Taking proactive steps to mental health awareness

Looking after our mental health is essential for everyone, regardless of the industry in which we work. However, some sectors are more vulnerable to mental health challenges than others, and construction is one of them. According to the Office for National Statistics, construction workers are nearly four times more likely to take their own lives than those in other professions. This stark reality highlights the urgent need for action.

We have taken proactive steps by equipping our team with mental health first aid training. Recently, several of our colleagues—Amy How (HR Advisor), Adam Dodd (Operations Director), Jason Lee (Building Control Manager), and Martin Reavey (Building Control Manager)—completed a Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health.

Here, we look at the importance of mental health in construction and our actions to safeguard, protect, and support our team.

What the training covered

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training equips individuals with the skills to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The comprehensive course covered essential topics, including:

• Understanding what mental health first aid entails
• Recognising stress and other mental health conditions
• Identifying the signs and symptoms of suspected mental health conditions
• Learning how to open conversations around mental health with empathy and sensitivity
• Understanding how to signpost individuals towards professional help when needed

Why it matters

Addressing mental health in the construction industry is critical to ensuring safety and maintaining workforce productivity. The statistics are alarming:

• 73% of the country’s 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness.
• Construction workers are six times more likely to die due to mental health issues than from a dangerous fall.
• The suicide rate in the construction industry is the highest of any sector in the UK.
• Male construction workers are three times more likely to take their own lives than the average UK male.

These figures highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to support mental health within the industry.

A proactive approach to mental health

The training reflects our commitment to creating a supportive workplace culture where every employee feels seen and valued. By embedding mental health awareness in our daily operations, we are taking crucial steps to normalise discussions around mental health and provide support when needed.

Amy How shared her thoughts on what it means to be a qualified mental health first aider:

“I wanted to learn more because mental health is often overlooked, but it’s just as important as physical health. This training has given me the confidence to notice the signs and offer help without fear of saying the wrong thing. Looking after our mental health is important for everyone, regardless of their industry. I highly recommend taking the training, as it will be invaluable in supporting the wellbeing of everyone.”

Jason Lee also added:

“Having worked in construction for many years, taking this course was an eye-opener—it taught me how small conversations can make a huge difference.”

Ongoing support for staff

At Harwood Building Control, the safety and wellbeing of our staff are at the core of everything we do. We understand that mental health is just as important as physical safety in the workplace and are fully committed to supporting the mental wellbeing of our employees.

Ben Cheeseman, Commercial Director, shared his thoughts on the company’s approach:

“The statistics highlight an urgent need to prioritise mental health in construction. We have taken proactive steps to safeguard and support our team members, and this marks a positive step towards creating a healthier and more supportive work environment.”

Looking ahead, we will continue prioritising mental health by providing ongoing training, communicating openly, and offering additional resources to ensure our team feels supported daily.

If you work in the construction industry and would like to speak to someone, there are many free and helpful resources available:

• Mates in Mind – A UK-based charity raising awareness and supporting mental health in the construction and related industries. They provide tools, training, and resources to help workplaces improve mental well-being.
• Lighthouse Club – The Construction Industry Charity – This charity offers financial and emotional support to construction workers and their families. Its Construction Industry Helpline provides free, confidential support, mental health training, and resources specifically for the construction sector.
• Mind – A mental health charity offering advice, support, and information on mental health issues. They also provide resources tailored to workplace mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t wait. Reach out to a trusted colleague, manager, or one of the support organisations listed above – help is just a phone call or message away.