Nova Scotia Construction Industry Faces Mental Health Challenges, New Survey Finds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2025

DARTMOUTH, NS – Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS), in partnership with research firm WorkInsights, has released the results of the first Nova Scotia-focused study on mental health in the construction sector.  Conducted in spring 2024, the study was commissioned to help bridge gap for data specific to Nova Scotia.

The survey included 1,171 construction workers from across the province. The findings reveal that high stress levels are at the centre of some of the industry’s leading mental and physical health challenges.

  • Over 36% of the workforce experience high or very high stress, directly affecting productivity, safety, and turnover.
  • High-stress environments lead to up to 60% more workplace incidents.
  • 40% of the workforce is currently considering leaving due to stress, increasing costs and disrupting operations.

“This report confirms what we have been hearing anecdotally,” said MJ MacDonald, CEO of Construction Safety Nova Scotia. “While studies from across Canada and the United States have highlighted mental health challenges in construction, this is the first time we have data specific to Nova Scotia. Now, we can clearly see how our workers are doing and, more importantly, how to help them. This report provides a concrete roadmap for change.”

Additional findings include:

  • 33% of workplace stress is directly linked to manager interactions, making supervisor support a key factor in worker wellbeing.
  • 37% of employees are dissatisfied with their relationship with their manager.
  • Positive manager relationships reduce turnover risk by 45% and lower stress-related impacts.
  • 26% of respondents regularly use alcohol or drugs to cope with stress. Workers who rely on substances are 157% more likely to report poor mental health, highlighting the urgent need for improved support systems on the job.
  • 35% of workers report experiencing discrimination or harassment, nearly doubling their risk of poor mental health.
  • 50% of workers do not feel comfortable discussing mental health with colleagues.

“These numbers reflect systemic issues affecting safety, productivity, and retention across the construction sector,” said Michael DeVenney, Founder of WorkInsights. “What workers are telling us is that they want healthier, more respectful, and more supportive workplaces.”

Despite these challenges, the study also identified a strong foundation within Nova Scotia’s construction workforce. Over 81% of workers find genuine purpose in their work, 85% clearly understand their job expectations, and 74% feel they are part of a cohesive team. These positive elements demonstrate that many workers are engaged, providing a solid platform for employers to build and strengthen mental health supports that promote healthier, more resilient workplaces.

The report, titled Creating Mentally Healthy Workplaces, is available now at constructionsafetyns.ca/mentallyhealthyworkplaces. It includes detailed analysis and three high-impact recommendations:

  • Train and support managers, who are the most influential factor in worker mental health.
  • Expand access to therapy, especially through online platforms.
  • Provide managers with the time and resources they need to lead psychologically safe teams.

In response, CSNS is expanding its current mental health programming with new training programs and resources launching later this year, including:

  • Three new courses:
    • Occupational Mental Health (e-learning for all workers)
    • Opening the Door to Support (e-learning for supervisors)
    • The Working Mind for the Trades (training for leaders)
  • Establish an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  in partnership with Merit Nova Scotia to provide mental health services for small and mid-sized construction companies
  • New toolbox talks

“Addressing the mental health challenges in our industry will require leadership at all levels, but most importantly, that leadership needs to come from individual employers,” said MacDonald. “Creating a mentally healthy workplace starts at the company level, with a commitment to listening to workers and taking meaningful action. As the leading safety resource for the industry, CSNS will continue to expand education, training, and support systems to meet our members’ needs, but it’s up to employers to take the lead and use these tools to build safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces.”

The survey had 1,171 respondents from across the Nova Scotia construction sector, representing diverse roles, company sizes and specializations. The quality of the methodology is reflected in the standard deviation of 0.51.

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ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SAFETY NOVA SCOTIA
Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS) is an industry-founded and industry-funded not-for-profit association focused on improving occupational health and safety in the construction sector. CSNS is a highly regarded leader in OHS services with over 300,000 students trained in health and safety and over 1,050 firms attaining the association’s Certificate of Recognition (COR®) safety certification. The board of directors, OHS advisors, and CSNS staff work towards a safer construction industry by engaging with its membership to reduce injuries and improve safety culture. The association is passionate about saving lives and reducing injuries through industry-tailored instruction and advice. To learn more, visit constructionsafetyns.ca.

ABOUT WORKINSIGHTS
WorkInsights is an analytics and research consultancy specializing in workforce strategy and employee experience. Founded by Michael DeVenney, WorkInsights helps organizations deeply understand employee perspectives across critical areas including workplace mental health, productivity, and readiness for AI adoption. By leveraging customized surveys, advanced analytics, and industry expertise, WorkInsights delivers actionable insights that enable companies to strengthen their workforce, improve operational performance, and strategically integrate technology. To learn more, visit workinsights.io.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Kehoe
Director, Strategy & Engagement
Cell: 902-209-5658
Email: skehoe@constructionsafetyns.ca