‘ Mates in Mind ’ is a sector-wide programme in construction intended to help improve and promote positive mental health across the industry in the UK . The programme is being run by The Health in Construction Leadership Group supported by the British Safety Council . Every year , one in four people in the UK will experience either stress , anxiety or depression . In the most extreme cases , these issues can result in someone taking their life . As a result of the growing understanding of the impact of mental ill health and the role employers can play , the Health in |
Construction Leadership Group , with the support of the British Safety Council , are setting up a sector-wide programme to help employers address this issue . The aim of this programme is to help raise awareness and understanding of poor mental health in the construction sector , importantly undertaken in a way that is consistent and made available to all workers across the sector . It is estimated that there are 2.5 million people employed in construction in the UK . Clive Johnson , chair of the Health in Construction Leadership Group , said : “ The mission of HCLG as a group is to unite the |
construction industry in order to eradicate the ill health and disease caused by work-related activities , and this includes addressing mental health . It is estimated that the number of deaths from suicide in the construction industry could be ten times higher than those from fatal accidents at work . Working together with the British Safety Council and key partners in the construction industry and mental health , we believe we can make a significant difference .” Mike Robinson , chief executive of the British Safety Council , said : “ We are delighted to be able to support the Health in Construction Leadership Group in this important |
initiative . In the last few years , we have all become far more aware of the pressing need to address health issues , and particularly mental health , in the workplace . The British Safety Council ’ s vision is that no-one should be injured or made ill at work , and that includes mental health . The construction sector has previously come together to address the challenge it faced in relation to the high number |
of accidents . It is now coming together to do the same in relation to occupational health . A significant number of our members are operating in this sector . We can be even more impactful by working together , creating the opportunity to build understanding and take action .”
www . healthinconstruction . co . uk www . britsafe . org
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