Movember - Facing up to mental health in construction
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that workers in construction are nearly four times more like to die by suicide than in any other sector.
So, whether you come into our branches sporting a handlebar moustache or a Hercule Poirot for Movember, we’ll be tipping our hats and giving you a big thank-you for raising awareness of mental health, suicide, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
In the male-dominated, ‘macho’ world of construction, letting our guard down and talking openly about mental health is so important. It’s why we’ve previously written about How to improve mental health in the construction industry and it’s why we’re supporting colleagues and customers this Movember.
Why is suicide such a tragic problem in our industry?
With 50% of the construction sector made up of self-employed, agency staff and zero-hour contract workers, financial insecurity is a big factor, but there are many other reasons too.
· Long hours, making it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance
· High stress, with tight deadlines and budgets leading to anxiety and depression
· Physically demanding work, causing chronic pain and injuries that drag people down or affect their ability to work
It’s okay not to be okay
People in the trade talk about how lonely construction can be at times – how it’s hard to say, ‘I need some help’.
Mind, the mental health charity, have suggested five ways to build a supportive culture around mental health in construction.
1. Sign up for the Building Mental Health Charter
2. Spread the word about the Construction Industry Helpline app
3. Learn to recognise the signs that colleagues might need support
4. Make sure line managers and supervisors know what to do when someone mentions a mental health issue
5. Train employees or subcontractors as certified mental health first aiders
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