The first-of-its-kind training program designed especially for the construction industry, BRAVE: Building a Toolbox for Mental Health & Safety, has been launched by Wellness Workdays, a national leader in workplace wellness solutions. BRAVE was created to address the critical mental health issues facing the industry. It gives crews, safety managers, and frontline leaders the tools they need to recognize, manage, and stop mental health emergencies before they get worse.
When mental health and safety are most important, the BRAVE moniker is a distinctive acronym for a useful, human-centered framework that empowers leaders and colleagues to Be aware, Reach out, Actively listen, Validate and enlighten, and Encourage next steps, turning awareness into meaningful action. Of all occupations in the US, construction workers have some of the highest rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide. Safety, productivity, and retention are all directly impacted by the hidden crises that have been brought about by high-stress work environments, physical hazards, and the stigma associated with emotional fragility.
“Mental health is safety,” stated Debra Wein, CEO and Founder of Wellness Workdays. “BRAVE is not just another training program. It is a core layer of jobsite safety. By giving workers tools to recognize warning signs, listen without judgment, and connect peers to help, we’re building stronger, safer teams.”
Delivered in-person by certified behavioral health professionals with experience in safety environments, BRAVE uses real-world construction scenarios, role play, and guided discussion to help participants:
- Recognize signs of distress, substance misuse, and mental illness among coworkers
- Apply the 5-step BRAVE Action Plan for supportive, timely intervention
- Understand privacy, cultural humility, and de-escalation techniques
- Connect peers to professional help and workplace resources
- Practice self-care and manage emotional stress after difficult interactions
A half-day workshop or two 2-hour sessions can be used to teach the program, and assessments are conducted before and after training to gauge its effectiveness. A certificate of completion and additional support materials are given to participants.
To make sure BRAVE is useful, relatable, and effective, Wellness Workdays, which has more than 20 years of experience providing quantifiable health improvement programs to high-impact sectors, collaborated with mental health professionals, safety specialists, and construction teams. Many of the top 20 general contractors in the nation have already implemented this method.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
