Fatigue/Burnout & Construction
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) burnout is defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Three key dimensions are: exhaustion(fatigue), mental distance or cynicism towards one's job and reduced professional efficacy.
Fatigue poses a serious safety risk in the construction industry, impairing reaction time, decision-making, and cognitive function to levels comparable with legal intoxication. Common causes include long work hours, irregular shifts, repetitive tasks, and environmental stressors such as heat. Workers suffering from fatigue are significantly more vulnerable to accidents, injuries, and decreased productivity. Prioritizing fatigue management is crucial for enhancing safety, efficiency, and overall performance on the job site (Under the Hard Hat).
Preventing Burnout
Preventing burnout starts with self-awareness. Watch for symptoms and proactively maintain balance, even amid the pressures of a construction site. Don’t hesitate to seek support—whether from coworkers, therapy, or friends and family. Prioritize self-care: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social connection are powerful tools to fight fatigue and stay sharp, helping you avoid costly mistakes, delays, or injuries.
Resources & Services
Health Advocate (Employee Assistance Program)
Website : www.healthadvocate.com/site/
Member Login: www.healthadvocate.com/members
Call: 1-877-240-6863
Email: answers@healthadvocate.com
Live Chat Available
APP Available in Apple App Store or Google Play
Phone Available 24/7 / Live Chat Available Monday - Friday 5:00 AM to 6:50 PM / Email Responses Monday - Friday 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Description
Health Advocate is an Employee Assistance Program designed to make navigating health and wellness easier and more personal, with the goal of improving overall outcomes. UA Local 393 has partnered with Health Advocate to offer customized resources for its members. The platform covers a wide range of topics—from physical health tools like risk assessments and healthy recipes to mental health support for issues such as depression, anger, and relationship conflict. It also includes workplace-focused resources on conflict resolution, effective management, and work-life balance.
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Members can access Health Advocate through its website or mobile app, and all services are completely confidential. It’s important to note that Health Advocate is not a healthcare provider or insurance company, but rather a support system to help guide members toward the right resources and care.
What to Expect
UA Local 393 members have access to a wide range of support through Health Advocate’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Each member is eligible for up to three counseling sessions per issue, per year. For example, three sessions for parenting concerns and three for work-related stress. In addition, members receive a 30-minute consultation with both a lawyer and a financial specialist, with the option to request more time if dealing with multiple issues. The program also includes four free hours of in-person training and unlimited access to articles, videos, and activities on the platform.
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Health Advocate services are available not only to members but also to their spouses, dependent children, parents, and parents-in-law at no extra cost. To get started, members can call the Health Advocate EAP number and speak with a representative, who will ask for their name and employer to confirm eligibility. The representative will then connect them with resources tailored to their needs, including a list of qualified providers and help with scheduling appointments or finding long-term support if needed.
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Phone is the recommended method for accessing counseling sessions, as chat and email support are only available Monday through Friday during limited hours. For self-guided resources, members can log in to the platform and use the search bar in the top right corner to find materials on specific topics.
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The EAP is a great starting point for addressing burnout and other challenges, offering both professional guidance and self-directed tools.
Wellness Tools for the Trades
Website: www.wellnesstoolsforthetrades.com
Check out Mental Health & Wellness Schedule to see workshops available at the Training Center!
Description
Wellness Tools for the Trades is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of those in the construction industry. They offer interactive, expert-led workshops tailored to the unique challenges of high-stress, physically demanding trades, with a focus on community building and long-term wellness.
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They are a regular partner in our Mental Health & Wellness workshop series, offering regular yoga classes, self-care workshops and resiliency training.
What to Expect
When you attend a Wellness Tools for the Trades workshop, you’ll be guided by instructors who truly understand the construction industry and its culture. Their sessions reflect the demands of the job, with activities designed to resonate with your experiences. Workshops are team-oriented and foster a sense of camaraderie that mirrors the connection found on the jobsite, creating a space that feels familiar, supportive, and engaging.
These workshops also offer practical tools to help combat burnout, including meditation and movement to balance your energy, guidance on building a self-care routine, and a strong support network that understands your world. Wellness Tools for the Trades brings together community, expertise, and actionable strategies to help you feel better both on and off the job.
Learn More
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