Written by LDCA Staff
Image by ChatGPT

The construction industry has long been defined by its grit, tight deadlines, and the 'tough guy' culture; everyone wears a hard hat, steel toed boots and a high viz vest. While these characteristics successfully built the industry we know today, they've also created an industry  with  some serious problems: the industry struggles with exceptionally high rates of stress, burnout, and mental health crises.

The good news? The narrative is finally changing.

Across North America and locally, construction firms, industry leaders, and workers themselves are leading a movement  to create a more caring, supportive, and psychologically safe environment. It's an evolution that recognizes the health of the workforce is  part of a health and safety challenge and is as critical as the building process.

The Stark Reality That Sparked Change
The urgent need for a culture shift was driven by sobering statistics. Historically, the construction sector has ranked among the highest percentages of workers report experiencing significant stress and poor mental health.

The well-documental causal factors include:

• Physically demanding work that leads to chronic pain and fatigue.

• Extended time away from family and support systems due to remote sites and long shifts.

• A culture where openly discussing mental or emotional struggles was seen as a sign of weakness.

Today, LDCA leaders are moving away from simply reacting to incidents and are focusing on proactively building resilience and support from the ground up.

Ways the Industry is Building a Culture of Care
Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has integrated Mental Health as one of its core elements for Occupational Health and Safety. They now provide specialized training, and resources  to address workplace psychological wellness.

LiUNA local 1059 is considered a leader in supporting mental health for their members and families:

• Local 1059 runs its own specialized EAP, often in partnership with organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thames Valley Addiction & Mental Health Services.

• LiUNA Local 1059 has a Wellness Centre in London that aims to provide various health services, and their benefits package explicitly covers psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker services, with a focus on no-cost access for members and their dependents. This removes the major barrier of cost and access.

• They offer virtual mental health therapy, online assessments, and a resource library, ensuring 24/7, confidential access.

Provincially, the Ontario General Contractors Association, (OGCA) and the Canadian Mental Health Association have teamed up to track data  in order tou unmask mental heal in the construction industry.  The Building & Construction Trades Council of Ontario developed Building Mental Health in the Construction Workplace, a training package for members.

The most progressive construction companies are now embedding well-being into their daily operations, treating mental health with the same priority as physical safety.

• Training key leaders, on and off site, how to recognize the signs of declining mental health, how to initiate conversation and provide direction to professional help and integrating wellness into the workflow.

• Establishing peer support networks to ensure help is available, in an approachable way.

• Normalizing the mental wellness conversation on the jobsite through Toolbox Talks, and resources prominently visible.

• Recognizing that exhaustion, declining mental wellness and stress are safety risks.

• Investing in Total Worker Health which includes a holistic approach which encourages physical activity, nutrition, work life balance and includes extended health benefits.

Leaders are learning to create a space where employees feel psychologically safe .

The Business Case for Being Better
The ethical and moral need to support workers is clear, the business benefits are equally as compelling:

• Data shows happier, healthier employees are more focused and more productive.

• Addressing mental health concerns reduces sick days and presenteeism (being at work but unable to function effectively).

• A supportive environment is a key factor in attracting and keeping talented workers, (particularly important as we face a critical skilled workforce shortage).

• Stress and distraction are major contributing factors to site accidents.

The construction industry is engaged in a profound culture rebuilding project. By valuing compassion, open dialogue, and support, it is not just building safer sites; it is building a stronger, more resilient future for our industry.

LDCA has a series of presentations called Mental Health Matters, designed to educate and support Human Resources and Health and Safety Professionals working for LDCA members. Interested? Find out more HERE

Written by LDA Staff and ChatGPT

In the world of construction, success hinges on more than just blueprints and physical labor. It requires leadership that innovates, fosters collaboration, and drives the entire industry forward.

Case in point: There was no local construction association in London, Ontario when the collapse on January 3, 1898, of  City Hall's top floor, resulted in the deaths of 14 people and many other injuries. In the wake of the disaster, (just over four weeks later), several industry  champions mobilized local construction companies to come together to form the London Builders' Exchange (LBE), (this organization would eventually become the LDCA).

The members of LBE, (the third construction association formed in Canada), connected with the Toronto builders, and another exchange in Detroit, selected a Board of Directors and began operating under a core principle that still guide the LDCA over a century later: exceptional leadership is necessary for ensuring the success and the safety of  everyone working in the construction industry.

LDCA’s committed leadership  has demonstrated a steadfastness, which is evident in its continuous advocacy, education and professional development resources, member services, and dedication to safety and community engagement

Advocacy and a Collective Voice
We work to maintain strong relationships with local, provincial, and national government bodies, ensuring local industry's concerns are heard and addressed in policymaking.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, LDCA provided daily updates to its members on new health and safety standards, working with government ministries to disseminate new protocols quickly. This proactive approach helped construction sites stay operational and workers safe.

Education and Skill Development
Leadership in construction means preparing the workforce for the future and supporting workforce development. LDCA provides extensive educational and  professional development resources and access to leadership training through our Education partners, CCA, BuildForce Canada and IHSA. We continuously work to find ways to offer  members opportunities so they can stay competitive up-to-date and plan for the future. LDCA recently added courses by Constructing Minds and ESCTT for Microsoft Excel training.

The LDCA also recognizes the importance of attracting a new labour force to the skilled trades. LDCA has led the way for our local Level UP Skilled Trades Fair; initiating on site builds and expanding the scope of the event through member participation. By offering this kind of targeted promotion to middle and High School aged students, the LDCA helps to close the skills gap and build a stronger, dedicated workforce for the future.

Innovation and Business Support
LDCA's leadership extends to fostering innovation and providing crucial business support. The association offers members access to the Link2Build Electronic Plans Room, an exclusive portal with bid opportunities, and a consistent, comprehensive flow of information and updates which impact our industry, including:

• Industry forecasts
• Construction legislation updates
• Health and Safety information
• Green and Sustainable building methods and materials
• New industry technology for improved site safety and management.

LDCA also provides Networking Opportunities which helps keep our members connected helping to build and reinforce industry relationships. The annual How’s Business Symposium is an example of both education and networking combined. LDCA also provides member access to a flow of accessible news and industry updates.

Community Engagement and Safety
LDCA champions a culture of safety excellence via connection s with League of Champions and sits on the Ministry of Labour Skills and Training Health and Safety Committee. We provide resources and training to help member companies develop site safety management programs, which protects workers' lives and thereby protects our industry. The LDCA created an environment where safety is a core value, not just a regulatory requirement.

LDCA's existence is rooted in industry leadership. Our core principle is still that exceptional leadership is necessary for ensuring the success and safety of everyone in the construction industry.