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How employers can protect
their staff ’s mental health
The construction industry – and other installation-based trades, such as
fenestration – takes great care in protecting staff from visible risks, ensuring
all precautions are taken to maintain the physical wellbeing of its workers. Yet,
there is still a big presence of a risk that isn’t visible: employee mental health.
» » “SAFETY IS ONE OF THE
biggest concerns in the
construction industry,” says
Daniel Ure from online PPE
retailer Vizwear, “and since one
of the biggest risks to workers in
construction today is that posed
by mental health problems,
addressing them needs to be at
the top of an employer’s list of
priorities.”
“Unfortunately, there’s still a
stigma around this topic, which
causes too many people to
keep their issues to themselves.
This can lead to disastrous
consequences, which is why it’s
so important for employers to
protect their staff.”
THE STATE OF
MENTAL HEALTH IN
CONSTRUCTION
In the UK, mental health issues
lead to over 70 million sick days
per year. Whether it’s anxiety,
depression or stress, mental health
causes more sick days than any
other health condition and costs
the economy between £70 billion
and £100 billion each year.
However, struggles with mental
health can have much more
serious ramifications, and in no
other industry is that quite so
evident as in construction.
Data from the Office of
National Statistics found that
between 2011 and 2015, the
highest number of suicides were
found in skilled construction
workers. With over 1400 in-work
suicides, this sector makes up over
13% of those recorded, despite
construction only accounting for
7% of the UK workforce.
Construction News created a
survey along with Mind Matters
to identify any changes to mental
health in construction between
2017-2018. Although 67% of
respondents believe awareness has
improved over this period, the
results show no real improvement
to mental health in the industry
and that 81% believe there is still
a stigma.
WHY CONSTRUCTION?
While mental health issues
can affect anyone, men are
particularly vulnerable. 76% of
recorded suicides in the UK are
committed by men, with suicide
being the biggest cause of death
in men under 35. And with men
making up 89% of the workforce,
this is a particularly problematic
issue for the construction
industry.
The working lifestyle of a
construction worker can take
its toll. Workers will often work
long, demanding hours and can
spend their days away from home
for weeks at a time. Without a
private, safe space to unwind, all
the stresses of work add up and
make it difficult to switch off.
The working environment,
where speaking about emotional
or mental issues has historically
been stigmatised, is also to
blame, as the ‘macho’ image of
construction workers makes it
difficult to talk about mental
health. Thankfully, there are a
number of positive initiatives
22 » M AY 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
employers can take, as well as
registered charities and support
groups dedicated to the wellbeing
of construction workers.
“Despite construction’s
reputation for poor mental health,
there are actually a lot of support
systems in place to help protect
the workers,” says Daniel from
Vizwear. “If more workers make
use of these services, they will
feel more comfortable speaking
to their employers about their
mental health, which is the first
step to making real change in the
industry.
“Communication is still
the biggest obstacle between
employees and management,
which is why confidential
advice lines are so important.
By giving construction workers
the opportunity to discuss their
mental health in a supportive
environment, they can take
positive steps without the need to
speak publicly.”
‘create a
positive work
environment’
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
Unlike physical injuries, mental
health issues are difficult to spot
and are often kept secret.
Thankfully, there are a few
common telltale signs when
someone is struggling with their
mental health:
• They find it difficult to
problem-solve
• They are easily distracted
and are less productive than
usual
• They lack self-confidence
• They are easily agitated and
create conflict amongst co-
workers
• They feel easily
overwhelmed
• They are increasingly late or
absent from work
• They often isolate themselves
from others