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The construction industry has this week moved on to a new phase of its efforts to support employees' mental health with the launch of an initiative coordinated by Mates in Mind.
The charity has led the creation of a flexible and joined up approach to mental health, from support to employees, line managers and the organisation, through to a tiered training framework developed in collaboration with various organisations including British Safety Council, Mind and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.
The programme is being delivered to the UK construction industry in support of the Health in Construction Leadership Group and in partnership with a number of industry representatives. Key to its success is breaking the silence and stigma that can surround mental health in society in general and the construction sector in particular by promoting a culture of positive wellbeing.
Commenting on the further roll out of Mates in Mind, Steve Hails, Chair of Mates in Mind Board and Director of Health, Safety and Well-being at Tideway, said: "Today is a significant moment as we roll out the Mates in Mind framework and resources for businesses to use. This is the culmination of several months of hard work and would not have been possible without the substantial help of key mental health charities and its championing by industry representatives.”
Data from the Health and Safety Executive show that 18 per cent of reported work-related illnesses in the UK construction industry are the result of mental health issues, such as stress, depression or anxiety – accounting for 400,000 working days lost each year. Recent statistics also highlight the worrying issue of suicide in the construction industry, with ONS figures showing that rates among male construction workers are 3.7 times higher than the national average.
Further research conducted recently by recruitment firm and HR services provide Randstad found that, of 3,400 construction workers surveyed, 73% felt their employers did not recognise the early signs of mental health issues and around two thirds reported that there are not sufficient outlets to discuss their mental health. As part of the Mates in Mind initiative, it’s hoped that provision of Mental Health First Aid training can play an important part in improving the management of mental ill health in the construction industry by providing a first point of contact for those experiencing common mental health issues.
Commenting on the initiative, Poppy Jaman, CEO, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England said, “We know that those working in the construction industry can be particularly vulnerable to experiencing mental ill health, with transient working patterns, periods spent away from home and extensive travelling all impacting individuals’ wellbeing. Macho working cultures and stigma around discussing mental illness can often make it difficult to address mental health issues in the workplace. By teaching people to spot the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and giving them the confidence to feel able to start a supportive conversation, my hope is that we can support Mates in Mind in their mission to further advance the culture shift towards mentally healthy working environments that is already underway in this sector.”
To find out more about MHFA England and it’s training visit mhfaengland.org