State of Mind were honoured to present at a major conference of Costain and their supply chain at Reading’s Madjeski stadium earlier this month
State of Mind presenters former rugby player Jimmy Gittins and former Super League referee were on hand to deliver a mental fitness session to over 1000 staff at a major conference.
Male site workers in construction are three times more likely to take their own lifee than the average UK male. This shocking mental health statistic is a vivid reminder of the difficulties faced by many working in the construction industry every day.
Troubling data from the Office of National Statistics found that between 2011 and 2015, of the 13,232 in-work suicides recorded, those within the skilled construction and building trades made up 13.2% – despite construction accounting for little over seven per cent of the UK workforce.
Why construction?
The construction industry lifestyle is undoubtedly both challenging and stressful. Long and demanding working hours, working away from home on site for weeks at a time and the lingering unease in the industry, particularly following Carillion’s recent collapse, are just some of the factors contributing to poor mental health.
In a workforce that is predominantly male, specific risks associated with male mental health also need to be considered. The “tough guy” image widespread in the construction industry could be a factor. Asking for help and opening up about emotions are just not things that come naturally to many of those working in the industry. The combination of these factors results in many suffering in silence.
State of Mind would like to thank Costain and we are particularly grateful for the outstanding feedback received