While mental ill-health is a widespread challenge across all UK workplaces, its detrimental effects within the construction industry have become increasingly undeniable. Even though the sector is one of the largest in the UK economy, employing 3.1 million people, which is 9% of the workforce, when considering the health and safety of construction workers, the focus is often on physical health. However, there is a growing, yet often overlooked, crisis related to the mental health of those within the industry, where many are working while [invisibly] suffering from stress, anxiety and depression.
According to a 2020 report by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), construction workers are more likely to suffer from mental health conditions than workers in other sectors. In addition, suicide rates amongst construction workers are 3.7 times higher than the national average.
Today, on World Health Day (7th April), we aim to highlight this significant issue by examining the challenges of mental health in the construction industry, its impact, and the resources available to provide support.
Why Mental Health is a Problem in the UK Construction Industry?
Mental health issues in the construction industry are a pressing concern for several reasons. Key factors contributing to this are:
1. Workplace Environment: The construction environment can be isolating, particularly for those working on large sites where teams are often separated. Social isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health issues, as workers may lack supportive relationships or opportunities to discuss their emotional well-being.
2. Long Working Hours and Job Insecurity: Many construction workers are faced with long working hours and the pressure of meeting tight deadlines. Seasonal or project-based work often leads to job insecurity, creating additional stress. For workers in smaller firms or on temporary contracts, the uncertainty of future employment can also contribute to anxiety and depression.
3. High-Pressure Situations and Risk of Injury: The physical demands of construction work are well-known, but the added pressure of working in dangerous environments can create additional stress.
4. Cultural Stigma: Historically, construction has been a male-dominated industry where discussions about emotions or mental health have been discouraged. Many workers feel that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness, leading to reluctance in seeking help. In fact, research undertaken by QBE, has shown that 36% of workers have been prevented from speaking openly about their mental health due to workplace stigma.
”More than 50% of UK builders say they struggled with mental health problems during 2023.
Mates in Mind
The Impact of Poor Mental Health
The effects of poor mental health in the construction industry are significant, not just for the workers themselves but also for the companies they work, their friends and families and the wider economy. These impacts include:
1. Increased Risk of Accidents: Mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, can significantly affect concentration, decision-making, and the ability to react quickly in high-risk environments. This increases the likelihood of accidents, potentially leading to injury or death.
2. Higher Rates of Absenteeism: Mental health struggles can lead to frequent absenteeism, either due to illness or because workers are unable to perform at their best. In an industry where tight deadlines and project milestones are crucial, this absenteeism can delay projects and increase costs. Mental health costs the UK construction industry at least £1.2bn per annum with 1.7 days lost per worker, according to QBE.
3. Decreased Productivity: Poor mental health is closely connected to physical health, which subsequently influences performance and quality, ultimately affecting productivity, creativity, and morale. Anxiety, depression, and stress can affect energy levels, focus, and overall work performance.
4. Impact on Personal Lives: Poor mental health doesn’t just affect the workplace. It often extends into workers’ personal lives, straining relationships with family and friends and leading to social isolation. In severe cases, untreated mental health problems can result in substance abuse, self-harm, or suicide.
What Can Be Done to Help?
Addressing mental health in the construction industry requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that can help improve mental well-being among workers:
1. Creating a Supportive Work Environment: More than one quarter (27%) of workers are uncomfortable discussing mental health with their employer (QBE). Employers need to create an environment where mental health is prioritised, just as much as physical health and safety.
2. Raising Awareness: Changing the culture within construction is key to reducing the stigma around mental health. Campaigns such as Mates in Mind, a mental health charity supporting construction workers, are crucial in raising awareness and providing tools to tackle mental health issues.
3. Training and Education: Managers and supervisors should receive training to recognize the signs of mental health issues and learn how to offer appropriate support. By creating a well-informed workforce, it will be easier to spot problems early and get people the help they need.
4. Providing Access to Support Services: Access to mental health services is critical. Companies can offer employees access to confidential counselling services, support hotlines, and employee assistance programs (EAPs). These services can provide timely help and guidance before issues escalate.
5. Encouraging Work-Life Balance: To help mitigate the stress caused by long hours and job insecurity, promoting work-life balance is essential. This includes offering flexible working hours where possible and fostering a culture that values personal time and mental well-being as much as meeting deadlines.
6. Fostering Peer Support: Encouraging peer support programs where workers can talk to each other in a safe, confidential space can also help to break the stigma around mental health. When workers feel supported by their peers, they are more likely to share their concerns and seek the help they need.
Available Resources:
There are numerous organisations that offer support for mental health in the construction industry. Some of the key resources include:
1. Mates in Mind: A leading charity dedicated to improving mental health in the construction sector, offering training, resources, and support.
2. Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: A charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Their 24/7 helpline offers free and confidential support and advice on a wide variety of wellbeing issues.
3. Mind: The mental health charity Mind provides resources and support for individuals and organizations, with specific information about mental health issues in the construction industry.
4. The Samaritans: Offering emotional support to anyone in distress, Samaritans can be contacted 24/7.
The mental health crisis in the UK construction industry cannot be ignored any longer. By improving awareness, fostering supportive environments, providing access to mental health resources, and changing the stigma around mental health, we can create a safer, healthier, and more productive industry. As an industry, it’s time to build a strong foundation not just for physical structures, but for mental well-being too.
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