Looking Out for Our Own: Mental Health in Construction
It’s no secret that construction is tough work. Long hours, high pressure, tight deadlines… What we don’t talk about enough is what that can do to our mental health — especially for men.
The truth is, too many lads in construction are struggling in silence. And that needs to change.
It’s hitting our industry hard
Stats show:
- Construction workers are almost 4 times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
- Around 700 construction workers in the UK die by suicide each year.
- 87% report feeling anxious, 70% depressed, and nearly all say they’ve experienced stress at work.
These aren’t just numbers. These are workmates. Friends. People we see every day on site.
So what can we do about it?
We all have a part to play, from business owners to site managers to the blokes on the ground.
Here’s how we can make a real difference:
🗣️ 1. Talk about it
It sounds simple, but this is where it starts. Just making it normal to say:
“Are you alright, mate?”
“I’ve had a rough week too.”
“I’m here if you need to talk.”
It breaks down the silence and it could save a life.
🧠 2. Train the team
We can’t all be experts but we can be ready. We can:
- Offer Mental Health First Aid training to supervisors and team leads
- Run short toolbox talks on spotting the signs
- Share resources like the Construction Industry Helpline or Mates in Mind
If one person knows how to spot something early, that’s already a win.
🛠️ 3. Build a better work culture
We’re builders. We know how important a strong foundation is. So let’s build a culture where:
- It’s OK not to be OK
- We look out for each other
- We make space for rest, laughter, support, and off-days
At JATA, when a team lived on site for weeks at Waltham Abbey, they created “Jatlins” — our DIY version of Butlins. BBQs, banter, and backing each other. Little things like that matter more than you think.
🚧 4. Give practical support
Here’s what employers like us can put in place right now:
- Clear signposting to helplines and services
- Quiet areas on site for breaks or a breather
- Check-ins, not just about work, but about people
- Promote peer support groups like Andy’s Man Club or Band of Builders
- Access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or mental health apps, like our Health Assured helpline:
All JATA colleagues (and their immediate family) can access free, confidential support 24/7 through our Health Assured helpline. Whether you’re dealing with stress, financial worries, family issues or legal concerns, help is always available if you work for JATA — online, on the phone, or via the My Healthy Advantage app.
This isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about making sure no one feels like they’re carrying everything alone.
🆘 If you’re struggling, you’re not alone
There’s help out there, and people ready to listen:
- Construction Industry Helpline – 0345 605 1956 / Text HARDHAT to 85258
- Andy’s Man Club – andysmanclub.co.uk
- Samaritans – 116 123 / samaritans.org
- Mates in Mind – matesinmind.org
- Band of Builders – bandofbuilders.org
In construction, we take care of the work — but we’ve got to take care of each other too. Whether it’s having a chat, keeping an eye on your mate, or pushing for better support on site, it all adds up. No one should feel like they have to handle things alone.
So let’s build something stronger. Not just safer sites but a safer industry.
You’re not weak for struggling. You’re strong for speaking up. And there’s a whole crew ready to back you.
Oh and ps…
We’re planning a little fundraising for ManDown — a Cornwall-based men’s mental health charity — at our summer BBQ this year. More details to be announced soon!
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