Download PDFOpen PDF in browserFrom Hardhats to Headspace: The Link Between Mental and Physical Safety in Construction10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025AbstractMental health is a critical yet often overlooked element of workplace safety in construction, an industry with high stress and distraction levels that elevate accident risks and contribute to suicide rates 4.3 times the national average. This paper synthesizes Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Conklin’s Five Principles of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP), and Meadows’ leverage points to propose a framework for embedding mental health into safety practices. A literature review methodology was employed to integrate these theoretical frameworks and identify practical applications. Findings highlight the importance of addressing basic human needs, creating error-tolerant systems, and fostering non-punitive workplace cultures. Small interventions, such as encouraging feedback loops and regular rest breaks, improve trust, resilience, and collective safety. The study concludes that aligning mental and physical safety enhances organizational outcomes, offering a roadmap for transitioning from compliance-focused practices to a culture of care. By integrating well-being into workplace safety, construction organizations can foster environments where mental health is valued alongside physical protection, supporting both individual and team performance.Keyphrases: human and organizational performance (hop), maslow’s hierarchy mental well being, mental health in construction, systems thinking in safety practices, workplace safety and resilience In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 923-932.
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