Eluna has published a compelling article titled “Impact of Grief and Addiction in the Construction Industry,” shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by construction professionals. The piece delves into how personal grief and family-related substance misuse can significantly affect workers’ mental health, job performance, and overall safety on the job site.

The article emphasizes that the physically demanding and high-risk nature of construction work can exacerbate the emotional strain associated with personal loss or a loved one’s addiction. These challenges, if left unaddressed, not only affect individual well-being but also pose risks to workplace safety and productivity.

Eluna’s mission is to support individuals and families impacted by grief or addiction, and this article serves as a vital resource for industry professionals seeking to understand and address these issues within their teams. By bringing these topics to the forefront, Eluna encourages a more supportive and resilient workforce in the construction community.

From Elunanetwork.org:

In the fast-paced, physically demanding world of the trade industry, grief and substance misuse often remain unspoken struggles. Behind the hard hats and steel-toed boots are individuals carrying heavy emotional burdens—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the loss of a colleague, or the challenge of navigating a family member’s addiction.

The nature of trade work, high physical demands and safety risks, can make it difficult for employees to process grief or cope with family-related substance misuse. Left unaddressed, these struggles can impact job performance, workplace safety, and construction employees’ overall well-being.

The Growing Challenge of Grief & Addiction in the Trades

  • Grief Is More Common Than You Think: According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), 1 in 12 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before age 18. Many of these children become adults in the workforce, carrying unresolved grief with them.

  • Widespread Impact of the Drug Crisis: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that 46.3 million Americans aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2021. For trade workers with family members battling substance misuse, this means navigating emotional stress at home while performing high-risk jobs.

  • The Link Between Grief, Substance Misuse & Safety Risks: Grieving employees or those struggling with addiction-related stress are more vulnerable to fatigue, distraction, and impaired decision-making—heightening the risk of workplace accidents.