Nearly seven in 10 construction workers have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but found it too difficult to start a conversation, according to new research by St John Ambulance.
The findings by England’s first aid charity reveal a lingering stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, with 71% of respondents admitting they have given their employer a different reason, such as a physical illness, for taking time off due to mental health struggles. And nearly four in 10 (39%) said they would rather quit their job than disclose their issues at work.
In response, St John Ambulance has launched a new mental health first aid course designed to equip workers with the skills to spot warning signs, initiate conversations and create a culture where colleagues feel safe discussing their wellbeing.
Hi Vis Stress Vests: Breaking the Silence
To raise awareness, the charity is also distributing “Hi Vis Stress Vests” to construction firms and high-profile supporters, including TV builder Tommy Walsh and construction entrepreneur Daniel Ashville Louisy. Each high-visibility vest carries hard-hitting statements such as “No-one will miss me when I’m gone” and “I’m too tired for this tough guy act” to highlight the unspoken struggles many workers face.
The survey of 500 construction workers revealed that nearly a third (31%) currently describe their state as “struggling”, “overwhelmed”, or “suicidal”, while 82% have faced mental health challenges at some point in their careers.
The impact on employment is stark:
- 8% have left a job due to mental health issues
- 28% have considered leaving
- 21% have taken more than five sick days for mental health reasons
- 48% say stress and anxiety negatively affect their work
Workplace Pressures and Barriers to Speaking Up
Despite 65% of workers agreeing that it is healthier to talk about stress, anxiety or depression, nearly half (48%) fear losing the respect of their colleagues if they don’t appear strong. A further 22% believe sharing struggles would let the team down, 20% are too embarrassed and 14% worry they will be laughed at.
But there’s a growing call for better mental health support, with 54% of respondents saying they would be more likely to open up if a trained mental health first aider was on site, and 60% wanting their employer to take more action.
Lisa Sharman, head of education and commercial training at St John Ambulance, emphasised the importance of having open conversations about mental health.
“We know that opening up about a mental health problem with someone who’s ready to listen is the first step towards getting vital help. Our research shows that those working in the construction sector find it particularly difficult to share what they’re going through. We’re confident that our Hi Vis Stress Vests will help get the conversation started,” she said.
Sharman urged construction leaders “to spot signs and start the difficult chats” with workers who may be struggling. “St John’s new face-to-face mental health first aid course is interactive and practical, meaning employees find it engaging and leave with the tools to make a real difference to the wellbeing of the people around them,” she said.
Jackets a ‘Conversation Starter’
Rhianwen Conron, wellbeing manager at construction firm BAM, praised the Hi Vis Stress Vests after using them in a trial with 10 workers.
“The messages on the back of the vests are very powerful and proved to be effective conversation starters. Anything that prompts our people to start opening up is valuable, and having something physical to focus on, like these vests, is hugely helpful,” she said.
“I think every construction company should be training people to hold these kinds of wellbeing conversations.”
Jon Clayden, former project lead at construction firm ISG, which went into administration last year, reflected on his own experiences in the industry.
“The building site is a tough and stressful environment, and whilst over the 30 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen some improvements in mental health conversations, we still have a long way to go.”
Clayden said he had known colleagues who had been dealing with mental health issues and that they didn’t seek help because they didn’t know what to do or who to talk to.
“Mental health first aid training has been a critical experience for me, as it’s allowed me to spot signs and support my colleagues who find it challenging to speak up,” he said. “It’s also given me the skillset to approach [people who are suffering] first and show that someone is looking out for them. Having someone to speak to in confidence can be life-saving.”