Mental health is such a huge issue among construction workers. When I speak to my colleagues about the current situation, I’m always alarmed to find out that almost everyone has known someone who has committed suicide. In the UK, construction workers are more likely to die from suicide than on-site accidents which is truly shocking. According to the Office for National Statistics, in the years from 2011-2015, the rate of suicides among construction workers was 3.7 times higher than the national average for men. Men in the construction industry, particularly those in their late 40s and 50s, face a higher risk of suicide compared to other demographics within the industry. Several initiatives are underway to address mental health issues in the construction sector; some companies are implementing employee assistance programs (EAPs) which offer confidential counselling services to workers. Others are partnering up with mental health organisations to provide on-site support and training. These initiatives are a step in the right direction, but there is still a long way to go.
Our industry has a major part to play in the well-being and safety of our predominantly male workforce. The conditions are not easy, and it’s very hard to know what’s going on in someone’s head. There are countless reasons why mental health awareness is such a widespread problem. The first is due to the high-stress environment. Construction involves very tight deadlines, high-pressure situations, and demanding working conditions, leading to increased stress levels among workers. On top of that, there’s the physically demanding nature of the job. Construction is one of the most physically demanding industries in the world, requiring workers to engage in heavy lifting, working at heights, and using dangerous equipment, contributing to fatigue and exhaustion which in turn can seriously affect mental well-being. While the industry is known for its high level of physical risk, there is often less emphasis on the mental health of workers. We must ensure that workers are both physically and mentally safe.
Job insecurity and financial stressors are also huge factors. The industry is often susceptible to economic fluctuations which can impact mental health and stability. Additionally, you’ve got the general working culture of the sector. Historically, there has been a stigma around discussing mental health in male-dominated industries such as construction, making it challenging for employees to remain transparent and seek help. The industry can make it difficult for workers to admit that they are struggling and this attitude needs to change.
Employees also face isolation due to remote job sites or extended periods away from home and can therefore be challenging to maintain a sense of community spirit and human interaction. This can lead to feelings of disconnection, low morale, and reduced productivity. Managers can take steps to combat isolation and help employees feel more connected and engaged through regular virtual team-building activities and social/collaborative events.
There are several construction-focused charities championing mental health solely within the sector, including Mates in Mind and the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. Here at the Association of Brickwork Contractors (ABC), we promote The Lighthouse Club to our members and raise money for the charity at particular events. As claimed by the charity, two construction workers take their own lives every working day in the UK and Ireland. This is a terrifying statistic and proof that a lot more work needs to be done to combat the issue.
The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families who have suffered an injury, illness or just need some extra support. The charity operates a 24 /7 Construction Industry Helpline which is the first point of contact for those in need. Workers can access a range of completely free and confidential support services including both financial and emotional well-being assistance. They also provide a free Construction Industry App which provides information, advice and guidance on a variety of well-being issues including stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. They are also a founder member of ‘Building Mental Health’; an online portal developed by industry volunteers to create a 5-step framework to help companies develop a positive mental health culture within their organisations. The charity receives no public funding and relies solely on the support of those within the industry.
One of our core areas of focus at the ABC is to protect and support the role of the bricklayer, and their health, safety and mental wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and our members. That is why we work closely with the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity to ensure that our members know where to turn to in a crisis and to develop a positive mental health culture within the brickwork sector. No construction worker should feel alone in a crisis and we feel passionate about working alongside The Lighthouse Club to provide support to those in need. Through our training at the ABC Assessment Centre, we also make it our aim to ensure that the younger generation entering the industry feels supported and secure within their new place of work.
Raising awareness and promoting mental health initiatives in the construction industry is essential in order to create a more supportive environment, break the stigma, and provide resources and support for workers so they can seek help when needed. Prioritising mental health contributes to a healthier and more productive workforce, improving overall job satisfaction and safety within the sector. It is the responsibility of the employer to prioritise the mental welfare of their workers by promoting open communication and support. Management training is particularly crucial and employers should be training site managers on how to recognise the warning signs. Mental health issues can impair concentration, decision-making, and overall job performance, and ignoring the issue will only lead to significant long-term issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide which sadly impacts both the individuals and their families. Just by openly talking about mental health, we can create a more supportive workplace culture and ensure that those working in the industry are healthy and thriving both physically and mentally.
