Construction Workers Are Facing Serious Mental Health Crisis

People working in the construction industry need more mental health support, as a large number of employees are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. 

Though most tradespeople tend to be cheerful and chatty, the truth is nearly a quarter know someone who has attempted suicide before, and over half have considered it themselves. 

The shocking figures come from a poll by Toolstation, which reported half of construction workers worry about money and their workload, The Sun revealed. 

Thanks to unsociable hours and having to work away from family, 27 per cent said they are lonely. 

Greg Richardson from Toolstation said: “Those who work for smaller organisations or are sole traders might not have easy access to mental health support, so raising awareness about the issue can help.”

Construction charity Lighthouse is trying to raise awareness of the mental health crisis the sector is facing.

Earlier this year, it launched its Make It Visible campaign that intends to create a “deliverable and measurable plan of action for wellbeing that can reach the boots on the ground”. 

The initiative also hopes to achieve a more coherent approach to mental health support across different companies, as this will improve access to help for workers.

The Make It Visible drive wants to draw up a wellbeing code of practice, so employees do not have to suffer from poor conditions and expectations. 

Supervisors and managers will also receive training to improve their people skills, so workers find it easier to approach them with their personal issues. 

Campaigns like this will help raise awareness of mental health support in the construction sector, so companies don’t just prioritise the importance of good quality winter construction work clothes but also their employees’ emotional wellbeing.