The Urgency of Mental Health in the Trades
The construction and trades sector faces some of the highest risks for mental health challenges.
According to Statistics Canada, 33 per cent of men in the construction industry report poor mental health. Furthermore, 64 per cent of construction workers wished their employers did more to support mental health initiatives.
Long hours, physically demanding work, and a cultural stigma around vulnerability all contribute to these risks. For years, mental health remained a shadowed topic, overshadowed by physical health and safety concerns.
However, recent years have shown a seismic shift in priorities, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA). Recognizing the unique mental health challenges faced by trades workers, the IHSA partnered with Opening Minds to develop The Working Mind for the Trades—a customized version of the renowned mental health training program tailored specifically to meet the needs of this sector.
“We might talk about aches and pains, but we don’t always share feelings and that is probably the biggest barrier, the stigma,” explains Kathy Martin, a research and mental health specialist with IHSA.
A Trailblazing Approach
IHSA’s decision to partner with Opening Minds was driven by its commitment to providing meaningful solutions for the trades sector. Kathy Martin recalls the initial motivation:
“There’s many reasons why IHSA wanted to go with the Mental Health Commission and customize the program that you already had. I think for us, it was really beneficial to work with an organization who has credibility in the space, which the Mental Health Commission obviously does.”
What set this collaboration apart was IHSA’s insistence on sector-specific customization.
“We knew the best impact is going to be to customize this and put that sector-specific lens on,” says Michelle Roberts, Vice President of Stakeholder Relations. “And that’s the part I’m proud of because we had industry volunteers who wanted to share their story, and really, that is what will have long-lasting impact for the future.”
This custom approach ensured the program resonated with participants. The storytelling component featured six videos showcasing real-life trades workers across the industry including transportation, electrical utilities and construction. These contributors shared their struggles and recovery journeys. These relatable narratives helped break down barriers and foster genuine engagement.
“This program is a game changer, and it’s only just begun,” says Charles Boyer, Manager of Client Solutions at Opening Minds. “The joint effort with IHSA has produced a course that was built by the trades, for the trades and the feedback has been phenomenal…”
Excellence in Delivery: Facilitator Perspectives
The program’s success is not only attributed to its content but also to its delivery. Facilitators like Derek Baranowski , an Opening Minds leadmaster trainer and a fire fighter of 25 years with the Burlington Fire Department, who understand working in a highly male dominated industry, play a crucial role in creating an environment where participants feel comfortable engaging with mental health topics.
“When you feel vulnerable, it is not a sign of weakness,” Baranowski often reminds his participants. Facilitating for the trades requires a nuanced approach. “You can tell by their body language that for some, when they come into the class, it is required training. They are coming for the donuts and coffee. That’s ok—we have them with us. Once we start though, we see people open up.”
The use of industry-relevant statistics and scenarios is another key to the program’s success. “Having the scenarios and statistics be relevant to the trades, you realize the significance in the industry,” he adds. This targeted approach allows participants to see the relevance of mental health discussions in their own lives.
Hope for the Future
Since the launch of The Working Mind for the Trades, the response from the industry has been overwhelmingly positive. Companies are beginning to see mental health as an integral part of workplace safety.
Michelle Roberts reflects on the transformation: ” This is a guy’s guy who I can see myself in. This could be my similar journey that I’ve experienced, and maybe I do need to listen, right?”
For IHSA, this program represents only the beginning. “The Working Mind for the Trades is just one very small piece of a really big puzzle that I am trying to pull together,” says Kathy Martin. “I see hope just in talking with people—they’re so willing and wanting to have these conversations in their workplaces, and often, what I hear is it’s about time.”
Continuing the Momentum
As The Working Mind for the Trades continues to gain traction, IHSA and Opening Minds remain committed to expanding its reach. With every course delivered, they’re making a tangible impact, one conversation at a time.
The trades sector has taken a bold step forward, proving that meaningful change is possible when innovative programs meet the needs of the workforce. For companies in the trades sector, the message is clear: The time to invest in mental health is now.
Source: ‘Planting a seed’ of support critical to mental health in construction
