Safety and Mental Health with Wes Wheeler

Safety in the workplace is critical in any job, but it is tough to achieve on a job that involves construction. Sites can be very dangerous environments as well as the work being very taxing. I reached out to see if Wes Wheeler, NECA’s Executive Director of Safety, could discuss the state of safety in construction. It didn’t take us long before mental health came up as the focus of our conversation. Wes shares his unique viewpoint on this important topic.

As always, when I discuss mental health, I want to remind you of resources made for those working through challenging mental health issues. Remember, these resources are also for you who want to come alongside your loved ones to support their journey.

There’s the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (phone and text) which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.

There’s also the Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741. Every person who texts is connected with a crisis counselor who is trained to listen and offer sound advice 24/7 Both are free, confidential, and again if you’re struggling with mental health or concerned for a loved one.

Wes joined NECA in 2014 and has over 40 years of electrical experience. Prior to NECA, he was safety consultant in his own business and has been a Safety Director and OSHA Safety trainer for a large industrial based electrical contractor in Florida. Wesley is a qualified OSHA Construction Outreach Instructor and has assisted in OSHA Instructor classes for Electrical Training Alliance. Wes has served in many capacities in his career from electrician, foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager to safety director and is a member of OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). His credentials continue, but suffice to say, Wes knows and loves the construction world. 

Thank you for listening and please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review our show on your favorite app.

To get a hold of us here at Keepin’ The Lights On, please email: [e-mail]

To reach Wes Wheeler on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesley-wheeler-sms-cescp-msp-99278452/

Learn more about NECA Safety: https://www.necanet.org/programs/safety/overview

Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/

TEXT 741741 Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Call or Text 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/R9OcCmeLM4c