Mental health: the silent crisis sweeping over the construction industry
Following some shocking report findings, Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio, discusses the key steps in building a better network to support construction worker’s mental health.
Recent findings have outlined that 82% of builders in the UK grapple with work-related mental health problems every year.
In response to this, Clive Holland, broadcaster on Fix Radio – the UK’s only national radio station dedicated to builders and the trades – has suggested various measures to help workers struggling.
The research, which was carried out by Fix Radio, also uncovered that 92% of construction workers who are struggling with their mental health feel uncomfortable talking about it. With this in mind, Clive has suggested individuals use a self-support app, so they don’t have to talk to others if they don’t want. The app, otherwise known as ‘Construction Industry Helpline’, is packed with information to learn about conditions and how to cope with them.
However, for those that do feel comfortable discussing their mental health problems, Clive has also recommended people either call a 24/7 helpline, text HardHat – a 24/7 service that provides immediate access to text back counselling, or engage with The Lighthouse Club, a company focused in improving the welfare of the construction community in the UK and Ireland. They provide a range of free and proactive services to help companies deliver the best possible support for their employees and families.
Experts discovered that 38% of tradesmen are now experiencing the worst levels of stress and anxiety in their lifetime, which suggests that this support if needed now more than ever.
‘There are several underlying reasons why the rate of suicide in the construction trades is so high. Firstly, there is a macho image in the industry and men are not brilliant at ‘opening up’ and discussing their feelings. But I feel that this is changing slowly, but surely,’ Clive said. ‘Secondly, there is a lot of stress involved in running a small business – there are long hours, few holidays, slow payers, and cash flow issues.’
Clive added: ‘In the last two years particularly, spiralling costs of materials and spiking energy prices have squeezed margins even further. Couple that with the growing skills shortage – it ramps up extra pressures on daily site life. The pandemic has magnified many of these problems – tradespeople will tell you that they have never been this busy. Many are fully booked until the end of the year, if not further.
‘It is also worth remembering that while many of our tradespeople have fantastic skills and deliver outstanding work, the weakest part of their game is dealing with the details of their business. Great tradespeople are not necessarily great businesspeople, and it is worth remembering that they often feel intimidated by the admin and financial side of the business.’
Image: Ümit Yıldırım
In crisis mode: the benefits of crisis housing for mental health recovery
