The construction industry faces inherent health and safety issues which are obvious. But what is not so clear is that mental health issues are on the increase. With the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, and the later return to normality, building firms and employees have been put under pressure to resume deferred projects and meet tighter deadlines. With the physical demands of the job, this often leads to working longer hours, creating fatigue. Add to this, a poor work-family balance and supply chain issues, it’s not surprising that mental health has been affected. The industry is male dominated, and there is a ’macho’ image. This often means staff are reluctant to even think about their mental health, let alone raise or discuss it.
Mental Health Policies
2019 research by the Chartered Institute of Building found that 26% of building professionals considered suicide yet 56% of organisations did not have any mental health policies, meaning mental health remains a hidden danger. Almost certainly this has increased since returning to normality. The 2022 HSE Accident Statistics Data revealed that stress and anxiety accounted for 20% of all work-related illnesses leading to 70million absences at an estimated cost of £70m. Stress is a genuine issue.
The construction industry needs to change its approach and offer more help and support. To start with, employers and employees must recognise and accept that stress can affect anyone and everyone. Raising awareness is crucial, and encouraging staff to be open and honest, to discard this ‘macho’ image. Employers need to devise and implement mental health policies and procedures. Education is the best tool. This can be done easily and often as part of daily toolbox safety talks.
Employers have a statutory duty to safeguard the health and safety of their staff. Conducting frequent assessments of work-related problems may identify common stressors allowing employers to take appropriate actions. This may involve being more flexible by changing work patterns, shifts or workloads, to minimise risks. Regular team meetings or toolbox talks are an effective way of raising issues and allowing free speech to find areas of concern. Creating an open environment for dialogue is crucial.
Staff should be assured that their safety is paramount, and that help is available. They should be encouraged to speak to their managers and supervisors. External help can also be accessed via the employees GP to get counselling. The Construction Industry Helpline can also offer advice via the telephone, online as well as in-house support to those who seek help.
In a male dominated industry, with a ‘macho’ image where mental health issues are seen as a taboo, it is important that employers recognise that mental health affects all industries and every employee. Getting guidance and then formulating plans, procedures and policies is a good start. Quest can recommend you on your statutory obligations and suggest options and alternatives. We can offer consultancy services to draft these policies for you to ensure you are and remain compliant and help safeguard the safety of your staff. Call us on 01455 852028.
