26 | JULY 2019
Installer Support
Installer Support is
sponsored by Kayflow
MENTAL HEALTH –
HOW TO PROTECT
YOUR TEAM FROM
‘INVISIBLE’ ILLNESS
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 prob-
lems, 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 consequenc-
es, 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 seri-
ous 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 con-
struction workers. With over 1400
in-work suicides, this sector makes
up over 13% of those recorded,
despite construction only account-
ing 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 particu-
larly 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.
Communication is still the
‘ biggest
obstacle between
employees and management,
which is why confidential advice
lines are so important
’
The working environment,
where speaking about emotional
or mental issues has historically
been stigmatised, is also to blame,
as the ‘macho’ image of construc-
tion workers makes it difficult to
talk about mental health. Thankful-
ly, there are a number of positive
initiatives employers can take, as
well as registered charities and
support groups dedicated to the
wellbeing of construction work-
ers.
“Despite construction’s rep-
utation 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 indus-
try.
“Communication is still the big-
gest 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 support-
ive environment, they can take
positive steps without the need to
speak publicly.”
What are the signs?
Unlike physical injuries, mental
health issues are difficult to spot
and are often kept secret.
Thankfully, there are a few com-
mon telltale signs when someone
is struggling with their mental
health:
• They find it difficult to prob-
lem-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