In a significant move to address mental health challenges within the construction industry, Wayne State University has introduced a comprehensive mental health awareness training program available to Michigan’s construction professionals through September 2025. This initiative, funded by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), aims to equip workers with the tools to recognize mental health issues, foster resilience, and promote overall workplace well-being.
The construction sector has been grappling with alarming mental health statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate among construction workers stands at 45.3 per 100,000, which is more than triple the national average of 14.3 per 100,000. Factors contributing to this include physical exhaustion, chronic pain, challenging work schedules, and high-pressure environments.
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Recognizing these challenges, Wayne State’s program offers free training sessions tailored for construction workers, safety managers, site superintendents, and employers. The training is accessible in various formats, including in-person seminars, live online webinars, and a self-paced online course suitable for groups of five or more. Each session spans approximately 2.5 hours and encompasses registration, assessments, and a feedback survey. Participants who complete the training receive a certificate of completion.
The curriculum focuses on raising awareness rather than providing treatment. Key topics include identifying signs and symptoms of mental illness, understanding the workplace impacts of poor mental health, suicide prevention strategies, addiction recovery resources, and building both personal and organizational resilience.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by MIOSHA, which recently awarded $870,000 in training grants to 20 nonprofit organizations across the state. These grants aim to strengthen worker safety and health, with a particular emphasis on mental health awareness in high-risk industries like construction.
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For more information or to schedule a training session, interested parties can visit Wayne State University’s registration site at https://shgsilica.eng.wayne.edu/mental or contact the training team directly.
By proactively addressing mental health concerns, Wayne State University and MIOSHA are taking crucial steps to support the well-being of Michigan’s construction workforce, aiming to reduce stigma and foster a culture of resilience and support within the industry.
