Eleanor Eaton is managing director at health and safety consultancy CQMS Ltd
As the construction industry faces ever-growing demands and pressures, the mental health of its workers is a rising concern.
Health and safety procedures – typically focused on preventing physical injury – are critically linked to safeguarding the mental wellbeing of construction workers. The relationship should be considered as cyclical, with robust health and safety practices fueling better mental health, which in turn fosters safer overall physical working environments. World Mental Health Day reminds us to review working practices and make efforts to improve wellbeing and protect the workforce.
Poor mental health heightens physical risk
Mates in Mind, a charity dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, published statistics in a factsheet. They include:
- In 2022/23 stress, anxiety and depression accounted for 49 per cent of work-related ill-health, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost (HSE).
- The Chartered Institute of Building found that 26 per cent of construction industry professionals thought about taking their own lives in 2019 and 56 per cent work for organisations with no mental health policies
Worryingly, business insurer QBE found that 1.5 million construction workers in the UK have worked in a dangerous physical environment while suffering from poor mental health, with nearly 700,000 suffering injuries because of it.
The QBE survey also revealed:
- Three-quarters of UK construction workers with poor mental health said at some point they continued to work in a dangerous situation.
- One in five workers reported they have suffered an injury at work because of poor mental health.
- For those who continued to work with mental ill health, 76 per cent said mental ill health increases the risk of injury.
Construction is a high-risk industry. Health and Safety Executive stats show that in 2023, 51 construction workers in the UK were killed at work – more than double the number in any other industry.
Self-reported workplace injury rates are also notably high in construction, with 2,640 incidents per 100,000 workers.
Many accidents stem from human error, and when employees are distracted or stressed, the likelihood of mistakes increases – mistakes that, in the worst-case scenario, could be fatal.
Investing in safety is investing in mental health
High stress levels, fear of injury and operational inefficiencies can all contribute to declining mental health.
Physical injuries and health conditions resulting from the demanding nature of construction work can also contribute to mental health issues. Chronic pain, disability and limitations in mobility due to mismanaged health and safety practices and procedures can impact workers’ mental wellbeing and quality of life.
How can physical health and safety procedures support better workplace mental health?
Streamlined processes lead to peace of mind: Clear safety guidelines, regular training and proper equipment checks ensure that workers know what is expected of them and can focus on their tasks without unnecessary distractions.
Efficient working environments reduce pressure: When procedures are well-defined and followed, job sites run more efficiently, leaving less room for chaos and confusion.
Accreditation builds trust and confidence: When an organisation is accredited or holds certifications from respected health and safety bodies, it demonstrates a clear commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
Proactive risk management and less uncertainty: Regular site inspections, detailed safety briefings and a proactive approach to hazard mitigation provide workers with a sense of stability and control, which has positive effects on mental wellbeing.
Mental health benefits of a safety-first culture
In construction, the mental health benefits of a strong safety culture cannot be overstated. A health and safety policy that includes a focus on mental health and wellbeing not only helps protect workers from physical harm but also fosters an environment of trust, respect and support.
Stress-related absenteeism can also be significantly reduced when workers know they are operating in a well-regulated, safe environment.
Protecting the Whole Worker
As we observe World Mental Health Day 2024, it’s clear that investment in health and safety is more than just a legal requirement – it’s an investment in the holistic wellbeing of a workforce. By taking proactive steps to ensure a safe working environment, you are not only protecting physical health but also contributing to the mental health and peace of mind of employees.
