Prioritising mental health in construction

It has been an open secret for many years - construction workers face a unique set of challenges that contribute to higher rates of mental health issues compared to the general population. Fortunately, the construction industry is starting to acknowledge the importance of mental health – and the tide is turning, writes John Ridgeway.

Organisations like Mates in Mind and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity are leading the way, providing resources and support programmes specifically tailored to construction workers.

More and more construction companies are also recognising mental health as a workplace issue and are implementing initiatives such as stress management workshops and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Even better, efforts are being made to encourage open conversations about mental health within construction companies, breaking down the stigma and normalising help-seeking behaviour.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), construction workers in the UK are 3.7 times more likely to die by suicide than the national average. Another report by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) found that 26% of construction professionals had considered taking their own lives in 2019, further claiming that a significant portion of the workforce battles stress, anxiety, and depression.

The Problems caused by these statistics

Such high rates of suicide and mental health issues have profound consequences. The human cost has the most devastating impact. Suicides within the construction industry rip families and communities apart, leaving a permanent scar.

Mental health issues can also significantly affect worker productivity. Stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism (being physically present but mentally checked out) and a decline in overall performance.

Because construction is a safety-critical industry, mental health issues will invariably impair focus, judgment and reaction time, potentially leading to accidents and injuries on the job. This in turn can translate into increased healthcare costs for both workers and employers.

The construction industry already faces a skilled labour shortage. High suicide rates and mental health issues could further deter individuals from entering the field, exacerbating the problem.

A call to action

These statistics paint a grim picture, highlighting the need for immediate action. It means that we need to recognise the factors that contribute to this mental health crisis such as tight deadlines, demanding schedules and unpredictable weather conditions, which create a stressful work environment for construction workers.

The project-based nature of construction work also leads to job insecurity and financial instability, further adding to stress. The traditional "tough guy" image often associated with construction can also lead to a culture where seeking help for mental health struggles is seen as a sign of weakness. This means that many construction workers might not recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, preventing them from seeking help.

The domino effect on the construction Industry

The situation is so serious that the consequences of neglecting mental health in construction are far-reaching, impacting every aspect of the industry. Reduced productivity due to mental health struggles can lead to project delays and cost overruns, impacting budgets and timelines and because construction projects require attention to detail and precision, such issues can compromise the quality of work, potentially leading to rework and safety hazards.

Equally as damaging, news of suicides or mental health struggles within a construction company can harm its reputation, making it difficult to attract skilled workers and secure new projects.

Building a Brighter Future: Initiatives for a Healthier Workforce

If we are to truly prioritise mental health in construction, several initiatives need to be implemented. Construction workers and managers should receive training to recognise signs and symptoms of mental health issues and how to access support resources.

Creating a culture where seeking help for mental health is seen as a sign of strength should also be encouraged. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns and peer-to-peer support programmes. Offering flexible work schedules and predictable project timelines can also help reduce job insecurity and workplace stress.

Furthermore, making access to mental health professionals easier through telehealth services and confidential support programmes can be crucial for construction workers who might be hesitant to seek traditional in-person therapy. Collecting data on mental health issues within the construction industry is also vital, to develop targeted interventions and track progress.

So, we can see that mental health is no longer a secondary concern in the construction industry. By acknowledging the challenges workers face and implementing effective initiatives, we can build a more resilient and healthier workforce. This will not only benefit the well-being of construction workers but also contribute to a safer, more productive and ultimately, more sustainable construction industry.

Taking Action:

Individuals seeking help for themselves or a loved one can reach out to organisations like Mates in Mind, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, or the Samaritans. Employers can explore resources from these organizations to develop mental health programmes within their companies.

(Source: https://www.matesinmind.org/)

Other articles about mental health issues in construction are also available on this website: https://talk.build/blogs/will-mindfulness-reduce-suicide-rates-in-the-construction-industry

https://talk.build/blogs/why-mental-health-matters-to-briggsamasco