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
Jun 23, 2026
NAHB Applauds Congressional Passage of Landmark Housing BillNAHB Chairman Bill Owens issued the following statement after the House passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, sending the bill to President Trump to be signed into law.
Jun 23, 2026
Jobs-to-Permits Ratios Highlight Housing GapHome building activity did not fully keep pace with demand driven by job gains as strong labor market growth continued to put pressure on the nation's housing supply in 2024.
Latest Economic News
Jun 22, 2026
Structural Demand Outpacing Supply: Jobs-to-Permits Ratios Highlight Housing GapStrong labor market growth continued to put pressure on the nation’s housing supply in 2024, as home building activity did not fully keep pace with demand driven by job gains. Comparing net new jobs with prior-year permitting activity helps show whether the pace of housing construction is keeping up with potential household formation and broader economic growth.
Jun 18, 2026
Gains for Household Real Estate AssetsThe market value of households’ real estate assets rose to a new high in the first quarter reaching $48.7 trillion, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. This level is 1.7% higher than in the fourth quarter and is 2.6% higher than a year ago.
Jun 17, 2026
A Laconic Statement: Hawkish Hold and New Plans from the FedWith a new Fed Chair and plans for evolving operating strategies, the Federal Reserve maintained its target policy rate at the conclusion of the June Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. For the fourth consecutive meeting, the FOMC maintained the short-term federal funds rate at a top rate of 3.75%.