HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4677

HR 4677

ByRepresentatives Leavitt, Rule, Paul, Zahn, Berg, Pollet, Callan, Schmidt, Richards, Berry, Salahuddin, Ryu, Simmons, Parshley, Schmick, Nance, Bernbaum, Bronoske, Hall, Fosse, Santos, Macri, and Obras

WHEREAS, Construction workers experience significantly higher rates of suicide than the general population, and national data consistently identify construction as the occupation with the highest suicide rate in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Construction workers represent a disproportionate share of workforce suicides despite comprising a smaller percentage of the total workforce; and

WHEREAS, Substance use disorders, including opioid misuse, disproportionately impact construction workers, often linked to work-related injuries, chronic pain, and hazardous working conditions; and

WHEREAS, The construction industry consistently ranks among the highest for heavy alcohol use, illicit drug use, and opioid-related harm; and

WHEREAS, The physically demanding nature of construction work, combined with long hours, cyclical employment, high injury rates, jobsite culture, and economic instability, contributes to elevated rates of stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and untreated behavioral health conditions; and

WHEREAS, Access to timely, culturally competent behavioral health care, including prevention services, peer support, substance use treatment, and recovery resources, is essential to sustaining a safe, skilled, and resilient construction workforce; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing behavioral health challenges within the construction industry, further highlighting gaps in access to care and support; and

WHEREAS, Construction workers experience heightened behavioral health challenges when work becomes scarce, due to reduced federal and state public works opportunities, project permitting challenges, and other economic factors that slow project delivery, limit job availability, and contribute to economic instability and stress across the construction workforce; and

WHEREAS, Reducing stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders is critical to fostering a culture of safety, dignity, and care within the trades and encouraging workers to seek help without fear of judgment or retaliation; and

WHEREAS, Supporting construction workers' behavioral health strengthens not only individual workers and their families but also the broader economy, public safety, and the long-term stability of Washington's workforce;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the importance of behavioral health awareness, prevention, and access for construction workers across Washington state; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the value of collaboration across sectors to advance behavioral health resources tailored to the construction workforce.