Website aims to help area construction industry navigate COVID challenges
ST. LOUIS – While the construction industry has been deemed an “essential industry” during the pandemic, the daily stress of navigating Covid-19 has created some unique challenges. In response, the nonprofit Construction Forum has created a website with helpful resources and videos to support industry efforts to better manage stress on the job and other issues that can compromise the overall health and wellbeing of the construction workforce.
The website – www.TellMeHowSTL.com – was created from a more incisive way to learn about the wellbeing of others, “Tell me how you are doing.”
Funded by a $10,000 grant awarded by the COVID-19 Regional Response Fund, a community coalition fund housed at the St. Louis Community Foundation, the web site and videos address specific topics, including:
• Family Support
• Isolation and Loneliness
• Staying Safe
• Substance Misuse
• Financial Life Resources
• Resilience
• Stress/Suicide
• Support Your Own Mental Health.
In its grant application, Construction Forum noted, “In the COVID-19 crisis, construction is considered ‘essential,’ which adds a level of stress for construction workers. In ‘normal’ times, workers, both field and office, face a number of stressors. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and insurance data, recent statistics have shown construction has one of the highest overdose fatality rates and a growing rate of suicides. Project schedules can be relentless, some workers work sporadically, and craftworkers’ jobs are physically punishing (a factor that is exacerbated by a rising average age of craftspeople).”
TellMeHowSTL.com contains resources developed by a subject matter team that includes:
• Dr. Ann Dale, assistant professor of medicine and occupational Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Dale and her team are subject matter experts on construction-related health and interventions.
• Team Lead, Tom Finan, executive director, Construction Forum – communication and social media expert with over four decades in construction industry.
• Dr. John Gaal led union workforce and training efforts in Missouri and Illinois for over 30 years. Today he is recognized as an expert in issues related to workplace behavioral health.
• Justin Schmeltz, civil engineer, chair of Construction Forum’s Emerging Leaders – a 150-member group that is a cross-section of young people in construction.
• Diana Wilhold, deputy executive director, Construction Forum, educator, talent pipeline development and public health prevention professional, connected with educational institutions and community-based organizations.
• Don Willey, business manager for Laborers Local 110, is an advocate and authority in the areas of construction-related behavioral health/substance abuse.
The project has been endorsed by representatives of Laborers Local 110, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, SAK Construction Inc., Southern Illinois Builders Association, St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, T.J. Wies Contracting, and Washington University School of Medicine. It is also supported by many of region’s largest general contractors and leading construction industry organizations.
The videos were produced by Solstice Productions with Solstice CEO Amanda Aschinger serving as executive producer.
Construction Forum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2013. The Forum’s Mission is, “To facilitate the collaboration of all the stakeholders in the St.Louis region’s built environment in creating inclusive, robust employment and economic growth.”
