MILWAUKEE (March 11, 2025) - The asphalt industry is built on hard work, precision and teamwork. Yet, alongside the high-performance machines and meticulously planned projects, mental health and well-being remain crucial components to workplace success.
At the leading asphalt trade show, World of Asphalt, industry leaders are coming together to discuss mental health awareness in the paving and construction industry, the long-overlooked topic that is now gaining the attention it deserves. Dr. Vince Hafeli, president of Ajax Paving, is leading an educational session titled “Constructing a Safety Net: Strategies for Mental Health Awareness,” offering insights on why mental health is a safety issue, how companies can foster a culture of support, and the steps leaders can take to make meaningful change. This critical workforce topic and educational session is co-presented by life-long construction professional, Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at Associated General Contractors (ACG) of Missouri, and Rich Jones, career healthcare professional, therapist, sociologist, and founder of Youturn Health, a virtual behavioral health support network and resource program. These compassionate industry professionals are teaming up with Dr. Hafeli to bring mental health awareness to the forefront of the conversations in the construction industry.
“The well-being of our workforce is just as critical as the quality of the work we do. Mental health is a growing concern in the construction and paving industry, and we’re proud to host Constructing a Safety Net: Strategies for Mental Health Awareness at World of Asphalt,” said World of Asphalt Show Director Brittany Schmidtke. “Led by industry leaders Dr. Vince Hafeli, Brandon Anderson, and behavioral health expert Rich Jones, this session will provide vital strategies for fostering a supportive workplace culture, reducing stigma and ensuring teams have the resources they need to thrive.”
Mental Health is a Critical Issue in Construction
The construction industry faces many unique mental health challenges, including long hours, physically demanding work and high-pressure deadlines, which all contribute to stress, anxiety and burnout. According to the CDC, construction workers have some of the highest suicide rates of any profession, meaning that it is critical for companies to prioritize mental health as a cornerstone to their safety culture.
As a passionate advocate for mental health awareness in the construction industry, Dr. Hafeli has firsthand experience implementing programs supporting the well-being of modern skilled-trades workers. His educational session at World of Asphalt provides practical strategies to employers and employees for building a workplace that values physical and mental health.
Key Takeaways from this Session:
-
Mental health is not an illness
-
The construction industry ranks second in the nation for death by suicide
-
Accidental overdose deaths are disproportionately elevated in the construction industry
-
Recognize early warning signs
-
Develop valuable workplace support systems
-
Learn more about mental health and addiction resources
-
Foster a culture of open discussions
“I am told mental health is the next frontier in workplace safety,” said Dr. Hafeli. “I say the frontier is here, and we must address mental health and addiction as we look to improve the safety of our workers.”
Building a Safer, Healthier Future
The asphalt industry makes tremendous strides toward improving workplace safety every day, and now it is time to focus that productivity on mental health awareness and the personal well-being of people. This educational session provides industry professionals reasonable strategies to create a workplace where employees, and leaders, feel supported, both physically and mentally.
Be sure to attend “Constructing a Safety Net: Strategies for Mental Health Awareness,” at World of Asphalt, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in room 274. This is more than just an educational session, it is a call to action for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their greatest asset, their people.
About World of Asphalt
Held every year except during CONEXPO-CON/AGG years, World of Asphalt is the leading trade show and conference focused on the asphalt and paving industries, whose most recent edition was recognized by Trade Show Executive as one of the “Fastest 50” growing trade shows. The show features the best education, and latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the asphalt and paving industries. World of Asphalt, co-located with the AGG1 Academy & Expo, will be held March 25-27, 2025, in St. Louis, the Gateway to the West. World of Asphalt is majority owned by NAPA and partially owned by AEM, who produces the show. For more information on World of Asphalt, visit WorldOfAsphalt.com.
About AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is North America’s premier trade organization representing off-road equipment manufacturers and their value chain partners. With a rich history spanning over 125+ years, AEM serves more than 1,100 members companies across 200+ product lines in multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, mining, utility, and forestry. AEM supports an industry that contributes approximately $316 billion annually to the U.S. economy while sustaining 2.3 million jobs. Through advocacy, market intelligence, and industry collaboration, AEM works to advance the interests of equipment manufacturers and their partners in the global marketplace.
###
