mental health

Spotlight on… mental health asks why this silent epidemic casts a dark shadow over the construction workforce, what’s being done to address the crisis and practical steps to support mental wellbeing in the workplace.

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Mental health has become the biggest risk to life in the UK construction sector. In this ‘Spotlight on…’ we ask why this silent epidemic continues to cast a dark shadow over the construction workforce, what’s being done to address the crisis and practical steps to support mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Please note this article includes discussion of suicide and depression some readers may find upsetting or triggering.

Introduction

The demands of today’s construction industry have taken their toll on the health and wellbeing of its workforce and mounting stressors have resulted in some dark statistics. Two people die from suicide in construction every single day, the highest suicide rate of any sector in the UK. A recent report by Toolstation through On The Tools network shows that 52% of construction workers have experienced suicidal thoughts, and almost 1 in 4 employees know someone in the sector who has attempted suicide. 48% of workers took time off due to unmanageable stress, 96% have felt stress because of work and almost a quarter are considering leaving the industry in the next 12 months due to poor mental health.

It’s not hard to see why the construction sector is so affected by mental health issues.

  • Long-term fatigue and burnout from prolonged hours in a high stress, deadline driven environment. Fuelled further by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic placing additional strain on jobsites and individuals alike.
  • Financial uncertainty and the feeling of being out of control due to the seasonal nature of jobs, the insecurity of contract work and late contract payments.
  • Loneliness, isolation and exhaustion from long commutes and extended periods of time away from friends and family.
  • Escalating pressure to meet client demands and financial strain on businesses struggling to compete due to rising material costs and an unprecedented national skills shortage.
  • Low morale and self-esteem caused by discrimination, inappropriate behaviour and offensive language in the workplace.

The construction sector is steeped in a male dominated ‘macho’ culture, long drenched in attitudes and behaviours that place a huge stigma on mental health. This ‘bravado’ environment has made it difficult for workers to open up, making them feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss their state of mind. Seen as a sign of weakness and opportunity to tease, it’s easy to understand why 1 in 3 construction workers avoid taking time off despite stress due to the shame of being judged.

An amalgamation of these unique factors and years of corporate failure to deal with stressors has led to a ‘business as usual’ attitude, destroying the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers, resulting in 70 million days off sick per year and costing the industry an estimated £70bn-£100bn annually.

What is mental health?

According to the World Health Organisation ‘Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development.’

Mental health issues stem from a range of complex factors, from genetic and biological influences to family interactions, lifestyle experiences, financial and work pressures. Mounting stress and pressure are key factors effecting mental health if not identified and treated early. Stress and anxiety can impact at any time and lead to a downward spiral of depression and isolation, influencing how an individual feels, thinks and behaves. The repercussions can be fatal; lack of sleep, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, increased risk of a heart attack, long term physical illness and sadly even death. However, its impact is far greater than physical ailments. Mental illness can have a lifelong effect on a person’s mental state and self-esteem. Those that suffer do so largely alone, often resulting in drawing back from society and a breakdown in relationships.

In the context of a work environment, mental illness is linked to low morale, poor timekeeping and impaired decision making. These can lead to safety risks, time off work, isolation and even hospitalisation.

What are we doing to help support mental wellbeing in construction?

At the Considerate Constructors Scheme we take the responsibility of promoting mental health awareness seriously. It forms an integral part of our Code of Considerate Practice. The ‘Value their Workforce’ section focuses on how registered activity consider the health and wellbeing of their workforce, paying particular attention to mental health and stress. We help identify areas of improvement and provide access to the latest resources, advice, and best practice to strengthen policies and wellbeing programmes.

The Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice states that all registered organisations should value their workforce and provide a workplace where everyone is respected, treated fairly, encouraged and supported.

The Checklist used by Scheme Monitors asks the following questions:

  • Q3.2.1 – How is the Registered Activity assessing the needs of the workforce to drive an improvement in wellbeing?
  • Q3.3.3 – How has the Registered Activity supported other workforce needs?

The checklist also asks Registered Activity to proactively support safe working, mental and physical wellbeing at work.

 

 

Law and legislation

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Law and legislation

Employers have a legal responsibility and duty of care to all employees, from senior management to onsite personnel to reduce the causes of mental illness that develop in the workplace environment.

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External resources

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External resources

Mental health is a huge issue in the construction industry today. There are numerous organisations and initiatives committed to supporting good mental health in the construction industry.

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Examples of best practice

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Examples of best practice

Drawing on pioneering campaigns from within our industry, we have compiled a resource of best practice examples. Benefit from the insight and experience of our Registered Activity, and gain ideas on how you and your organisation can strengthen your approach to mental health by reading the initiatives below.

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Case studies

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Case studies

The industry is increasingly widening its approach to raise its apprentice population in order to attract the next generation. Read a number of case studies detailing how the construction industry is better safeguarding it's workforce.

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What can you do?

There are many ways organisations can make a difference in how we recognise and respond to mental health and strengthen wellbeing in the workplace.

Commitment to mental health as a corporate imperative

  • Does your organisation have a mental health strategy, policy or wellbeing charter? If not, demonstrate corporate commitment by creating a mental health plan as a top priority.
  • Incorporate best practice and advice from mental health professionals as well as HSE Management Standards.
  • Understand who has responsibility for supporting and delivering the strategy, make sure it is a corporate imperative that has the backing of the leadership team and is not just a tick box exercise.

Identify and address workplace stressors

  • Conduct anonymous surveys or create open forums to understand workplace experiences and risk factors and then measure responses over a period to gauge the impact of initiatives.
  • Create KPIs based on the survey results and establish corporate accountability as well as identifying key issues and take steps to tackle them.
  • It’s often managers who set the tone for the team, so help identify and tackle mental health issues at a management level.

Internal cultural change

  • Ensure leadership teams recognise mental health and wellbeing is an issue and that they are encouraged to be actively engaged in driving the conversation.
  • Establish an approachable culture free from judgement with an open-door policy employees can trust.
  • Train line managers in how to identify and react to mental health issues, discouraging banter, teasing or the use of offensive language that may deter employees from approaching for help.
  • Review benefits packages to include sick leave based on mental illness, free counselling services and flexible working arrangements.

Improve mental health awareness

  • Assess current workplace resources that support mental health and ask whether they are fit for purpose, up to date and accessible across the company.
  • Breakdown gender stereotypes and the stigma associated with mental illness through regular toolbox talks, posters, site inductions and access to supportive resources such as videos.
  • Work with organisations and networks that can help strengthen existing resources with training, talks or accreditations.
  • Take part in annual campaigns such as Mind Mental Health Awareness Week or create your own initiative.

Strengthen access to support

  • Build an internal support network by introducing mental health first aiders trained to spot the early signs of mental illness and equipped to deal with colleagues in need of support.
  • Ensure the support network has the capacity to listen and help when colleagues are experiencing distress.

Promote wellbeing in the workplace environment

  • Design spaces that promote wellbeing at work; areas for recreation, spaces to workout, quiet and relaxing spaces for reflection and canteens offering healthy meals.

Conclusion

The UK construction industry has a long way to go to combat the silent epidemic of mental health in the workplace. There is no doubt a huge cultural shift needs to take place to change the way construction professionals behave, respond and talk about mental health. A key way to tackle this is through education; raising awareness, training and support across the supply chain from principal contractors through to the hundreds and thousands small businesses and self-employed individuals.

Tradespeople are suffering every day under the strains of the sector, so mental health needs to be addressed as a top priority with a coordinated effort by all involved stakeholders. By reshaping attitudes and redesigning the workplace environment we can start to reduce the root cause of stress to create a happy, healthy workforce.

Further reading on this topic can be found in the References and Useful Resources section.

The Scheme will continue to update this page as new examples and case studies of how the industry is tackling this issue are identified. If you would like to share how your company is addressing mental health, please contact the Scheme by emailing enquiries@ccsbestpractice.org.uk 

Date published: November 10 2022

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Examples of best practice

Drawing on pioneering campaigns from within our industry, we have compiled a resource of best practice examples. Benefit from the insight and experience of our Registered Activity, and gain ideas on how you and your organisation can strengthen your approach to mental health by reading the initiatives below.

On Site Counsellor

Published 19 February 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

Due to the recent loss of the project manager in this project, the contractor is providing a free grief counselling service to help those affected by the death. The grief counsellor has visited site once a month for the last two months, and every time they have been fully booked out for the day. The demand for this type of…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Awareness Training

Published 15 February 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Health risk assessments and monitoring Induction and training Mental health
CategoriesHealth risk assessments and monitoring Induction and training Mental health

This contractor has partnered with ‘Everymind at Work’ and enlisted the help of their head psychologist to deliver a series of training sessions to reach the whole supply chain. This training delved into the complexities of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), shedding light on what it is, its manifestations, how it effects the lives of individuals and how to manage it….

Positive Psychology in the Workplace

Published 17 January 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health Positive leadership and risk ownership Positive reinforcement for good safety practices
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As a leadership team this contractor work on a principle of a dominance of positive communications. This has a number of base rules that they have set themselves: – Share good energy and a supportive attitude when at work. When making site safety observations ensure at least 2/3 of these are positive/good practice observations. Give out twice as many green…

Monthly Mindfulness

Published 17 January 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

This initiative focuses on the physical and mental wellbeing of the workforce. Once a month, employees from the office, site and subcontractor teams gather for an hour to practice mindfulness, meditation, and exercise. Classes are lead by the Community Liaison Officer who is also a qualified dance teacher, with guest instructors (such as yoga and boxercise instructors) taking the classes…

Get Construction Talking Toolkit

Published 5 January 2024 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health

Construction shapes our world but struggles with mental health more than most other industries. At its extremes, the problem is costing lives: data shows that construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in the US, UK and Australia. The B1M and Procore have launched Get Construction Talking, a global initiative to raise awareness of mental health…

Promoting Mental Health Awareness through Collaboration

Published 10 October 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health Sharing of safety alerts Toolbox talks and daily briefings
CategoriesMental health Sharing of safety alerts Toolbox talks and daily briefings

Mental health challenges such as stress, depression, and anxiety affect individuals across all walks of life, but the construction industry has shown a higher prevalence of these issues, especially among men. The stigma surrounding men’s mental health has contributed to a lack of open conversations and seeking help. The need for a comprehensive mental health awareness initiative within the industry…

Supporting and Promoting the Lighthouse Charity

Published 12 September 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

The project team  have been working closely, in partnership with Blackwood Plant Hire, to support and promote the work that the Lighthouse Charity do for the wellbeing of construction workers across the UK. They have the first ever Lighthouse Charity liveried excavator in the UK on their site. The excavator serves as a constant reminder to the workforce that they…

Raising Awareness of Mental Health

Published 2 July 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health Sharing of safety alerts Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Sharing of safety alerts Wellbeing events

The project team supported Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 by holding a stand down event which was well received by the workforce. The event included management starting a conversation with an operative to highlight the importance of talking and what individuals could do to help others who may be experiencing negative mental health. A short period of non-work related conversations…

Drinkaware – Mental Health – May

Published 3 May 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Consultation on health and safety Mental health
CategoriesConsultation on health and safety Mental health

Drinkaware have created a poster to help people to deal with their mental health in May. This poster focusses on how reducing your alcohol intake can help to improve mental health. This poster details: How alcohol affects our brain chemistry Ideas to improve mental wellbeing To download the poster to display on your construction sites click the link below.

Project Psychiatrist

Published 10 March 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

On this project they have hired a psychiatrist to visit site and provide the workforce with a free opportunity to seek professional health for any mental health issues they may be experiencing. All records are strictly confidential. Encouraging the workforce to communicate with mental health professionals and break the stigma around mental health is one of the biggest challenges in treating…

Lighthouse Club Wellbeing Academy

Published 21 February 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Induction and training Mental health
CategoriesInduction and training Mental health

The Lighthouse Club Wellbeing Academy embraces every style of learning from self paced e-learning through to online tutor led masterclasses and onsite training. The academy also offers a variety of courses that support everyone in the industry from soft skills training through to MHFA accredited qualifications. Better mental health for construction workers stems from promoting a positive cultural change within…

You Matter Health and Wellbeing Bus

Published 16 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health Wellbeing events

A Healthy Working Lives Bus provided a visit to this project to provide health checks for all employees on site, covering BMI, body fat %, diabetes and glucose and blood pressure checks. They were also joined by the Lighthouse Charity which specialise in mental health support for construction workers as well as workwear and PPE specialists. This also promoted Healthy…

World Mental Health Day Team Quiz

Published 16 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Induction and training Mental health
CategoriesInduction and training Mental health

In order to raise awareness of mental health issues and to start site teams talking about them between themselves, the company, on World Mental Health Day, organised a World Mental Health Day team quiz. The quiz comprised a mixture of safety, health, wellbeing and general knowledge questions, with a prize for the winning team. This was fun for those involved…

Combat 2 Coffee Mental Health Event

Published 16 January 2023 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

In connection with the covenant and supporting the company’s drive to improve the understanding of Mental Health within the industry, the site have arranged for a social value event. This facilitated a visit from the Combat 2 Coffee team who are a group of veterans that have teamed up with the contractor to visit sites, provide free coffee and discuss…

Wellbeing Check Up for the Workforce

Published 21 October 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health

T-Cup assisted the contractor gain insight into wellbeing of the workforce and providing a tool to manage and support workforce wellbeing. The Check Up system has employees reflect for 60 seconds on 9 categories; aligned to the World Health Organisation’s definition of wellbeing, anonymously accessed by weblink or QR code. The process will be run via the contractors monthly meetings…

Ownminder App

Published 21 October 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

This contractor implemented a mind fitness solution built for, and by the construction industry. This provides everyone, no matter their role or level, with the ability to proactively protect their psychological health and build mind fitness. Ownminder has been developed to ensure that what they deliver both resonates with and is engaging for the construction industry and its workers. The…

Spotlight on… posters

Published 17 October 2022 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Carbon reduction Display CCS registration materials Mental health Modern slavery training Random substance testing Signage
CategoriesCarbon reduction Display CCS registration materials Mental health Modern slavery training Random substance testing Signage

Spotlight on… posters have been designed for general display in and around site welfare facilities. The Scheme has developed a collection of A3 posters from the series of ‘Spotlight on…’ learning toolkits. This resource has proven valuable for display on site and raising awareness amongst the workforce and visitors. To purchase these products, click here. To download a free electronic…

Mood Self Assessment Survey

Published 21 April 2022 | No comments
Written by Jane Elder
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

This contractor know that health & safety in the workplace is not just about physical health but also mental wellbeing as well. It is important to take into account how each person feels, acts and reacts and how that then affects their work. Good mental wellbeing does not mean you’re always happy or unaffected by your experiences but poor mental…

Health and Wellness Promotional Campaign

Published 20 April 2022 | No comments
Written by John Connelly
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

This contractor was pleased to announce the launch of a new internal promotional campaign. The campaign is aimed at promoting and raising awareness about occupational health, mental health and well being for all staff and their extended family members and will run in conjunction with their existing Stay Safe @Work@Home program. They aim to share best practice not only in…

Be a Game Changer – Stress Campaign

Published 27 January 2022 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

One of the issues this contractor is finding on site is stress, especially during the pandemic and the effect that this has had on their workforce. The contractor has set up a partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation to become ambassadors for the ‘be a game changer’ campaign, they have carried out a workshop and are following this up site…

Multilingual Mental Health First Aider

Published 13 January 2022 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories English not as first language support Mental health
CategoriesEnglish not as first language support Mental health

During the monthly workforce consultation meetings, one of the site operatives suggested the introduction of Multilingual Mental Health First Aiders. The idea was well accepted and it is now currently in use in all of this contractors projects to ensure all those on site have someone they can speak to without having the issue of a language barrier. Signage has…

Occupational Health Support

Published 20 December 2021 | No comments
Written by Colin Britton
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

This contractor is attempting to provide an approach to mental health and wellbeing support to their site staff and supply chain by offering a variety of support mechanisms. They provide on-site counselling service (face to face or virtually) once a year. The counsellor analyses the conversations they has with each member of the team and provides opportunities for further support…

Men’s Health Month

Published 24 November 2021 | No comments
Written by Ashleigh Lang
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

Led from this project and championed by one of their young site managers, this year this contractor has signed up to be part of Movember’s Business Club in support of Men’s health and bringing about change in the way it is approached. A poster campaign was designed that each week would be a different focus on the key subjects of…

Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign

Published 9 November 2021 | No comments
Written by Meena Bhogal
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

Sadly, the construction industry has the highest suicide rates of any sector. As part of their Wellbeing Strategy, one of this contractors projects launched a month-long communications awareness campaign, triggered by World Suicide Prevention Day. The communications centred around three key messages: For those struggling – it’s OK to talk about mental health and suicide and there is support on…

Mental Health Check-in Days

Published 27 September 2021 | No comments
Written by Yemi Downs
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

This contractor has recognised the importance of mental health and with the recent coronavirus lockdowns it has become more apparent that people are struggling. With the lack of social interaction this brings, they decided to create the Mental Health Check-in Day. Across all their sites and head office they ask everyone to dedicate a day monthly to calling members of…

Introducing SAD Lighting

Published 27 September 2021 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

On this project they have installed SAD lighting in their basement offices. These are specialised lighting which can relieve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, estimated to effect approximately 20% of the population. Symptoms of SAD are typically experienced during the winter months when the weather is colder and there is a lack of natural light and can include low mood,…

Providing Support to Employees and their Families

Published 6 September 2021 | No comments
Written by Alec Taylor
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

This contractor is providing free access to the Canada Life ‘WeCare’ app and website, plus AIG’s bereavement support helpline for all construction employees and their immediate family members. The Canada Life WeCare app is a service with access to a 24/7 online GP, mental health counselling, a get fit programme, plus legal and financial support as well as diet and…

Strava Club

Published 31 August 2021 | No comments
Written by Chris Homewood
Categories Mental health Recreational facilities Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Recreational facilities Wellbeing events

Due to coronavirus restrictions stopping those on this project from meeting up in person to do any form of exercise or wellbeing activities they decided to set up a Strava club centred around the project for anyone involved in it to join. The club has a leaderboard allowing people to comment and follow each others progress and the opportunity for…

Occupational Mental Health

Published 23 August 2021 | No comments
Written by Danica Chambers
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

This contractor has arranged for their assigned mental health first aider to come to site on a monthly basis to have a short sit down with a randomly selected group of site workers. The group chosen will change from month to month and if anyone would like to request a sit down anonymously they can request one and be added…

Mental Health Week Workforce Picnics

Published 16 August 2021 | No comments
Written by Claire Murray
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

Mental health is an important part of health and safety on all of this contractors projects. For Mental Health Week they engaged with the workforce by organising picnics across the whole month. Each site manager took up to 5 people for a picnic in the green spaces around site – in keeping with the theme of ‘Nature’ for Mental Health…

Lighthouse Club – Help Inside the Hard Hat

Published 5 August 2021 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The Lighthouse Club have launched their ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ campaign to raise awareness of poor mental health within the construction industry. In the UK, two construction workers take their own lives every working day and stress, anxiety and depression account for a fifth of all work-related illnesses. They ‘Help Inside the Hard Hat’ by providing a huge range…

Walk and Talk Mental Health Initiative

Published 9 July 2021 | No comments
Written by Olivia Hack
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

The recent Mental Health Awareness Week prompted this project to develop a ‘walk and talk’ scheme in an attempt to look outside of the box and further eliminate the stigma of mental health concerns – particularly stigmas within the construction industry. The concept of the ‘walk and talk’ scheme either as a group or an individual involves taking operatives out…

Ask Twice Mental Health Campaign

Published 5 July 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The Mental Health First Aid team at this project have implemented an ‘Ask Twice’ Campaign. Considering the impact we all suffered during this difficult time, many people experience a mental health problem, so if someone says they are fine, they might not be. A second ‘How are you?’ could make all the difference, opening a window for a conversation. The…

Mindfulness Development Workshop

Published 29 June 2021 | One comment
Written by Katy Bald
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

This contractor have devised a staff wellbeing measure to ensure all staff have the access and opportunity to help them manage their day-to-day wellbeing. Research has highlighted that many people find practising mindfulness helps them become more aware of the present moment and can help them enjoy the world around them more and understand themselves better. The way people think…

Mental Health First Aid Training for Local Residents

Published 16 June 2021 | No comments
Written by Alice Mann
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

This contractor ran an accredited Mental Health First Aid training course in collaboration with their scaffolding subcontractor. Members of the local community and organisations were invited to attend with the aim of targeting those who could make best use of the knowledge and skills they have learnt to support the wider community. The two day accredited course enables attendees to…

Encouraging the Workforce to go for a Walk

Published 16 June 2021 | No comments
Written by Jeremy Bayliss
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

This contractor have created a new mental health initiative to encourages their workers to take a walk in the local park during their breaks with a slogan of “There is no WiFi in the park but we promise you will find a better connection”. It has been scientifically proven that a walk in the park lowers the stress level, improves…

Mental Health Support for Vehicle Drivers

Published 2 June 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories CLOCS Mental health
CategoriesCLOCS Mental health

Driving around London can be a very stressful task, especially when considering using lorries to carry very heavy loads. The project team are now providing some mental health support for delivery drivers visiting the project. They have created a document to be given to every driver visiting the project, which will provide some assistance and support for a difficult moment….

Mental Health First Aider Cards

Published 2 June 2021 | No comments
Written by Beth Miles
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

Mental health can have a considerable impact on the industry. It was important that this contractor found a system which supported their employees to not feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. During an on site meeting the Public Liaison Officer and operatives discussed how they could further support mental health on site. They asked the operatives how they can…

Listening Lounge

Published 5 May 2021 | No comments
Written by Lucy Austin
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

Working with their trade contractors and mental health first aiders, the team have established the Listening Lounge in a discrete area of their welfare facility. Being mindful of other faiths prayer routines, twice a week between 9.00am – 12.00pm the prayer and wellbeing room is set up as a Listening Lounge. During these times six of their mental health first…

Insight Timer

Published 5 May 2021 | No comments
Written by Denise Southard
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

As an employer, the contractor has a duty of care to ensure that health, safety and wellbeing, and that of others, is not affected whilst at work. They also has a legal duty to manage the risks from fatigue, irrespective of a person’s willingness to work extra hours or preference for certain shift patterns or social reasons. They have implemented…

Happiness Playlist

Published 5 May 2021 | No comments
Written by Denise Southard
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The project team have created their own Spotify Playlist to play in the office and on personal devices. These are different tracks from when each member of the team was eleven years old. This has been proven by the Happiness Institute in Denmark to encourage happy thoughts, release endorphins and it’s when we hit our musical peak. The songs evoke…

DABS – Daily Mental Health and Wellbeing Conversation

Published 7 April 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

On this project, mental health and wellbeing are discussed on as daily basis during DABs coordination meeting. These meetings are held Monday to Friday and are mandatory for all subcontractors with over 50 people attending the meetings. Discussed in the meeting presentation is: Every day a new subject will be presented and discussed, eg: How to keep active, No Smoking…

Encouraging Biophilia Among the Workforce

Published 16 March 2021 | No comments
Written by Jeremy Bayliss
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

Biophilia describes the human drive to connect with nature and other living things. Nature’s power for humanity can influence our mental health, our hobbies, our travels, and our homes and workplaces. This contractor has identified that by allowing their employees to make planters for the site hoardings has had a positive impact on they workers’ mental health. It has also…

Promoting Lighthouse Club’s Free Mental Health and Wellbeing Training Course

Published 8 March 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

Working in the construction industry is one of the deadliest professions in the UK, not just because of the dangers of heavy machinery; the suicide rate for construction workers is more than three times the national average for men. On this project, they are committed to assisting their workforce as much as possible. They have 15 Mental Health First Aiders…

Mental Health First Aider Sticker

Published 8 March 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The contractor on this project team is very committed to promote mental health and wellbeing. The volunteer Mental Health First Aiders have a gold coloured sticker attached to their safety helmets, in order to make them easier to identify. During safety induction, new workers are informed about the project’s Mental Health First Aider volunteers and how to identify them.

Mood Meter

Published 1 March 2021 | No comments
Written by Irina Ursu
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The coronavirus pandemic and lockdown has had a marked effect on people’s mental health. The Lack of social life and continued work had some impact on construction workers. Being at work most of the times, the contractor identified the need for creating support from colleagues and managers. They decided to introduce mood meter. Arriving onsite, workers are encouraged to take…

Virtual Coffee Drop Ins

Published 15 February 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

Due to coronavirus, a large number of employees are working from home and they will be missing their daily routine on site, including socialising with work colleagues. Also, understanding those working on site are under unusual circumstances, the Mental Health First Aiders team on the project have implemented virtual coffee drop in sessions. The sessions are done once a week,…

Mental Health Support Flyer

Published 1 February 2021 | No comments
Written by Bruno Tiosso
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

Considering that the Construction Industry has one of the worst suicide rates in UK, the contractor on this project are actively trying to provide support to site workforce. A Mental Health Support Flyer has been printed on A5 and is available around site welfare facilities. Instead of using a site noticeboard, the contractor believe a flyer is a better option…

Memorial For a Subcontractor

Published 26 January 2021 | No comments
Written by Denise Southard
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

The project team were all deeply saddened of the loss of Terry Tyler from LJJ LTD on 16th January 2021. Terry was much liked and respected by everyone on the Knowles House project. To encourage the workforce to talk about their grief regarding the loss of a work colleague, the project team have put up memorials and set up an…

ASIST Applied Suicide Intervention Training

Published 14 December 2020 | No comments
Written by Denise Southard
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

With suicide being the ‘silent killer’ in the construction industry two members of the project team attended an accredited two day, interactive training course that prepares them to provide suicide first aid interventions. The training course included: Be suicide alert – identify people who have thoughts of suicide Understand the reasons behind thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living…

Mental Health Awareness – Fit for Life

Published 2 November 2020 | No comments
Written by Matt Selby
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

If your mental health isn’t right, nothing fits into place. Not at home, not at work, not out with your mates, not anywhere. Kelly Formwork are working to to emphasise this with their staff by distributing information and spreading the word to help those suffering in silence to open up and simply talk about problems relating to mental health. They…

World Mental Health Day Fortune Cookies

Published 19 October 2020 | No comments
Written by Colleen Liston
Categories Consultation Mental health
CategoriesConsultation Mental health

In order to spread the message about World Mental Health Day, the project team made customised Fortune Cookies which featured a selection of mental health facts on one side and thought provoking quotes on the other. By mixing cookies including prizes amongst normal cookies, the team managed to get more information about mental health across to the site team and…

Offering Personalised Classes for Operatives Families

Published 19 October 2020 | No comments
Written by Cara Chernanko
Categories Mental health Workforce development plans
CategoriesMental health Workforce development plans

Skadoosch – a provider of personalised classes for families (with children aged 3-11) that encourages positive social interaction and mental wellbeing through fun games and activities, have partnered with the Goodluck Hope Project to offer classes to the site’s families. Together they have recognised how work-related mental health issues not only affect the individual, it also affects the individual’s family….

Talk To Us Posters on Crane Bases

Published 22 June 2020 | No comments
Written by Denise Southard
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

As well as seeking to prevent suicides through awareness campaigns and mental health first aid training we have put posters in and around our crane bases. If someone is suffering from suicidal thoughts they may try to come onto site when empty and use the crane as a method of suicide. We have put posters around the crane base in…

Anniversary Employer Pledge

Published 23 March 2020 | No comments
Written by Amy Stockton
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

CR Civil Engineering celebrated 20 years of trading and to mark the occasion, the company signed the ‘Time-to-Change Employer Pledge’. The Time to Change Employer Pledge is a commitment to changing the way we all think and act about mental health in the workplace. This commitment is supported by a 12-month Employer Action Plan, built upon five years of evidence-based…

Therapy Dog

Published 10 February 2020 | No comments
Written by Kiu Tran
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

Introducing the latest member to join the team at Elephant Park, Marley the therapy dog. To compliment Lendlease’s commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of its people and those who work on our projects, the team at Elephant Park have their very own in-house therapy dog. Anyone can drop by for a cuddle or pick-me-up or request a private…

Magnetic Thoughts

Published 23 December 2019 | No comments
Written by Roxanne Thorpe
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Feedback Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Feedback Mental health

The building blocks form the thoughts of our onsite community when attached to the support wall. This gives operatives a chance to write down their thoughts, feedback and praise in an anonymous way or as they please. It is a safe space to speak out. At induction each operative is given a building block as each person matters. A private…

Combatting Fatigue, Anxiety and Depression with SAD Lighting

Published 17 December 2019 | No comments
Written by Anna Bramley
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

At Robertson we believe that a healthy workforce is a happy workforce! We value our workforce and understand that mental health problems and fatigue can affect anyone at any time. We operate an open door policy where employees and subcontractors can talk to a manager or Mental Health First Aider in absolute confidence. We provide a free helpline that offers…

Visualite Panels in Basement Accommodation

Published 2 December 2019 | No comments
Written by Lewis Haines
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

What it is A light up panel fixed to the wall which incorporates our own images and uses a cutting edge LED light source to create a healthier and better ambience. It not only provides light to the office space but also creates an illusion of a greater space, improving the mental wellbeing of the workers in the office. Why…

Personal Lights

Published 2 December 2019 | No comments
Written by Lewis Haines
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

What it is “Look up, Look Out” is our November safety scheme at KGX1. With this scheme, we are encouraging people to look out for everyone’s safety by looking up. We’ve run edge protection workshops and brought in companies to showcase the latest access equipment. Another aim is to raise awareness for mental health problems and how to help. Also,…

Workforce Support for Mental Health

Published 4 November 2019 | No comments
Written by Heather Miller
Categories First aid Mental health
CategoriesFirst aid Mental health

At Engie Places and Communities, all of our Mental Health First Aiders’ have added a bold statement at the end of their signature on all emails. It reads ‘I’m a Mental Health First Aider’ in large, bright letters. This allows staff to reach out, if or when the time comes that they need to talk. It takes away the face…

Moodbeam Device for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Published 28 October 2019 | One comment
Written by David McPherson
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

‘Moodbeam’ devices are currently being trialled on this project. The aim of these wristband devices is to support meaningful conversations in relation to the user’s mental health and wellbeing. The device logs sleep and activity, and the user presses a yellow button on the device when feeling happy and a blue button when feeling unhappy. The device connects to an…

Suicide Prevention Training

Published 11 October 2019 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The site team investigated the suicide rate within the construction industry and discovered, via The Office of National Statistics, that between 2011 and 2015: people working in construction were 63% more likely to die by suicide than the national average. There were over 1,400 suicides in construction in five years, more than any other profession. This was three times higher…

Public Health England: Every Mind Matters

Published 7 October 2019 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

Public Health England have created their Every Mind Matters campaign to help your colleagues and members of the public to discover simple steps to achieve good mental health. This national campaign is full of expert advice and practical tips to help anyone affected by mental health. The campaign has a free NHS-approved online tool which is available on the Every…

Providing Materials and Site Cabins to a Community Association

Published 30 September 2019 | No comments
Written by Claire Anderson
Categories Support for local charities
CategoriesSupport for local charities

The team working on Stobhill Mental Health Units were approached for old pallets and material off cuts by The Men’s Shed Association at Springburn Park, a charity that provides a place for men of all ages to go that suffer with depression and loneliness. The charity use woodworking, arts and crafts as a way for men to socialise with others…

Mediation and Meditation

Published 5 August 2019 | One comment
Written by Rachel Mills
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

On The Broadway project, we are focusing on the wellbeing of all Multiplex staff and contractors working on our behalf. We have collectively been thinking of new ways to help manage stress and in doing so have took to mindfulness and how it can help in the workplace. We invited a guest speaker to help us learn meditation techniques as…

Chatty Café

Published 5 August 2019 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Canteen Mental health
CategoriesCanteen Mental health

The site has developed a concept called Chatty Café, which is a forum for site personnel who may be seeking help with their mental health issues. The site believes that approaches towards mental health should be more than just posters on the canteen wall, and should take the form of sharing stories and group activities. The forum is intended to…

Mental Health First Aider Walk In Sessions

Published 29 July 2019 | One comment
Written by Rachel Mills
Categories First aid Mental health
CategoriesFirst aid Mental health

On The Broadway project, the trained Mental Health First Aiders wanted to make it possible for themselves to be available for anyone to come and talk to via a general chit-chat. The talks help put names to faces regarding who the Mental Health First Aiders are, and also enables the Mental Health First Aiders to signpost anyone who requires support….

Looking after Staff Health and Wellbeing

Published 1 July 2019 | No comments
Written by Ellie Walshe
Categories Mental health Recreational facilities
CategoriesMental health Recreational facilities

mac-group recognise the importance of having good mental and physical health for everyone working on our projects. During Mental Health Awareness Week (13th-19th May), mac-group held Mental Health toolbox talks on all sites, and distributed mental health badges and construction industry helpline cards. The Mountpark Baldonnell project also has two trained mental health first aiders on site. In March 2019,…

Supporting Men’s Health Week

Published 17 June 2019 | No comments
Written by Sinead Gorman
Categories Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health
CategoriesHealth risk assessments and monitoring Mental health

A full site stand down took place so that a tool box talk discussion could take place on the key issues around men’s health to mark Men’s Health week. The following key points were discussed: A waist size of over 37 inches can have serious health implications for the heart, lungs, blood pressure etc. No more than 14 units of…

Mental Health Week

Published 13 June 2019 | No comments
Written by james mcculloch
Categories Mental health Support for local charities
CategoriesMental health Support for local charities

On Tuesday 14th May 2019, ISG management at Richmond-upon-Thames college (RUTC) organised a special event to take place on site for the benefit of the subcontractor operatives and supervisors. The event in question was a visit from ‘Mental Health UK’, and the aim was to give a presentation to the workforce about the dangers of stress in the workplace. The…

Adopting a Growth Mindset

Published 28 May 2019 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Mental health Support for local charities Workforce development plans
CategoriesMental health Support for local charities Workforce development plans

The team at Inverness Justice Centre hosted a Workforce Wellbeing and Energiser, which aimed to encourage social connections to support and enhance wellbeing through an informative tool box talk, followed by laughter and breathing exercises. The session also raised awareness of the impact of mental health, stigmas associated with mental ill-health, self-care and how to support others. The event was…

The Madison Workforce Development Hub

Published 21 May 2019 | No comments
Written by Celeste Koen
Categories Literacy and numeracy support Mental health Workforce development plans
CategoriesLiteracy and numeracy support Mental health Workforce development plans

A secure iPad in the canteen has been installed for the workforce to access while on their breaks. The iPad stand is adjustable and has two positions, so the user can stand up or sit down. The stool provided at the station is made out of re-used waste materials from site. The iPad is preloaded with information on the following…

Mental Health Awareness: State of Mind

Published 8 May 2019 | No comments
Written by Chris Corrigan
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

Today at the LUHIC site in Lancaster, we had a ‘Mental Health Awareness: State of Mind’ presentation from Danny Sculthorpe (ex-Wigan Warriors and Great Britain rugby league player) and Phil Veivers (ex-St Helens rugby league player and Wigan Warriors/ Salford head coach). Since leaving rugby league, Danny Sculthorpe has become a mental health and stress speaker, and has spoken to…

Mental Health First Aiders and Awareness

Published 16 April 2019 | No comments
Written by Chloe Ellis
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

At Murraywood Construction we take the health of our employees seriously, encouraging all to undertake the health screening that is provided on a yearly basis, but we also recognise that good health is not only physical. The World Health Organisation defines mental health as ‘a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises their abilities, can cope with the normal…

Building Mental Health in Construction

Published 13 February 2019 | No comments
Written by Ben Leatham
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

Working in the construction industry can be stressful and feel pressurised. Want to support staff but don’t know where to start? Mental Health at Work is a new online gateway, developed by Mind, with advice and resources created by and for specific industries, including construction. It’s easy to find what you need with a construction toolkit full of information and…

Mental Health Awareness

Published 28 January 2019 | No comments
Written by Amy Stockton
Categories First aid Mental health Training plans Workforce development plans
CategoriesFirst aid Mental health Training plans Workforce development plans

World Mental Health Day took place on 10th October 2018, with people across the globe showing their support in raising awareness for all types of mental health. On the same day, CR Civils introduced their first Mental Health First Aid Training course – with the feedback being very positive. Our Procurement Director is a committee member of The Lighthouse Construction…

Construction Industry Helpline App

Published 10 December 2018 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

The Lighthouse Club Construction Industry Charity, who run the Construction Industry Helpline, launched an app  in collaboration with COINS (a construction software firm) and Building Mental Health (an online information portal about mental health, also developed by the charity). The new Construction Industry Helpline app will be a free, confidential service aimed at providing essential information and guidance on wellbeing…

Mental Health: Measuring the effectiveness of interventions

Published 13 September 2018 | No comments
Written by Jack Lawrence
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

In May 2018 as part of mental health awareness week we undertook a cross sectional survey amongst staff and supply chain operatives using a self-completing questionnaire to explore the effectiveness of our approach, and interventions, events, campaigns and training around mental health offered to date. Our work is intended to eliminate stigma and discrimination through positive action, understanding and behaviours…

Building Mental Health Toolbox Talk

Published 9 May 2018 | No comments
Written by Bill Hill
Categories Mental health Toolbox talks and daily briefings
CategoriesMental health Toolbox talks and daily briefings

The Lighthouse Construction Industry charity has been working with Mace, LendLease and the CITB to devise a 45 minute Toolbox Talk on Mental Health Awareness. The presentation contains 3 videos and has been developed so that companies can download it for their use and add content of their own. The presentation is fully scripted and comes with a guidance note…

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

Published 14 February 2018 | No comments
Written by Elaine Kendall
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

A number of sites across our business took part in this year’s Time to Talk Day on 1st February, to support Time to Change and get people talking about mental health to help end the shame and isolation felt by those with mental health problems. Coffee mornings were held on each site, with a number of Time to Talk Day…

Recognising and Tackling Blue Monday

Published 22 January 2018 | No comments
Written by Andrew Sharp
Categories Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesMental health Wellbeing events

As part of our staff wellbeing, we recognised the challenges that January can sometimes bring in terms of personal motivation for our workforce. The fun of the holiday season has faded, purse strings are tightened as pay day seems further away than usual, and as if January weather isn’t bad enough, Storm Eleanor brought more wind and rain than usual….

Stress Break Rota

Published 18 December 2017 | One comment
Written by Darren Peck
Categories Health risk assessments and monitoring Mental health Rest
CategoriesHealth risk assessments and monitoring Mental health Rest

The project team at the Grosvenor Crescent site were under a lot of pressure to deliver a difficult project on time, budget and to a very high standard. This resulted in a few colleagues noting they may be showing signs of stress. As a result of this, the project team devised a Stress Break Rota. This entailed members of the…

How to Beat Post Holiday Blues

Published 7 November 2017 | No comments
Written by Jeremy Bayliss
Categories Mental health Rest
CategoriesMental health Rest

There is nothing better than coming back from a holiday and having a welcoming email waiting for you in your inbox with some gentle steps to help you to settle down back into your working routine and to help you to overcome those Holiday Blues. Our welcome e-mail reads as follows: I hope you have had an amazing holiday and…

BioDot Survey to Measure Stress On Site

Published 7 November 2017 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Mental health Rest
CategoriesMental health Rest

Stress can lead to or be caused by mental health problems. Monitoring of stress and taking action to reduce stress can vastly improve someone’s mental health. See the examples below for how one site addressed this: The site conducted a BioDot survey of the workforce as part of Stress Awareness Week. BioDots are a small adhesive dot placed on a…

Mental Health Awareness Coasters

Published 6 October 2017 | One comment
Written by Katy Hallatt
Categories Canteen Mental health
CategoriesCanteen Mental health

Overbury have been working with CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably) to spread the message that talking about mental health can help save lives. We have done this through the use of humorous coasters around the site canteen, offices and meeting rooms. These have proved very popular as an engaging way of getting the message across, and are discreet enough…

Beating the Mental Health Stigma

Published 12 May 2017 | No comments
Written by Fiona Power
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

The project has identified mental health as a key focus for 2017. To kick off the year in a positive light, presentations on mental health awareness were delivered to the workforce as part of our safe start following the Christmas period. The presentation reiterated how to identify the symptoms of stress and fatigue and how to foster positive mental health. Following…

Mental Health at Work Matters

Published 28 March 2017 | No comments
Written by Jeremy Bayliss
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

We have started a new campaign at Clearly Renovations to break the taboo of not talking about mental health and its effect on people’s lives. 1 in 4 people are affected by mental illness and suicide is still the single biggest cause of death for men under 45. Sadly, there is still some stigma around this health issue; many suffer…

Stress and Resilience Guidance

Published 9 December 2016 | No comments
Written by Tom Horton
Categories Consultation on health and safety Wellbeing events
CategoriesConsultation on health and safety Wellbeing events

During periods of change and high demand, the Costain Skanska Joint Venture building Crossrail’s Paddington Station require their staff to be resilient and proactive about maintaining their wellbeing. The workplace has a duty of care to provide an environment that not only creates formal opportunities for wellbeing discussions, but actively encourages managers to discuss levels of stress and resilience with…

Mental Health Awareness Week

Published 17 May 2016 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health Wellbeing events

Mental Health Awareness Week is coordinated annually by the Mental Health Foundation. The week helps to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues. The idea is to help prompt a national conversation about what we can do as communities, schools, families and individuals to move from survive to thrive. To support Mental Health Awareness Week on your site, you could do the…

Tackling Addiction

Published 1 April 2016 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Gambling Mental health Substance dependence cessation
CategoriesGambling Mental health Substance dependence cessation

Caring for the wellbeing and safety of your employees is crucial in maintaining a happy, healthy workforce and industry image. The focus on health and safety is continuous and can always be enhanced on a construction site. However there are aspects of maintaining a healthy wellbeing that can’t always be noticeably seen and can easily go unnoticed, such as an addiction….

Movember Foundation

Published 2 November 2015 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Health risk assessments and monitoring

Too many men do not communicate or take action when it comes to their personal health. The Movember Foundation is a global charity which aims to raise funds and awareness for men’s health. They are dedicated to raising awareness and helping men to live longer, healthier and happier lives through investing in four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and…

World Mental Health Day

Published 16 April 2015 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health
CategoriesMental health

World Mental Health Day promotes mental health education, awareness and advocacy. This day will be focusing on mental health in the workplace. To support World Mental Health Day on your site, you could do the following: Read the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on… mental health’ learning toolkit which includes case studies of how sites have raised awareness of mental health amongst the…

World Suicide Prevention Day

Published 16 April 2015 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Mental health

World Suicide Prevention Day is coordinated annually by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The week is all about taking action to raise awareness of suicide prevention. To support World Suicide Prevention Day on your site you could do the following: Read the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s ‘Spotlight on…mental health’ for information about how other companies are effectively approaching…

Movember

Published 16 April 2015 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Mental health Support for local charities
CategoriesMental health Support for local charities

Movember is the No.1 leading global organisation committed to changing the face of men’s health. The Movember Foundation challenges men to grow moustaches during November, to spark conversation and raise vital funds for its men’s health programs, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. To support Movember on your site, you could do the following: Encourage operatives on your site…

The Lighthouse Club: The Construction Industry Charity

Published 5 January 2015 | No comments
Written by Jack Endean
Categories Financial/debt management Mental health Support for local charities
CategoriesFinancial/debt management Mental health Support for local charities

The construction industry should be supportive to all those who work within it. Many issues can be dealt with on site, but sometimes more specialist help and support is need. The Lighthouse Club, which is the construction industry charity that runs the Construction Industry Helpline, can assist the workforce and their families in times of hardship and stress by providing…

Construction Industry Helpline

Published 5 January 2015 | No comments
Written by CCS Best Practice Hub Administrator
Categories Access to health practitioners and counselling services Display CCS registration materials Financial/debt management Gambling Mental health
CategoriesAccess to health practitioners and counselling services Display CCS registration materials Financial/debt management Gambling Mental health

The Construction Industry Helpline provides support and advice on a range of topics from occupational health and wellbeing, to financial aid in times of hardship caused by accident, illness, injury or bereavement. The Construction Industry Helpline is funded and supported by businesses and people in the construction industry, for the benefit of the people in our industry. This helpline provides the…

Close case studies

Case studies

The industry is increasingly widening its approach to raise its apprentice population in order to attract the next generation. Read a number of case studies detailing how the construction industry is better safeguarding it’s workforce.

A-one+ have recognised the stigmas associated with mental health and have embarked upon a number of initiatives. These include a day to raise awareness of mental health, delivering presentations on stress management and training members of staff on the realities of mental health. Click here to find out more. 
Balfour Beatty is striving to prevent poor mental health in construction through improving mental health across its own business and working in partnership with Mates in Mind to raise awareness about the issue. Click here to find out more.
BAM is aiming to improve the mental health of its employees through its comprehensive Healthy Mind Ambassador Programme and effective health and wellbeing initiatives. Click here to find out more.
Bouygues UK  have supported their workforce and tackled the issue of work related stress by displaying posters providing stress related tips and offering wellbeing helplines. Click here to read more. 
Graham Bam Healthcare Partnership is working in collaboration to improve mental health and wellbeing on site and to support employees who might be suffering from a mental health issue.  Click here to find out more.
Jehu Group Ltd have worked closely with Mind to deliver talks about mental health, raise awareness and take part in a team triathlon to raise money for the Mind charity in Wales. Click here to read more.
Marks & Spencer have used their award winning employee wellbeing programme as a platform to start a company-wide conversation around mental health and drive awareness to employees. Click here to read more.
Multiplex have implemented a comprehensive mental wellbeing awareness and support programme with the aim of improving mental health in the construction industry. Click here to read more.
Close law and legislation

Law and legislation

Physical health and safety have been centre stage across all aspects of the construction sector for decades; investment in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), toolbox talks, manual handling and lifting training, and fully qualified health and safety staff. Mental health and wellbeing have not been treated in the same way. The Chartered Institute of Building found 56% of employees worked for organisations with no policies on mental health in the workplace. 72% of construction workers feel there isn’t enough being done to address the issue and 44% believe there should be better access to professional support and treatment.

Employers have a legal responsibility and duty of care to all employees, from senior management to onsite personnel to reduce the causes of mental illness that develop in the workplace environment.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

Places a duty of care on employers for the wellbeing of its staff. Employers must take responsibility to control risks and ensure employees’ health is not made worse by the work environment.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Requires employers to continuously monitor the health and wellbeing for all employees; undertaking risk assessments and taking steps to prevent health and safety risks.

Mental Health Act 2007

Amendment to the Mental Health Act 1983, setting out the legal framework for diagnosing and treating mental health disorders.

Equality Act 2010

Protects against discrimination at work and in the wider society through its aim to promote equal rights for all regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013

Safeguards against discrimination based on mental illness by removing the legal barriers that contribute to a stigmatised view of mental health.

Close External resources

External resources

Mental health is a huge issue in the construction industry today. There are numerous organisations and initiatives committed to supporting good mental health in the construction industry.

Charities and advice organisations

  • Acas provide information, advice and training for employers and employees to prevent or resolve workplace problems.
  • Aware are Northern Ireland’s depression charity, delivering mental health and wellbeing programmes to schools, communities and workplaces.
  • Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are dedicated to preventing male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK.
  • Construction Sport is a charity aimed to tackle mental health through collaboration and the power of sport.
  • Counselling Life Advice Suicide Prevention (CLASP) are a charity focusing on the stigma of mental and stress related illness, trauma and suicide.
  • Heads Together is a campaign led by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, seeking to change the conversation on mental health and end the stigma.
  • Health and Safety Executive is the national regulator for workplace health and safety. They offer a wide range of resources on guidance on stress and mental health in the workplace.
  • Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity offers emergency financial assistance, welfare and wellbeing advice, and emotional and legal support to workers and their families in times of hardship and stress.
  • Mates in Mind is a UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health.
  • Mental Health First Aid England (see also MHFA ScotlandWalesNorthern Ireland and Republic of Ireland) offer training to become a mental health first aider.
  • Mental Health Foundation are dedicated to finding and addressing the sources of mental health problems. They also organise the national Mental Health Awareness Week, to educate the public and promote better mental health.
  • Mental Health Ireland is a voluntary organisation established as the Mental Health Association of Ireland to provide support, information, courses and campaigns on mental health.
  • Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing mental health problems and raise awareness and promote understanding to the wider community.
  • PAPYRUS are committed to preventing suicide among young people under 35, providing a confidential support, advice helpline and training sessions.
  • Public Health England’s – Every Mind Matters campaign helps colleagues and members of the public to discover simple steps to achieve good mental health.
  • Rethink Mental Illness provide expert, accredited advice and information to anyone affected by mental health problems.
  • Samaritans provide confidential, non-judgmental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide.
  • SANE are a charity aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging people to seek help early.
  • Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is Scotland’s leading mental health charity participating in national programmes, policies, campaigning work and raising funds.
  • The Movember Foundation runs awareness and fundraising activities all year round, with the annual Movember campaign in November.
  • The Prince’s Trust provides vulnerable young people with practical and financial support, as well as helping to develop self-esteem and skills for work.
  • Time to Change England/Time to Change Wales is an initiative to help end the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health.
  • Together are working alongside people with mental health issues, providing support, services and representation within the community.

Apps

  • Construction Industry Helpline App is a free confidential service provided by the Lighthouse Club, providing information and guidance on wellbeing topics including stress, anxiety, depression, anger and suicidal thoughts.
  • Unmasked App is a free peer to peer support app from Unmasked Mental Health instantly allowing users to connect with a community of users who share their problems, support them, and be supported themselves.

Helplines

  • Lighthouse Club delivers emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families. Construction Industry Helpline in the UK: 0345 605 1956, Republic of Ireland: 1800 939 122 or Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) 50808 (ROI) for support over text.
  • National Health Service Offers a wide range of mental health resources and services. For urgent but not life-threatening situations, call 111. In an emergency, call 999.
  • Samaritans provides a lifeline for those in need with free impartial support. Call 116 123.

Programmes

What is the industry doing?

Mental health is a hot topic in the media and boardrooms alike. High profile deaths from suicide have catapulted the conversation into the mainstream, placing a national spotlight on the plight of mental illness. Nationwide campaigns such as Movember and initiatives endorsed by leading figures in sport, entertainment and royalty such as Heads Together have drawn mass media attention. Big brands are also showing support, Nivea Men for example is working with mental wellbeing charity Talk Club to teach young men about how to talk about their feelings. Together these initiatives are slowly breaking down the cultural barriers associated with mental health.

The construction sector is beginning to act. In recent years there has been a surge in campaigns targeting the unique struggles in construction.

  • Help inside the Hard Hat is an initiative from The Lighthouse Club to raise awareness of poor mental health in construction including signposting to training, a free downloadable app and 24/7 telephone helpline and text support service.
  • Building Mental Health have created a freely available, industry-wide framework and charter to tackle the mental health crisis in the construction industry.
  • The B1M and Procore have launched Get Construction Talking, a global initiative to raise awareness of mental health in construction. This initiative includes a Get Construction Talking Toolkit.
  • The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have produced a set of management standards, a ‘Talking Toolkit’ and an anonymous online Stress Indicator Tool to support mental health standards and promote wellbeing in the workplace.
  • The Mind Your Head Podcast (MYHP) is a digital platform for the construction industry to eradicate the stigma surrounding mental health with advice, support and real-life stories.
  • The Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme is delivered by the Supply Chain Sustainability School to make workplaces better for everyone. The programme provides free industry-endorsed training, resources and guidance including the free FIR Toolkit.
  • The Working Minds campaign brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.
  • The ‘Make it Visible’ campaign led by the Lighthouse Club, supported by Ford, uses high-viz safety vests and vehicle branding to attract attention on construction sites and increase the visibility of mental health resources.
  • The Big Brew initiative organised by construction charity Band of Builders encourages tradespeople from across the supply chain to stop and talk over a cuppa.
  • Lighthouse Club together with Toolstation and krow Group launched ‘The World’s Most Supportive Poster’ to encourage tradespeople to talk. The campaign also includes the Lighthouse Club support helpline on local Toolstation receipts and a six episode ‘Mental Health Under Construction’ podcast which can be found on all streaming platforms.
  • The Lions Barber Collective work to create non-clinical, non-judgemental safe spaces where hair and beauty professionals with the right skills and tools can help men to feel comfortable to talk about their mental health and to signpost them to support and information.
  • National Grid together with the Scheme have formed a Health in Construction Consortium to help understand mental health issues and improve the wellbeing of construction workers.
  • The UK Government is taking action to tackle late payments with the Prompt Payment Code. The initiative will ensure large companies pay their suppliers on time and help support smaller organisations by removing the financial stress of late invoice payments.
  • A new study has been launched to research the causes of poor mental health in the rail construction industry. Funded by B&CE’s Charitable Trust and led by Kingston University, the study aims to provide insight into the unique issues faced by rail construction workers.

Videos

Find out how to identify the signs of someone suffering with mental health issues and how to reach out for support in these useful toolbox talk videos.

 

Lighthouse Club – Ask Twice, Listen, Be Kind – This video explains how the workforce can be supported to prevent suicide in the construction industry.

 

Crossrail – Recognising the Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health – How to spot the signs of mental health issues in your colleagues and friends.

 

JOE Media – Mental Health in Construction – Discussion on mental health issues from Lendlease.

 

Mace Group – Starting the Conversation in Construction – How to start the conversation about mental wellbeing and help to build a healthier, safer industry.

 


References

  • The Scheme has sourced information from across the construction industry as well as organisations and studies from the across the world. View these references here.
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