Story Highlight
- Outdoor workers call for cultural shift in British job sites.
- World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10th September 2023.
- Construction workers are 3.7 times more likely to die by suicide.
- 42% of workers uncomfortable discussing stress with colleagues or managers.
- New resources launched to connect workers with local support networks.
Full Story
Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, outdoor workers and tradespeople are advocating for a shift in culture at British job sites, promoting open support and discussions around mental health instead of silence and stigma. The initiative is part of a global campaign led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization, themed ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, which encourages individuals and communities to normalise conversations concerning mental health and suicidal behaviours.
A vital area for transformation is found within the UK’s trade and construction sectors. Research by Mates in Mind highlights that male construction workers in the UK are 3.7 times more prone to die by suicide compared to the national average. While awareness of mental health issues is increasing across various industries, consistent practical support on active job sites remains inadequate.
Recent survey results from Monster-Mesh, in collaboration with peer-to-peer suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB, reveal a mental health crisis among outdoor workers, fuelled by physical exhaustion, tight deadlines, and isolation. The findings indicate that about a third of outdoor workers lack access to mental health support from their employers. Furthermore, others are either uncertain about the availability of support or choose to avoid it, resulting in only 25% of outdoor workers taking advantage of the mental health resources provided in their workplaces.
The survey found that 42% of workers do not feel comfortable discussing stress and mental health with managers or colleagues, with 39% believing that mental health is not regarded as seriously as physical safety. This emphasises the need for employers to improve their approaches to mental health.
Recognising that outdoor and trade roles are predominantly male, discussions about psychological distress may come with social stigma. Employers have a responsibility to foster a supportive environment, which includes integrating mental health conversations into daily routines on site and making support accessible.
To address these needs, Monster-Mesh has unveiled the #itsokaytotalk fence and barrier covers that feature scannable QR codes to connect workers directly to local support networks. Lucas Whitehead, Head of Partnerships at Andy’s Man Club, emphasised that fostering open dialogue and enhancing visibility of support resources can help workers confront stress sooner, potentially averting critical mental health emergencies. He noted, “To hear that around three-quarters of outdoor workers report moderate to high stress at work is especially problematic, given the fact that outdoor work is more likely to feature an increased risk of danger. It is paramount that this issue is addressed and that the awareness of services like ours is heightened in the hope that people come forward early before issues develop.”
For those struggling with mental health at work, resources mentioned by Lucas include ANDYSMANCLUB, which offers peer support groups for men over 18 every Monday at 7 p.m., and is free to attend without registration. The Samaritans is available for urgent support at any time by calling 116 123, while CALM can be reached through option 2 on 111 to speak with a mental health professional. In cases of immediate risk, contacting emergency services at 999 is advised. Further information about the survey findings or the #itsokaytotalk fence covers can be found on the Monster-Mesh website.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
Employers could significantly improve mental health support on construction sites by actively destigmatizing discussions surrounding mental health and integrating these conversations into the workplace culture. Strategies such as regular mental health training for managers and peer support initiatives can create a more supportive environment. Currently, the lack of access to mental health resources for outdoor workers is alarming, with many not knowing what support exists or feeling uncomfortable seeking help. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 imposes a general duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, which includes mental health considerations. Furthermore, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to assess and manage risks to health, including psychosocial hazards. To prevent mental health crises from escalating, sites should implement regular mental health check-ins and ensure that resources, like scannable QR codes for local support services, are readily available. Engaging with qualified mental health professionals to provide training or support services on-site can foster a culture where workers feel safe to raise concerns about their mental well-being, ultimately enhancing overall safety and productivity.
