Acknowledging a Mental Health Crisis is Ongoing in the UK Construction Industry
Marc Preston, chief executive of Vertice Development Management and New Foundation Counselling, asserts in a 31 January article in Construction News that legislation should be drafted quickly to address a rising suicide crisis in the UK construction industry.
In 2021, 507 people in the construction industry died by suicide, and experts posit if nothing is done, this figure will increase by 20 per cent in the next five years.
Preston argues historical precedent shows us that no matter how persuasive the arguments of organisations may be in responding to a safety crisis, legislative change is ultimately the only thing that will force the hand of reluctant parties. He cites the resistance to wearing seat belts in cars despite the safety benefits as one example of this. Another example he mentions is the Grenfell disaster, a fire in a London tower that killed 72 and injured more than 70. Only after the tragedy in the high rise did the UK government respond with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022.
However, decisive action can and should be taken by leaders in the industry despite no laws yet requiring them to do so. Third-sector organisations have already done the work of creating proven plans for firms that want to address and improve the mental health of their employees. Construction firms should take advantage of these organisations to prevent tragedy in their own workforces.
Structural Issues: The Industry’s Responsibility
While larger businesses in the construction industry may be more likely to implement mental health programs, the subcontracting model amplifies stress and mental health issues, Preston asserts.
A significant portion of the workforce is employed by SMEs, often under intense pressure due to the industry’s competitive nature. The Office for National Statistics 2022 data shows two crucial statistics: first, 93 per cent of construction companies employ fewer than 35 people, and second, the companies with more than 300 people represent less than 20 per cent of the total workforce.
A 2022 report from the Institution of Engineering and Technology states, “The subcontracting model is the primary in the industry; it drives prices to the bottom and causes adversarial relations and friction.”
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) claimed in 2020 that the mental health epidemic in construction extends from the boardroom to the job site. Between 2011 and 2015, one-quarter of construction workers experienced suicidal thoughts, citing the workplace, company, and job security, according to this report. The CIOB urged bigger enterprises to assist smaller ones with the aid of professional groups and the government.
Preston writes, as a partial reaction, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has introduced updated laws. The Reporting on Payment Methods and Performance (Amendment) Regulations 2024 compel major corporations to report specific information about their payment methods, policies, and performance on a biannual basis, but only until 2025.
This timeframe is significantly too lengthy, Preston argues, and does not account for the billing performance of second- and third-tier contractors that have their own supply chains. These suggestions do not address time constraints, monetary pressures, or the provision of appropriate benefits, all of which contribute to suicide as a desperate attempt to escape.
Construction businesses need to act now to prevent more tragedies from occurring.
A Call for Preventative Action: Towards a Safer Tomorrow
The UK construction industry requires a paradigm shift from reactive to preventive measures. We must collaborate on a comprehensive framework that prioritises mental health on par with physical safety and includes robust mental health provisions in the upcoming JCT 2024, emphasising awareness, employee care, non-discriminatory policies, and support systems like mental health first aid responders and employee assistance programmes. The construction industry must recognise the economic and human costs of neglecting mental health, acknowledging the substantial returns on investment in mental well-being initiatives.
A Moral Imperative for Immediate Action
The construction industry stands at a critical juncture, with the choice to either perpetuate a cycle of reactive measures or to pioneer a movement prioritising mental health as a fundamental aspect of workplace safety and wellbeing. The moral imperative is clear: leaders must take decisive, immediate action to transform the industry’s approach to mental health, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more supportive working environment for all. The time for change is not tomorrow—it’s today.
If you represent a construction firm and need help improving the mental health of your workforce, contact K2 Occupational Health. K2 offers industry-leading mental health services, training, and strategies to foster a safer and healthier workforce.