SPRI mental health task force actively supporting roofing professionals

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

SPRI is helping move the roofing industry toward a safer, healthier and more supportive future for all.

The Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) is continuing its commitment to workforce well-being through its active Mental Health Task Force. The objective is clear and urgent: to identify and implement opportunities and solutions for mental health support and suicide prevention across the roofing industry by leveraging SPRI’s membership and extensive professional networks. 

Chaired by Lynsey Hull, CEO of Tyelus, and Joel Stanley, CEO of Anchor Products, the task force brings together industry leaders who are passionate about creating safer, healthier workplaces. Their leadership is helping guide meaningful conversations and actionable strategies that support roofing professionals at every level. 

“The statistics for suicide in construction are unacceptable, as is the ongoing crisis of mental health, and we want to do something as the Single Ply Roofing Industry,” said Lynsey. “We believe we have the influence and channels to really help spread the message of mental health and suicide prevention. Our objective is to help the entire roofing industry.” 

Roofing is demanding work, physically and mentally. Long hours, high-risk environments, weather pressures, workforce shortages and the stress of running complex businesses can take a serious toll. The SPRI Mental Health Task Force recognizes that addressing mental health is not only a personal issue but also an industry responsibility that directly affects safety, productivity and long-term sustainability. Their efforts are focused on practical actions, including promoting accessible resources, encouraging open dialogue within companies and associations and helping leaders understand how to build cultures where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical safety. 

Additionally, SPRI has made it clear that mental health and suicide prevention are not concerns limited to the jobsite. They also impact professionals in manufacturing plants, corporate offices, distribution centers and leadership teams throughout the roofing industry. By broadening the conversation beyond the field, SPRI is reinforcing that every role matters and every individual deserves support. 

To strengthen its impact, SPRI is working closely with the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and its mental health and suicide prevention initiative. By aligning efforts, the organizations are focused on sharing resources, reducing stigma and ensuring consistent messaging that reaches contractors, manufacturers, designers and the entire building enclosure community. 

A key component of this collaboration is support for Be Tough Enough, an industry-recognized nonprofit dedicated to mental health education, awareness and suicide prevention within construction. Through education, training and peer-driven conversations, Be Tough Enough provides tools that help individuals recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations and connect with help when it is needed most. 

At the end of the day, mental health challenges affect every segment of roofing, from the jobsite to the boardroom. SPRI’s ongoing commitment sends a strong message that no one has to face these challenges alone and that the industry is stronger when it takes care of its people. Through collaboration with NRCA and support of Be Tough Enough, SPRI is helping move the roofing industry toward a safer, healthier and more supportive future for all. 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health, 988 is a great resource. This is a phone line for people struggling with mental health and for those trying to support someone who is struggling.