Builders Should Treat Mental Health and Substance Abuse as Safety Issues
Every week during National Safety Month, NAHB and other partners will focus on a different aspect of jobsite safety. This week is mental health and substance abuse.
Everyone agrees that substance abuse carries a very real safety issue on jobsites. But how should you address an employee or contractor that you suspect is impaired? And is your goal to treat them and have them return to work safely as soon as possible?
NAHB has numerous resources that can help identify and address substance abuse issues and create a path for return to work, including resources for tackling Opioids in the Home Building Industry and a video toolbox talk on Substance Misuse.
Mental health issues may not be considered a safety concern, but workers who are distracted by or fatigued due to their mental health circumstances may pose a real danger to themselves and others on jobsites.
Although mental health is a tricky issue for many, the most powerful and direct first step to addressing them with a worker is a simple, “How are you doing?” When someone knows they are supported, seeking professional help is much easier.
NAHB also has resources to help home builders navigate these tricky conversations. Check out the various resources on the Mental Health and Wellbeing page, and watch the video toolbox talk on Mental Health, also embedded below.
It can be difficult to talk about mental health and substance abuse, but in an era of labor shortages and heightened stress, it’s a business necessity to keep workers safe and on the job.
Latest from NAHBNow
Economics
Aug 31, 2026
Which New Construction Markets are Most Attractive for Out-of-Town Buyers?
Based on data from the latest New-Construction Insights report from Realtor.com, out-of-town buyers are driving the new construction market. See which areas are drawing the most interest.
Environmental Issues | Advocacy
Aug 28, 2026
Key Environmental Review Reforms in the ROAD to Housing Act
The recently enacted 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act includes a key NAHB-backed provision that will streamline environmental reviews, reduce permitting delays and provide greater certainty for builders.
Latest Economic News
Economics
Aug 28, 2026
Multifamily Absorption Rate Remains Below 50%
The percentage of new apartment units that were absorbed within three months after completion was down five percentage points in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau’s latest release of the Survey of Market Absorption of New Multifamily Units (SOMA).
Economics
Aug 27, 2026
Small Decline for Single-Family Home Size
New single-family home size had been falling since 2015 in response to declining affordability conditions. An exception occurred in 2021, when new home size increased as interest rates reached historic lows.
Economics
Aug 26, 2026
PCE Inflation Remains Sticky
The latest report shows the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge remains sticky in July, complicating the Fed’s path to its long-term 2% target. Meanwhile, consumer spending remains resilient but is showing signs of slowing, with real consumer spending unchanged in July. Households are pulling back on spending amid persistent inflation.