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A new mental health survey of workers in the Nova Scotia construction industry has revealed that more than 36 per cent of the frontline workforce is experiencing elevated or very high levels of stress that is significantly affecting their productivity, safety and employee turnover on building sites.

Of those construction workers employed in high-stress environments, the survey found that up to 60 per cent are more likely to be involved in workplace incidents. Additionally, 40 per cent of the surveyed workers indicated they were considering leaving the industry due to stress-related concerns.

The survey, titled Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces, confirms that high stress is a key factor behind many of the industry’s most pressing issues — including workplace safety, turnover and substance use.

It was commissioned by ��������ion Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS) and conducted by WorkInsights, a research firm specializing in workforce strategy. The findings are based on responses from more than 1,170 respondents from across the Nova Scotia construction sector, representing diverse roles, company sizes and specializations.

“This report confirms what we have been hearing anecdotally,” says CSNS CEO MJ MacDonald. “While studies from across Canada and the United States have highlighted mental health challenges in construction, this is the first time we have data specific to Nova Scotia.

“Now, we can clearly see how our workers are doing and, more importantly, how to help them. This report provides a concrete roadmap for change.” 

The report was commissioned to help bridge the gap for data specific to mental health in the construction industry in Nova Scotia. It is the first-ever comprehensive study of mental health in the province’s construction industry.

Overall, the findings reveal that high stress levels are at the centre of some of the industry’s leading mental and physical health challenges.

Specifically, the survey found that high-stress environments lead to up to 60 per cent more workplace incidents, yet 50 per cent of workers do not feel comfortable discussing mental health with colleagues.

Alarmingly, 26 per cent of respondents indicated that they regularly use alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. And, the survey found, workers who rely on substances are 157 per cent more likely to report poor mental health, highlighting the urgent need for improved support systems on the job.

Additionally, the findings showed that 33 per cent of workplace stress is directly linked to manager interactions, making supervisor support a key factor in worker wellbeing. Thirty-seven per cent of employees reported being dissatisfied with their relationship with their manager.

Positive manager relationships were found to reduce turnover risk by 45 per cent and lower stress-related impacts.

The survey indicated that discrimination and harassment persist, as 35 per cent of workers reported experiencing discrimination or harassment on the job, nearly doubling their risk of poor mental health.

Michael DeVenney, founder of WorkInsights, says the numbers reflect “systemic issues” affecting safety, productivity and retention across the construction sector.

“What workers are telling us is that they want healthier, more respectful, and more supportive workplaces.”

Despite the challenges, there were some bright spots. The study also identified a strong foundation within Nova Scotia’s construction workforce.

More than 81 per cent of workers find genuine purpose in their work, 85 per cent reported they clearly understand their job expectations, and 74 per cent feel they are part of a cohesive team. The survey teams say the findings demonstrate that many workers are engaged, providing a solid platform for employers to build and strengthen mental health supports.

The research team concluded that the industry needs to train and support managers who are the most influential factor in worker mental health, expand access to therapy, especially through online platforms, and provide managers with the time and resources they need to lead psychologically safe teams.

In response to the findings, CSNS is expanding its mental health programming with new training programs and resources for workers and managers, as well as expanding access to online therapy, and giving supervisors time and tools to lead psychologically safe teams.

Three new training courses are being launched. An occupational mental health e-learning program is being offered for all workers along with an e-learning course on opening the door to support for supervisors. Training for leaders is also set to begin.

Meantime, CSNS is also establishing a new employee assistance program in partnership with Merit Nova Scotia to provide mental health services for small and mid-sized construction employers in the province, and new toolbox talks are being developed by the organization.

“Addressing the mental health challenges in our industry will require leadership at all levels, but most importantly, that leadership needs to come from individual employers,” says MacDonald.

“Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts at the company level, with a commitment to listening to workers and taking meaningful action. As the leading safety resource for the industry, CSNS will continue to expand education, training, and support systems to meet our members’ needs, but it’s up to employers to take the lead and use these tools to build safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces.”