FITTING THOUGHT 1

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By

Megan O’ Connor

Following IOPSA’ s launch of the Friends in the Trades( FIT) programme, a spotlight has been shone on plumbers’ mental health.

“ In a startling revelation about the state of mental health care in South Africa, reports indicate that up to 92 % of individuals living with mental health conditions do not receive the necessary treatment”( The Star).

In a 2025 Ironmongery Direct survey 1 done on people in the trades in the UK, mental health was delved into. The survey showed that the top causes of stress for tradespeople include:

• Long or unpredictable hours

• Poor work life balance

• The physical demands of work

• Financial burden or pressure

• Client expectations and demands

• A general lack of support

• Workplace relationships / conflict

Further areas of distress for plumbers include high workloads, physical pain, lack of social support and inappropriate safety equipment 2.

Further, the paper surveyed tradespeople to investigate what barriers are preventing them from speaking up about their mental health and seeking help. These include:

• Not knowing who to talk to

• Thinking speaking up won’ t help

• Fear of judgement

• Fear of losing work

Now, the above might seem relevant, but it is after all based on research and surveys done in the UK. So, what about uniquely South African mental challenges?

Although South Africa has made some strides in the mental wellness space, there is still much controversy, shame and stigma surrounding the topic 3.

There is still a mentality of speaking up being seen as‘ weak’, and the belief that one can simply‘ tough it out’. Further there are awareness issues surrounding the topic – a general lack of education regarding signs and symptoms one should look out for, inadequate media representation that can result in a lack of understanding, a lack of comprehensive mental health campaigns, and inconsistent mental health policy implementation 4.

So clearly, South African plumbers’ mental health space is an under-represented topic. To address this, IOPSA has created its new programme FIT.

FIT has been established to both help and raise awareness for mental health concerns. The programme will be led by Chris Coetzee from OHSS Consulting, a dedicated team of members, and IOPSA. The programme works on the base that there is strength in asking for help, and will focus on mental health within the trades specifically.

“ The construction industry is facing a critical challenge, which is the silent struggle of mental health among its workforce. This issue requires immediate attention and should not be ignored any longer. By acknowledging the problem, raising awareness and introducing supportive measures, we can assist those in the construction industry to lead healthier and happier lives. We must shift our focus from the physical aspects of construction to the mental well-being of those who build our world today,” says Coetzee.

It’ s time to focus on yourself and your mental wellbeing – a vital tool in your toolbox of life. In 2026, let’ s treat mental health strain like any other job hazard. A hazard that can be both prevented and repaired. PA

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January 2026 Volume 31 I Number 11 www. plumbingafrica. co. za