Introducing “Protecting Under the Hard Hat” at the ACCNJ Safety Council Meeting

Last Friday, Chris Lalevee and I had the opportunity to present at the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey Safety Council Meeting, where we introduced a new initiative focused on supporting mental health and well-being in the construction industry: Protecting Under the Hard Hat.

This project has been made possible through a meaningful collaboration with Therese Edwards from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, as well as the outstanding students Andrew Couto, Franco Giovannetti, and Krish Patel.

Protecting Under the Hard Hat is designed to provide construction workers with access to fully confidential mental health and wellness support resources. Although the platform is still in its early stages, it already connects workers with important support services and organizations, including 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace.

We are grateful to the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey for the opportunity to share this work and engage with industry leaders on the importance of mental health support in construction environments. This initiative is only the beginning, and we are excited to continue expanding the platform, growing the resource base, and supporting workers and organizations across New Jersey and New York!