Recently on The Kevin and Taylor Morning Show, Host Kevin and Taylor spoke with the president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia Bill Anderson about new efforts focused on mental health awareness in the construction industry during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Anderson said the initiative is aimed at expanding the conversation around worker wellbeing beyond physical safety on job sites.
“We are really focusing on the mental health of workers in the commercial construction industry,” Anderson said during the interview. “We also want to protect the mental wellbeing as well.”
He explained that construction work comes with high-risk environments where focus and attention are critical, and personal stress or mental health challenges can increase the likelihood of accidents.
“If a worker has mental health issues for whatever it may be, bringing it from home, personal issues, they’re going to be a little bit more in danger on a construction job site,” Anderson said. “If they make mistakes, if they’re facing mental health issues, because it’s not like going into an office… on a job site, it can be very dangerous and hazardous if their mind is not focused on their job, because it can mean an injury or even worse.”
Anderson said the organization has made mental health a priority through training, education, and partnerships across the state. He noted that Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia was a founding member of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention and continues to work on expanding access to resources.
“We were a founding member of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention,” Anderson said. “That is something that’s really been absolutely critical to make sure that everyone is aware of that.”
The organization also promotes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides immediate help through phone calls or text messages. Anderson emphasized the importance of awareness and open communication around mental health issues in the workplace.
“I just want to encourage everybody to say, ‘Hey, it’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to address mental health issues,’” he said.
Kevin and Taylor also discussed how mental health awareness is increasingly becoming a focus in industries where job site safety is essential, noting that stress and personal challenges can have real-world consequences on high-risk work environments.
The conversation comes as Mental Health Awareness Month continues, with organizations across Georgia and the country promoting resources and encouraging open discussions about emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.
To listen to the full interview, click HERE.
