Protecting Under the Hard Hat

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About Us

Protecting Under the Hard Hat is a collaborative initiative between the construction industry and NJIT that connects construction workers and their families with resources for mental health, substance use, and overall well-being. Through a brief survey and resource platform, we aim to make it easier to find support and access help when it is needed. As the initiative grows, we continue to expand our resources, partnerships, and outreach to better serve the construction community.

Learn more about our mission and partners

Our Mission

Protecting Under the Hard Hat connects construction workers and their families with trusted resources for mental health, substance use, and overall well-being. We are committed to expanding access to support across the construction industry so that help is available when and where it is needed.

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About Us

Learn about our mission, our goals, our partners, and the people who make this initiative possible

Our Mission

Protecting Under the Hard Hat is dedicated to improving access to mental health, substance use, and wellness resources for construction workers and their families. Through education, outreach, and resource navigation tools, we aim to make it easier to find support, reduce barriers to seeking help, and promote a healthier construction workforce.

Our Goals

Our goals are to increase awareness of mental health and substance use challenges within the construction industry, reduce stigma surrounding help-seeking, and connect individuals with trusted resources and support services. We strive to foster a culture in which mental well-being is valued alongside physical safety and where workers know that help is available when they need it.

Our Partners

New Jersey Institute of Technology logo
New Jersey Institute of Technology
IUOE 825 MAP logo
IUOE 825 MAP

Meet the Team

Roni Barak Ventura

Roni Barak Ventura

Assistant Professor

School of Applied Engineering and Technology, Newark College of Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Dr. Roni Barak Ventura is an Assistant Professor in the School of Applied Engineering and Technology at NJIT. Her research focuses on human-centered engineering approaches to health and wellbeing. (Placeholder — full bio to be provided.)
Chris Lalevee

Chris Lalevee

Member Assistance Coordinator

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825

Bio coming soon. Chris serves as Member Assistance Coordinator for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, supporting members and their families. (Placeholder — full bio to be provided.)
Therese Edwards

Therese Edwards

Health and Wellness Coordinator

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Funds

Bio coming soon. Therese serves as Health and Wellness Coordinator for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Funds. (Placeholder — full bio to be provided.)
Student Researchers
Andrew Couto

Andrew Couto

Student Researcher

B.Sc. Civil Engineering, expected 2028. Research interests: construction, data science, and health and safety.
Franco Giovannetti

Franco Giovannetti

Student Researcher

B.Sc. Computer Science, expected 2029. Research interests: data science, health and safety, and web design.
Krish Patel

Krish Patel

Student Researcher

B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Sc. Applied Physics, expected 2028. Research interests: data science, health and safety, and web design.

Alumni

Former team members who contributed to Protecting Under the Hard Hat

Alumni profiles coming soon.

Supporters

The associations, contractors, unions, and voices standing behind this initiative

Associations

Associations supporting Protecting Under the Hard Hat

Contractors

Contractors supporting Protecting Under the Hard Hat

Unions

Unions supporting Protecting Under the Hard Hat

Testimonies

Voices from the construction community

Resources

Find mental health and wellbeing resources for construction workers and their families

Browse the full list of support resources on our questionnaire page — or take the quick survey to get resources matched to you.

View Resources

Order Materials

We offer a variety of outreach materials to help spread awareness about mental health and wellbeing in the construction industry. From weatherproof vinyl banners to stickers and posters, we have materials to support your jobsite, union hall, or organization.

Vinyl Banners

Weatherproof, outdoor-rated vinyl banners for jobsites, fences, and union halls. Available in multiple sizes.

Posters

Informational posters for break rooms, bulletin boards, and trailer walls. Covers crisis lines, survey info, and wellbeing tips.

Hard Hat Stickers

Durable stickers with the PUTHH logo for hard hats, equipment, and toolboxes. Show your support on the job.

Wallet Cards

Pocket-sized resource cards with crisis line numbers and a QR code to the survey. Easy to carry and share.

Tabletop Signs

Freestanding acrylic signs for office desks, conference tables, and trailer countertops. Quick reference at a glance.

Tri-Fold Brochures

Informational brochures with survey details, resource listings, and wellbeing guidance. Ideal for waiting areas and events.

Request Materials

Fill out the form below to request materials for your jobsite, union hall, or organization. We'll review your request and get back to you with availability and shipping details.

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Blog & Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest news, personal stories, and mental health resources

June 15, 2024

Mental Health Awareness in Construction

Discover why mental health is becoming a critical focus in the construction industry and what steps are being taken to support workers...

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June 10, 2024

A Worker's Story: Finding Support

John shares his personal journey through mental health challenges in the construction industry and how he found the help he needed...

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June 5, 2024

New Resources Available

We're excited to announce new mental health resources specifically designed for construction workers and their families...

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Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you. Send us your feedback or questions.

Get in Touch

Email Us

contact@hardhatwellbeing.org

Call Us

1-800-123-4567

Send us a Message

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