It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or is it? Tackling mental health in construction

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is recognised by the NHS as a type of depression associated with the seasons and symptoms are worse in winter. It’s been reported that one in 20 people in the UK are diagnosed with the condition and men are more likely to be diagnosed than women.

While more and more women are entering the construction workforce, the industry is still heavily male-dominated and mental health is a big concern.

In fact, we are losing on average two construction workers to suicide every working day. A recent survey conducted among 1,400 construction site workers by Causeway Technologies found that over half of respondents were dealing with a mental health issue now or had done so in the past.

In addition to personal issues such as bereavement, family life and financial matters, the survey found that long and irregular hours, cash flow issues, unrealistic deadlines, and poor work/life balance were all contributing to stress in the workplace and poor mental health.

These figures are so alarming that many organisations are identifying ways in which they can proactively support workers.

For example, since engaging with Causeway’s campaign to make mental health as important as physical safety on construction sites, Halton Borough Council now requires its contractors to include a scored mental health statement in their construction bids.

It is the first council in the country to make such a request, with the hope that more will follow suit to help reduce mental health issues and suicides.

As well as physical first aiders there is a growing recognition that mental health first aiders are required at work, including on a construction site. However, if it’s hard to talk to people at work there are other avenues of support.

Lighthouse is a charity dedicated solely to the construction industry to help workers with their emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. Its services include a 24/7 helpline, live web chat, app, in-person support groups as well as a critical response team to provide specialist trauma support if an incident occurs on site.

Also available are training courses from the charity’s dedicated Wellbeing Academy to create a more supportive workplace culture, as well as many practical tips for individuals.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and as an extension of its mental health campaign mentioned above, Causeway announced that its new charity, Mindflow, would be launching in 2025.

Led by former Everton and England football legend Trevor Steven, Mindflow is joining the dots between construction, mental health and football – leveraging the power of sport to break down barriers and foster open conversations about mental health.

The charity will work with construction companies and local authorities to introduce new industry standards for mental health support on construction sites alongside other initiatives aimed at reaching out to on-site workers face to face. 

The construction industry can be a demanding work environment both physically and mentally. No one would bat an eyelid if you took time off work for a physical injury and the stigma surrounding ill mental health is lessening.

Whether we face a mental health issue ourselves or know someone who is struggling, there is round-the-clock help and support available.

Better mental health can improve site safety and wellbeing for all workers by enabling better concentration and decision making, and increased productivity.

If you need support with your mental health or know someone that does, you can contact the organisations mentioned in this blog using the details listed below. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123.  

www.lighthouseclub.org

Tel 0345 605 1956 (UK) or 1800 939 122 (ROI)

Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindflow-charity/