‘Trades work includes different psychological and environmental hazards contributing to poor mental health’
A new report released by Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) is highlighting the mental health and substance use challenges faced by skilled trades workers.
While tradespeople face mental health distress at rates similar to other Canadian workers, the causes and consequences are often unique, says the report.
“Trades work includes some different and specific psychological and environmental hazards contributing to poor mental health.”
Prepared by the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation and based on a survey of over 1,000 union members, it finds that nearly half of tradespeople rate their mental health as fair (29%) or poor (17%), “with significant effects from work environments (42%).”
Substance use challenges
The findings reveal a troubling connection between job-related pain, substance use, and barriers to accessing support.
“There is a strong correlation between tradespeople leveraging substances to help manage physical or psychological pain,” the report states.
One in four of the respondents say they use substances daily or weekly to cope, and 28% report having experienced addiction.
And one-third of tradespeople had suffered a work injury requiring pain management, and among these, half used substances regularly.
“Pain prevention is addiction prevention,” the report asserts, urging employers to work with unions to reduce workplace injuries and ergonomic stressors.
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Mental health challenges among tradespeople
The mental health challenges facing tradespeople are both widespread and deeply rooted in the nature of their work. The report reveals that stress is nearly universal, with 77% of respondents experiencing it, while anxiety (62%), burnout (50%), and depression (45%) are also common.
These issues are often compounded by the demanding physical environment, unpredictable schedules, and financial pressures that characterize many skilled trades. The survey found that 42% of those with less than good mental health attribute their struggles directly to job-related factors, underscoring the significant impact of workplace conditions on psychological well-being.
Complicating matters further, a substantial number of tradespeople turn to substances as a coping mechanism. One in four reported using drugs or alcohol daily or weekly to manage mental health symptoms, and those who have suffered serious work-related pain are especially vulnerable to regular substance use.
The report also notes that 28% of respondents have experienced addiction at some point, and that sustained pain and mental health distress are key pathways leading to substance dependence.
Stigma and barriers to seeking help
While awareness of union mental health programs is high, stigma continues to prevent many from seeking help. “Stigma remains a primary barrier to accessing union-provided mental health and addiction programs,” the report notes, with 24% citing stigma, followed by cost (22%), time (21%), and fear of repercussions (20%).
Only 10% of members have actually used the available supports.
The report calls for targeted campaigns to increase awareness and reduce stigma, suggesting, “messages from those who’ve experienced the stigma may land better.”
It also recommends celebrating workers who have succeeded through union programs to encourage others to seek help.
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Union support for mental health
Despite these challenges, 84% of those surveyed believe their union provides necessary mental health supports, and most feel comfortable discussing mental health (60%) or substance use (62%) with their union.
In response to the findings, CBTU is launching a Mental Health and Substance Use Committee.
“By working together, sharing best practices, and advocating for consistent standards across the country, we can provide the comprehensive support our members deserve, strengthen the existing bonds within our unions, and create lasting positive change,” said Robert Kucheran, Chairman of the CBTU Executive Board.
The report’s recommendations include:
- Increasing awareness of addiction and mental health programs, leveraging union community.
- Collaborating with employers to reduce workplace injuries.
- Encouraging a sense of belonging to promote help-seeking.
- Recognizing and addressing physical pain as a mental health risk factor.
