Migrant workers are exposed at an even higher rate. They encounter isolation from their families, language barriers, and close living quarters, all of which increase stress and decrease access to healthcare. Age also comes into play with the older workers having less control over their jobs and decision-making authority, lower job satisfaction, and more mental stress.

The evidence shows that the mental health crisis among construction workers is the result of a wide range of individual, job, and cultural factors. While peer support is helpful, it is not enough on its own. The report calls for more active workplace policy, greater awareness, and professional systems of support. Employers need to create healthier and supportive workplaces, i.e., offer counseling services, alcohol and drug abuse programs, and stress management programs. Encouraging mindfulness and resilience training can also be useful tools. Above all, the industry must strive to reduce stigma and promote open conversation about mental health so that employees will feel safe to seek assistance.

From this review, there is no doubt that psychological risks in construction are as real and as consequential as physical threats. Long hours of work, insecurity, hazardous working conditions, cultural factors, and lack of support create a poisonous cocktail that harms mental health. These problems need to be overcome by employers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals who are beginning to take action. By understanding and addressing the root causes and offering proper support, the construction industry can strive to build a future where the mental health of workers is protected with an equal degree of concern and urgency as their physical health.

Summary of Findings:

• High psychological risks identified: stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation are common in construction
• Key causative factors:
  • Job insecurity (project-based/contractual work).
  • Long working hours and irregular schedules.
  • High job demands and physical strain.
  • Poor work-life balance.
  • Workplace bullying and unsafe conditions.
  • Lack of mental health support and awareness
• Substance use: Alcohol and drug misuse prevalent; often used as coping mechanisms, linked to poor mental health and fatalities
• Suicide rates: Among the highest across industries; linked to stress, job insecurity, and untreated mental health issues
• Cultural factors: Strong stigma and “macho culture” discourage seeking help, worsening outcomes
• Demographic factors:
  • Age influences job satisfaction and mental health (older workers face reduced decision-making authority).
  • Migrant workers at higher risk due to isolation, poor conditions, and limited access to healthcare
• Social support: Lack of supervisor and co-worker support contributes to poor wellbeing
• Psychological impacts of physical hazards: Injuries, unsafe work, and exposure to accidents increase distress and PTSD risks
• Implications:
  • Industry must recognize psychological hazards alongside physical ones.
  • Need for supportive policies, counselling services, peer and formal mental health support.
  • Substance abuse programs, suicide prevention, mindfulness, and stress management initiatives recommended.
  • Long-term, longitudinal studies needed to assess interventions and outcomes.