Actions not words: New Construction Mental Health Action Plan launched

THE CONSTRUCTION sector worldwide is continuing to grapple with a mental health crisis. The numbers are sobering. On average, two construction workers die by suicide every day in the UK industry. It’s an alarming statistic that is sadly repeated in Australia, while in the US, you’re five times more likely to die by suicide working in construction than you are in any other sector.

Thanks to the work of construction’s mental health advocates, awareness is growing, conversations are happening, and the stigma is slowly starting to shift.

But awareness alone won’t solve the challenge. It’s critical that everyone in the sector does their part to take action.

That’s the thinking behind the new Construction Mental Health Action Plan – a free, practical, step-by-step guide that’s been launched by Fred Mills, The B1M and Procore, as part of their global Get Construction Talking initiative.

Above: The new Construction Mental Health Action Plan.

The plan is designed to support the industry and compliment its many fantastic initiatives, campaign groups and construction mental health charities, by helping more people take the first steps and start having an impact.

“The remarkable people that work in construction are subject to extraordinary pressures,” says Fred Mills, Founder of The B1M, in his personal foreword. “Addressing this crisis is fundamental for construction to thrive. Our future depends on it.”

Two Clear Paths

The Action Plan is split into two clear tracks: one for individuals, and one for team leaders. Each offers five concrete actions that anyone can start taking today.

For individuals, it includes things like learning to spot the early signs that someone might be struggling, starting meaningful conversations, and pointing people to professional support, without trying to fix it all yourself. It’s also about showing up, sharing your own experiences when you can, and helping to dismantle the stigma that keeps so many people silent.

Above: The new Construction Mental Health Action Plan is split into two clear tracks.

For team leaders, the focus is about changing culture, and creating an environment where people feel able to talk about their mental health and seek support if needed.

With an emphasis on leading by example, the plan covers how leaders can share their own experiences, include mental wellbeing in safety briefings and risk assessments, call out dismissive attitudes and invest in mental health training.

It also highlights the power of rethinking deadlines and shift patterns to being realistic about what’s actually achievable on a job, and standing up for your team’s wellbeing, even when the pressure is on.

Above: One of Get Construction Talking's London breakfast events.

There’s much more to do, but the Get Construction Talking initiative has been having a fantastic impact to date. Over $662,000 has been raised for construction’s mental health charities worldwide, high-impact events have taken place across London, Sydney, Chicago and Denver, and awareness campaigns have been launched across on New York and London’s public transport networks.

The initiative was also recently backed by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.

Start Today

This isn’t a fight you can sit out. Industry change can’t be left to others. Construction is facing a mental health crisis right now and every one of us has a role to play.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start here. Download the Action Plan. Share it with your team. Talk to your mates. Ask how people are doing and really listen.

Download the plan and get involved at getconstructiontalking.org