Construction Industry - Mental Health

Over the years, mental health has been a major issue of discussion. And, while the stigma associated with mental health issues has increasingly faded, there is still much work to be done. The construction sector has a lot to do to improve the mental health of its employees.

According to MATES in Construction, employees are 53% more likely to commit suicide than workers in other industries. It doesn't end there. 20% of construction workers have had mental health issues. These ominous figures highlight the question of what is happening in the construction industry.

Furthermore, with the construction and infrastructure work pipeline continued growth, what can be done to remedy the already deplorable situation?

Factors Affecting Mental Health in the Construction Industry

As with other industries, there are a lot of factors, both emotional and physical, that come into consideration for their impact on mental health. Some of these factors are:

1.??Long and rigid working hours

The construction industry has developed a reputation for enforcing long and rigid working hours, especially when there is a deadline to be met. About 35% of construction workers dedicate 50 hours a week to their work. More surprising is the fact that there is an even more astounding statistic: 25% of construction workers spend more than 50 hours weekly. This not just negatively impacts and wears down the health of the workers; it potentially leads to an increase in absenteeism and presenteeism.

2.??Extreme labor leads to a high rate of burnout.

Due to the required hours and the resulting stress level, construction workers often suffer burnout. They have less control over their lives and are in a constant race to recover for the next day of work, with little time for fun, family, and friends. The constant exposure to fatigue also exposes these workers to potential workplace injuries.

3.??Work-related injuries and illnesses

With a figure of 75% reporting moderate to high levels of stress, it should come as no surprise that there is a high level of work-related injuries and illnesses. The high time demands and pressure are unsustainable, and it’s usually just a matter of time before their bodies crash or they make a deadly mistake while working. Self-medication and substance abuse in managing these injuries can have a long-term damaging effect on their mental health.

4.??Sexism and a lack of diversity

The construction industry is one of the most male-dominated industries. There’s a silent masculine and stereotypical culture where the workers are supposed to be strong enough to handle anything without showing emotions. This leads to the workers facing their issues in silence. At the end of the day, when they can’t cope anymore, they often turn to self-harm. Perhaps this explains why suicide rates in the construction industry are significantly higher than in other industries.

5.??Bullying

Bullying in the construction industry is also very common and is especially suffered by young males working in the industry. This has been traced to poor well-being, excessive working hours, and substance abuse. The victims get psychologically distressed and, if not managed, they often find themselves with poor mental health or substance abuse.

How to tackle mental health issues and set a new standard in the construction industry

Although steps are being made to bring positive changes to the construction industry, there is still a long way to go before the mental health crisis is over. Here are some things that can be done:

1.??A safe space for employees needs to be created.

The first thing that can be done to get back on track is to begin treating workers in the construction industry like the humans they are. By reaching out and trying to connect with them. Team and prestart meetings where conversations can be had about mental health should become a normal activity. Workers should be encouraged to discuss and share any mental challenges they might have with the knowledge that they’ll be supported. As much as it is important to protect these employees physically, their mental health should also be prioritized. A healthy work environment sees beyond profits and truly cares.

Special focus days like Are -U OK are great hand have contributed to an improved culture; its time now for that culture to be embedded every day for everyone,

2.??Inclusion of Mental Health Resources in Workers’ Contract Packages

Access to mental health resources should be a basic part of every employee’s package. For instance, counseling services should be a benefit available to workers whenever they need them. Working people are sometimes uncomfortable discussing their mental vulnerabilities with their employers, but getting in touch with a specialist can go a long way. We need to consider accessibility to Mental health services; for instance;?the ability to take days off in the form of mental health days to attend appointments. Education about other resources like mental health and self-harm prevention might also save a life.

3.??Raise awareness.

People frequently face mental health issues without fully comprehending the depth or symptoms of the situation. With the right education, you can raise their awareness, so they know what to do and what not to do. Another important area is the stigma and biases associated with mental health concerns. In a predominantly male-dominated sector, workers shouldn’t be afraid to speak up for fear it will make them less of a man. An increased level of awareness across the industry reduces stigma. This means workers feel more confident to quickly seek assistance before things get out of hand.

4.??Train workers about Mental health first aid

Another way to tackle the issue of a mental health crisis is by training workers on what to do and how to react in cases of emergencies so they can offer help. This can be especially useful if an emergency occurs as a result of substance abuse. With the proper training and knowledge, it is possible to identify such related emergencies and mitigate risks.

In the course of recent times, a couple of interceptions have occurred with members of the public and workers trained in mental health first aid.?The outcomes were positive and may have saved serious consequences had the trained workers not had the confidence to intervene in a mental health episode.?Training and awareness do work.

5.??Pay attention to warning signs.

Employers and managers should not always focus on profit. Sometimes, a decline in production level or sudden behavior change might be a sign that such a worker is having a mental health challenge and needs help. Some of the signs to watch out for include conflict with other workers, isolation, and a sudden decline in productivity. Interventions and inquiries should be made when noticed. It might help avoid an unfortunate situation.

Workers in the construction business are already more vulnerable to mental health problems. Employers should start taking steps to protect their employees. Finally, improved employee mental health would not only decrease expenses by minimizing injuries and fatalities, but it would also minimize the chance of presenteeism. Improved mental health in the construction industry benefits everyone.

#constructionmentalhealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthresources