OCC/General/TBT-OCC-003

Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site

Occupational Health › General › Mental Health and Wellbeing on Site

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Construction has the highest rate of suicide of any UK industry — on average, two construction workers take their own lives every working day.
Mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and stress affect construction workers at significantly higher rates than the general population.
Contributing factors include long hours, time away from family, job insecurity, financial pressure, and workplace culture.
Mental health first aiders are trained volunteers on site who can provide initial support and signpost professional help.
Talking about mental health is not a sign of weakness — early conversations prevent problems from escalating into crisis.
Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect workers' mental health.
Signs to look for in colleagues include withdrawal, changes in behaviour, increased irritability, tiredness, and loss of interest.
The construction industry is working to change the culture so that asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
Drug and alcohol misuse can be both a cause and a consequence of poor mental health in the workforce.
Confidential support is available through organisations such as the Samaritans, CALM, Mates in Mind, and the Lighthouse Club.

Save lives	Two construction workers die by suicide every working day in the UK — awareness and early intervention save lives.
Everyone's concern	Mental health affects work performance and safety — a distracted or distressed worker is at greater risk of injury.
Culture change	The industry is moving from silence to support — being part of that change protects you and your workmates.

Don't

Look out for changes in behaviour in your colleagues that might indicate they are struggling.
Ask a colleague how they are doing if you notice they seem withdrawn or different.
Know who the mental health first aiders are on your site and how to contact them.
Talk to someone you trust if you are experiencing stress, anxiety, or low mood.
Use the confidential helplines available such as Samaritans on 116 123.
Take proper breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain contact with family and friends.
Encourage an open culture where asking for help is respected, not ridiculed.
Attend mental health awareness sessions when offered on your site or project.
Report excessive working hours or unreasonable pressure to your manager.
Remember that seeking help early prevents problems from becoming a crisis.

DON'T ignore the signs — changes in a colleague's behaviour may indicate they need support.
DON'T be afraid to ask someone if they are okay — your concern could save a life.
DON'T dismiss mental health first aiders — they are trained to provide initial support.
DON'T suffer in silence — talking to someone is the first step to feeling better.
DON'T be embarrassed to use helplines — they are confidential and staffed by trained people.
DON'T skip breaks or sacrifice sleep — they are essential for mental recovery.
DON'T mock or ridicule anyone who talks about their mental health or asks for help.
DON'T assume mental health problems will resolve on their own without any support.
DON'T accept a culture of excessive hours and pressure as normal or unavoidable.
DON'T wait for a crisis — small steps taken early prevent serious consequences later.

See also: Suicide Awareness & Prevention | Stress Awareness on Site

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