Industry urged to commit to mental health pledge 

Construction businesses will be called on to pledge greater support for mental health at the launch of a major lobbying campaign, led by Causeway Technologies.

At a launch event on 22 November, the campaign will ask for mental health provision to be included in health and safety, and social value procurement conditions in construction contracts.

At the event, Causeway will reveal the full results of a new industry survey of 1,439 construction site workers, which shows that 56% are currently experiencing or have experienced mental health problems including anxiety and depression. 

The initial findings show that 12% of respondents had experienced or were experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

The survey was conducted by Causeway’s mental health ambassador Trevor Steven – ex-England and Everton player – who spoke to CIOB People earlier this year about how football can play an important role in supporting mental health awareness in construction.

“Shockingly, we are still losing on average two construction workers to suicide every working day,” Steven said. “Studies have shown that male site workers are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. However, they are often deemed the most vulnerable but hardest-to-reach demographic in the construction industry. 

“We need to do more than just hanging a few signs up around sites. Mental health needs to be approached in the same way as health and safety – which is why we are asking businesses to step up and pledge to provide greater and more meaningful support.”  

Causeway CEO Phil Brown added: “We have seen some encouraging signs that businesses are engaging with mental health at an industry level and we are grateful to the progressive businesses that have worked with us to help complete the survey. 

“However, the industry’s mental health crisis still shows little sign of abating and we need to approach the issue from multiple directions.

“Mental health is the true health and safety crisis in construction today. That’s why we are proposing that mental health be an integral part of future construction contracts.”

To read the report, Mental Health – the true health and safety crisis in UK construction, click here.

Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.

For additional support or advice, contact the Samaritans by calling 116 123. Alternatively, you can also access support via the industry charity Lighthouse Club. You can call the support line on 0345 605 1956 or text HARDHAT to 85258.