Building a Strong Foundation: Mental Health in the UK Construction Industry

Written By Danna Walker

In the increasingly busy world of construction, where speedy delivery is the mantra of the day, it's easy to overlook the invisible struggles that many workers face beneath the surface. The United Kingdom's construction industry, known for its robust structures and towering skyscrapers, is also grappling with a silent concern that demands urgent attention – mental health.

Construction is an industry that thrives on resilience, strength, and precision. However, the pressure to meet tight deadlines, handle physically demanding tasks, and navigate the unpredictable nature of the job can take a toll on the mental well-being of workers. As a sector we have more to do to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in construction and build a culture that truly prioritises the mental well-being of its workforce including our leaders.


“Stress, anxiety and depression make up one-fifth of work related illnesses and costs £70-100 billion annually, and construction workers are six times more like to die from suicide than a fall from height.“ (1)

man looks stressed at a kitchen table

One of the key challenges in the UK construction industry is the prevalence of stress and anxiety among workers. The demanding nature of construction projects often leads to long working hours, contributing to stress-related issues for many. While some people thrive on the adrenaline, many find this overwhelming, Moreover, the fear of job insecurity and the transient nature of construction contracts can add a layer of anxiety for workers.

“Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for men in the UK, but men working in the construction industry are three times more likely to commit suicide than the national average. Every day a startling two people who work in construction take their life.” (2)

To address these issues, construction companies must recognize the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. This involves implementing mental health awareness programs, providing access to counselling services, and promoting open communication. By continuing to break down the barriers that prevent workers from discussing their mental health, companies can create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not weakness.

“Over two-thirds of construction workers believe that there is a stigma surrounding mental health which prevents them from talking about issues. As a result, only a third of construction workers would let their employer know if they were suffering under a mental health issue” (3)

Beyond company-level initiatives, governmental bodies and industry associations must take an intersectional approach to their interventions, and collaborate to implement comprehensive mental health policies and guidelines. This includes incorporating mental health awareness into training programs, enforcing regulations to ensure reasonable working hours, and fostering a culture that values the well-being of every worker.

The UK construction industry stands at a crossroads where it must confront the mental health challenges that its workforce faces. By prioritising mental well-being through awareness programs, support networks, and policy changes, the industry can build a stronger, more resilient foundation for its workers now and the future. We need to be courageous and continue to break new ground in every area of industry or will continue to fail our colleagues and embed poor working practices for future generations.

*Source (1,2 & 3) IGPP - Institute of Government and Public Policy iGGP.org.uk

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Danna Walker
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