Safety is at the core of everything we do at Vulcan Materials Co.
Traditionally, workplace safety has focused on physical protection, ensuring hard hats, gloves and safety harnesses are in place to prevent injuries.
Still, we recognize that true safety goes beyond the physical. That’s why we created the “Under the Hard Hat” program, a dedicated initiative that emphasizes the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Workers don’t just check their personal struggles at the gate when they arrive for their shift. Stress, financial worries, family conflicts, health concerns and other life challenges don’t disappear when the workday begins. These distractions can lead to presenteeism, lack of engagement and reduced concentration – all of which increase the risk of workplace incidents and negatively impact overall well-being.
It’s time to acknowledge that protecting what’s under the hard hat is just as important as protecting what’s on the outside. By fostering a culture that prioritizes mental health, we can create a safer, more supportive and more productive work environment for everyone.
Mental health & workplace safety
The connection between mental health and workplace safety is clear: Workers who are distracted, stressed or mentally exhausted are more likely to make mistakes, miss safety cues and engage in riskier behaviors.
Studies show that mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can impair cognitive function, reaction time and decision-making. These are critical factors in the mining industry.
The Vulcan approach
The “Under the Hard Hat” program is designed to integrate mental health awareness and support into our existing safety culture. It’s built on two pillars:
1. Creating an open and supportive culture. One of the biggest barriers to addressing mental health in the workplace is stigma. Many workers, especially in the mining industry, have been conditioned to believe that discussing emotions or seeking help is a sign of weakness. At Vulcan, we’re working to break that stigma by:
• Encouraging leadership to speak openly about mental health and share personal stories
• Training managers and supervisors to recognize signs of mental distress and offer support
• Promoting a culture where workers feel safe discussing their challenges without fear of judgment or repercussions
The goal is to create an environment where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety. Just as we wouldn’t ignore a broken safety harness, we shouldn’t ignore a worker who’s showing signs of emotional distress.
2. Providing resources and support. Awareness is essential. Access to resources is important, too. Through the “Under the “Hard Hat” initiative, we provide:
• Employee assistance programs: Confidential counseling services for employees and their families.
• Helplines and digital resources: Easy access to mental health hotlines and online self-help tools.
The impact
The “Under the Hard Hat” program isn’t just about reducing incidents; it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and empowered.
By prioritizing mental health, we’re not only protecting our employees but we’re strengthening our entire organization.
Mental health is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a collective effort. When we prioritize what’s under the hard hat, we create a workplace that’s not only safer but one that’s stronger and more resilient.
Chad McDougal is vice president of safety, health and environmental at Vulcan Materials Co.
