HEALTH AND SANITATION 33 enough time to do it takes a toll on an employee ’ s wellbeing . Overloading and employee can lead to :
• Frustration
• Strain
• Distress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
All of the above lead to increased risk of accidents in hazardous work environments as well as self-harm .
Solution : In addition , promoting a healthy work-life balance by limiting excessive overtime and offering flexibility when possible , can help prevent mental health issues from arising and is critical in fighting this crisis .
Physical pain Construction workers are often exposed to hazardous conditions , heavy lifting and repetitive movements . This can lead to musculoskeletal injuries , chronic pain and fatigue . With the status of being in the top five countries of hardest workers comes with it the strains and stressors on our bodies .
The physically demanding nature of construction work can cause chronic pain and injuries , which in turn can lead to mental health issues due to the pain and disability . The ‘ tough guy ’ culture in construction can make it difficult for workers to seek help for mental health issues .
Solution : It is crucial to raise awareness about mental health issues and educate workers , supervisors and management . Doing so will promote the idea that seeking help is a sign of strength , not weakness , which is an essential foundation pillar in providing assistance to construction workers .
Lack of social support According to OSHA , workers in industries that require them to interact with multiple people daily face a higher risk of encountering workplace violence than those in other industries , as well as psychosocial hazards . Small groups of workers are prone to more workplace violence than employees in other professions . Jobs that call for interactions with volatile people in equally volatile or hazardous environments , such as construction sites , and are also likely to experience workplace violence .
Workplace violence is any act or threat of physical violence , harassment , intimidation , or other threatening disruptive behaviour that occurs at the work site . It ranges from threats and verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide . It can affect and involve employees , clients , customers and visitors .
• Type 1 : Criminal intent : Criminal intent workplace violence is when the employee or the establishment they work in has no direct or previous relationship with the perpetrator . The most common acts of violence associated with this type are theft , trespassing , breaking and entering , and assault
• Type 2 : Customer / client : For customer / client violence , the perpetrator is a client of the employer or the establishment . In this situation , the act of violence is often done when the employee is performing their daily duties .
• Type 3 : Worker-on-worker : Worker-on-worker violence refers to aggression between two or more employees in the same workplace . Also referred to as lateral or horizontal violence , worker-on-worker violence often manifests in verbal , emotional and physical abuse with the primary intent to humiliate and offend . This kind of workplace violence is usually carried out by an employee to another they deem lower than them , but in some cases , even to those on the same level as them .
• Type 4 : Personal relationship : With this type of workplace violence , the perpetrator has a direct relationship with someone that affects their work and workplace , but does not work with them . This type of workplace violence is also sometimes referred to as ‘ interpersonal violence ’ or ‘ relationship violence ’ as
it includes domestic abuse victims wherein their spouses follow them to work and harass them there .
Many incidents of workplace violence go unreported . Reasons for underreporting include :
• Lack of reporting guidelines or policy
• Lack of trust in the reporting system
• Fear of retaliation
Solution : Peer support groups can be encouraged to create a supportive environment where workers can share their experiences and support each other . It is imperative to promote a culture of safety and well-being where workers feel comfortable and empowered when reporting mental health issues . To achieve this , you must implement clear and supportive mental health policies outlining procedures for seeking help and available resources .
Inappropriate safety equipment It is a known fact that some companies purchase their Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) and Workwear ( PPW ) using the ‘ three-quote ’ means of assessing which is the ‘ cheapest ’ of the quotes and not necessarily what is the best fit and quality for my employees .
Recently I was chatting to a friend who runs a branch of a well-known PPE company , and I found what he said very interesting . “ Many will buy themselves a pair of expensive Levi jeans because of their known quality and comfort , which we will wear now and then when we go out . But when it comes to something we wear every day , to and from work , on the job and in front of clients , we opt for the cheapest PPE .”
That statement or observation really resonated with me , I have often assisted clients in choosing PPE for the risk assessment I have performed and helped to make an informed decision on what PPE or PPW is best for their needs . But to understand it as my friend does , the PPE we wear needs to becomes our identity .
Solution : Before any PPE or PPW is purchased have you looked at the below ?
• Assess hazards : Identify the potential hazards in your work environment . This may involve consulting with colleagues to ensure all potential hazards are identified .
• Select appropriate PPE : Choose PPE that is suitable for the task and the user . Consider the type of exposure , fit , durability and compatibility of the PPE . For example , if you ' re choosing a harness or lifejacket , the right size is critical .
• Check with a supplier : You can consult with a supplier about what PPE is appropriate for your job .
Mental health is often called a silent struggle
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 . PA
Images by AP Photo / Denis Farrell
March 2025 Volume 31 I Number 01 www . plumbingafrica . co . za