“Building is about getting around the obstacles that are presented to you.”- Jeremy Renner
Construction has always been a compelling industry. We see the beauty of buildings surrounding us in our daily lives, from breath-taking monuments and skyscrapers to cozy houses and bungalows.
Since Covid, trading sectors have been constantly improving their health and safety regulations for their employees in the UK. However, one topic that has been gaining recognition within the construction industry is Mental Health.
May, being Mental Health Awareness Month, IronmongeryDirect had collaborated with the charity Mind two weeks ago, on an exhibition to highlight the issues within the construction industry that surrounds mental health and work-related stress. ConstructionManager magazine reported on the expo which displayed 454 hard hats laid out in front of Leeds College of Building, to represent the number of suicides workers commit every year.
Research in the UK shows that on average every day a construction worker takes their own life. With statistics indicating male construction workers are three times more likely to commit suicide than the average man in the UK.
There is also a massive stigma surrounding mental health within this sector, preventing tradespeople the ability to be able to express themselves emotionally. The survey revealed which trade felt the least comfortable talking about their feelings. Although the causes may vary, the report found that high workload, tensions with suppliers and customers, along with pressure from finances, are the top three reasons employees experience extreme stress.
The results have caused tradespeople to turn to medication in order to deal with the anxiety that arises from these adversities. However, depending on what trade sector you work in, you are more likely to experience more mental health stress than others.
With this week being the last week of Mental Health Awareness Month, SOLINQ has signed below a charter with Building Mental Health, an organization focused on increasing awareness and enabling all parts within the construction sector to access mental health support.
By following these principles, we are choosing to take a stance and recognize all who suffer from this silent epidemic. We hear you. We support you. You are not alone.
Reach out to a colleague or a friend if you’re hurting. If you see someone struggling, lend a helping hand and remind them they are not alone in this journey of life. Please remember to be patient as Mental Health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going. #UnitedWeAreStronger
(Images courtesy of IronmongeryDirect and Canvas)
SOLINQ — Solid Links Build Legacies -
