Mental health remains a key concern in the construction industry, with over 700 construction workers dying by suicide per year in the UK — equivalent to two people every working day
Mental health is unfortunately a common struggle within the construction industry, due to a range of factors including long hours, straining work, and financial issues. All of these are heightened in January when money is tight, the festivities are over, and we return to work.
Colemans looked into a range of aspects when it comes to mental health within the construction industry, including silent discrimination, which unfortunately can be common in the industry due to the ‘banter’ that typically happens on site.
Research shows 21% of construction employees have experienced bullying in the last year, and almost 3 in 10 say the bullying was labelled as ‘banter’.
There are some ways employers can support employees:
- Training and educating employees, including managers, on mental health and how to support those struggling
- Implement mental health procedures in the workplace such as employee wellness programs, mental health first aiders, and check-in sessions
Mark Coleman, chief executive at Colemans, shared his own experiences when it comes to mental health, and also how Colemans are implementing mental health education and procedures within their company to respond to mental health discrimination:
“Having experienced difficulties with my own mental health, I know how difficult this complex issue is for any modern-day business to understand and get right.
“For me and everyone here at Colemans, it started with cultural changes based around education, openness and understanding where it is necessary to have team members who are empathetic with high levels of emotional intelligence. We are working hard to change our own organisation’s attitudes and behaviours, even now after 10 years we are not there yet and I suppose we will never be perfect, making mistakes along the way.
“But as long as the culture, attitudes and behaviours are corrected as we go on, we will learn from our mistakes. We will improve and therefore have a positive impact on our people’s wellbeing.”
If you are struggling, there are services available
Mates in Mind has a variety of services available if you need support, such as the “BeAMate” text support service. Simply text “BeAMate” to 85258 and trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
You can also call some of the following helplines:
Samaritans: 116 123
Construction industry helpline: 0345 605 1956
Chris Holland
Director of HMM Ltd.
I work for balfour Beatty and they have been doing and training there employees for years on most of the things you are reporting on good companies look after there employees