Workers rally for mental health awareness

A gathering at the State Capitol called for action to address the mental and behavioral health crisis facing building and construction trades workers

OLYMPIA, WA (February 20, 2026) — A sea of workers in reflective gear and hard hats gathered on the steps of the State Capitol on Wednesday as workers in the building and construction trades rallied in support of legislation aimed at improving mental and behavioral health outcomes for construction workers. Workers marched through the Capitol campus waving signs reading “behavioral health matters on every jobsite,” joined by a dozen labor leaders and legislators.

“As we continue to confront critical construction and building trades workforce shortages and rising demand, we must invest in the people who provide this critical care and the infrastructure that supports them,” said Rep. Mari Leavitt, who has brought forward a resolution this year to elevate behavioral health as a statewide priority.

Legislative action this session has the potential to save lives.

“Right now, mental and behavioral health struggles are the biggest danger construction workers face,” said April Sims, President of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “The data shows us that nearly 20 times as many construction workers die by overdoses or suicides than from jobsite injuries. That’s why we’re speaking up.”

Labor is advocating for passage of HB 2492, which would include mental and behavioral health training in state-registered apprenticeships in the building or construction trades. Training would focus on destigmatizing behavioral health and supporting wellness, recognizing signs of distress, suicide prevention, substance abuse disorder awareness and prevention, peer support, and connection to resources. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would also allow behavioral health and wellness training to be counted towards some continuing education hours.

“House Bill 2492 is about saving lives in our industry. We lose too many of our brothers and sisters, not from falls or electrocution, but from suicide and overdose,” said Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO. “This bill gives apprentices tools to spot trouble early and the courage to speak up. That’s how we keep more of our people alive. To our legislators—we’re asking for partnership. Healthy workers mean safer jobs, stronger families, and projects that stay on schedule.”

Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary of the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, AFL-CIO, addresses the crowd.

“This is impacting way too many of us and these are preventable tragedies,” said Rep. Greg Nance, sponsor of HB 2492. “We’ve got to better support you. Not only in creating those jobs but supporting the hard workers that make those jobs happen. My hope is that we stand together every step.”

HB 2492 is advancing through the legislature as session enters its final weeks, scheduled for executive session in the Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce this morning.

“Let’s get it across the finish line for everyone we’ve lost, and everyone we can still save,” said Kurtenbach.