Sue Webber MSP

APS has vigorously campaigned across both its 4000-strong UK membership and the wider built environment for greater awareness and understanding on the range of issues impacting an industry where there are an estimated 16,000 construction workers in Britain suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. Together, these account for 24% of all ill health in the construction sector.

A launch event was organised by APS to promote Construction Industry Mental Health Awareness held at the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at the event, host and mental awareness campaigner, Sue Webber MSP, a Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary, spoke of the need for employers and individuals to prioritise mental health awareness and provide support where it is needed.

She commented: “There are two construction-related suicides every day, according to recent construction statistics in the UK published by HSC.

“It also cites they are more likely than the general working population to take their own life. Working in construction comes with intense pressure, tight contracts, long hours, time away from family and managing extremely tight budgets, so it’s little wonder workers in the sector are really feeling the strain.

“Over half of UK employees, especially 50% of millennials, don’t talk about mental health issues, and this then creates a culture where many workers avoid seeking support that they need, and that further impacts their mental well-being. I wholeheartedly applaud what APS is doing to advocate mental health and wellbeing issues. We cannot afford to ignore these important factors.”

APS partners with and supports work carried out by mental health charities Lighthouse Charity and Mates in Mind. Both are dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing among construction workers, providing organisations with vital support services, from helplines to mental health training, in a bid to foster a culture of openness and support.

Early in the New Year, APS takes its campaign message to the Welsh Parliament – The Senedd – at an event hosted by senior former Labour Minister John Griffiths MS and then onto Westminster ensuring there’s great clarity on the issues amongst our elected representatives.

Andrew Leslie, chief executive, the Association for Project Safety, said: “There were often no ‘warning signs’ that employees are suffering from mental health issues until, sadly, it may be too late. This is why we’ve taken the campaign to Holyrood, The Senedd and Westminster. Our politicians will recognise just how important this use is and the need to address the fact that everyone affected has their own unique challenges.”