Addressing psychological issues among employees in the construction industry
Supporting Mental Health in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is taking significant steps to address the high suicide rates and mental health issues among workers. A 24/7 service called Text HardHat offers immediate access to text back counselling, providing confidential support for all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), workers in the construction sector are four times more likely to die by suicide than in any other sector. Clive Holland, host of The Clive Holland Show on Fix Radio, has highlighted several underlying reasons for this high rate, including the stress of running a small business, long hours, cash flow issues, and the macho image in the industry that discourages discussing emotions.
To combat these issues, mental health support in the construction industry is provided through a combination of workplace initiatives, training, peer support, and accessible resources. These strategies aim to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and improve mental health outcomes.
Breaking the stigma around mental health is crucial, and this is achieved by fostering open conversations and normalizing seeking help. Employer-led programs such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), stress management training, flexible scheduling, and wellness initiatives directly support workers’ mental well-being. Training managers and workers in mental health first aid and awareness helps recognize early signs of distress and facilitates timely support.
Peer-led initiatives like MATES in Construction are also important for providing culturally sensitive support, reducing stigma, and creating informal support networks. Clear, confidential support pathways including access to helplines, HR, occupational health specialists, and external mental health services enable workers to seek help privately and effectively.
Integrating mental health into routine safety practices, such as toolbox talks, makes discussions about mental health a regular, normalized part of the work environment. Resources available for workers include Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health helplines and peer support networks tailored to construction workers, digital tools and apps, organizations like the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), and subscription services for more extensive support.
Clive Holland also pointed out that tradespeople often feel intimidated by the administrative and financial aspects of their job, as they may not have strong business skills. The Lighthouse Club offers free and proactive services to help companies deliver the best possible support to their employees and their families, focusing on improving the welfare and wellbeing of the construction community in the UK and Ireland.
The Mental Health Foundation established Mental Health Awareness Week in 2001 with the aim of tackling stigma and helping people understand and prioritize their mental health. This week, from 13 May to 19 May, Mental Health Awareness Week is taking place. Research from Fix Radio has revealed that 38% of tradesmen are currently experiencing the worst levels of stress and anxiety in their lifetime.
Private renting is contributing to a mental health crisis, according to a recent survey. The Construction Industry Helpline is a downloadable wellbeing support app that provides information on conditions, coping strategies, and signposting to over 3000 accredited organizations that offer support.
Employers have been given tools to improve the mental health of their workers, and initiatives like Lighthouse Beacons, volunteer centres around the UK and Ireland, provide a space for workers to socialize, meet like-minded people, and talk, facilitated by individuals with lived experience and encouraging those struggling with life problems to share their issues and seek further help.
By combining these approaches—organizational culture change, training, accessible services, and peer support—the construction industry aims to improve mental health outcomes, reduce the high suicide rates, and foster a safer, healthier workforce.
[1] Clive Holland Show on Fix Radio [2] Office of National Statistics [3] MATES in Construction [4] Text HardHat [5] Lighthouse Club
- The construction industry is leveraging services like Text HardHat to address mental health issues within their workforce, ensuring confidential support for all aspects related to emotional, physical, and even financial wellbeing.
- To combat the high suicide rates among construction workers, various workplace initiatives, training programs, peer support networks, and accessible resources are being implemented to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and improve mental health outcomes.
- Following the trends set by employer-led programs and initiatives such as MATES in Construction and Lighthouse Club, the construction community is prioritizing health and wellness, markedly emphasizing mental health, while promoting a culture change that emphasizes open conversations and normalizes seeking help.
