Ray Bone

Writing for the Construction Industry Council (CIC) ahead of the APS’s Spring conference, Building the Future of Workplace Mental Health on May 12, Mr Bone called on the construction industry to address underlying issues contributing to workers becoming unwell.

He said poor working conditions could create breeding grounds for mental health problems and that a male-dominated, macho culture meant many people felt they could not seek help. He also said the industry needs to take a hard look at potentially dangerous working practices that can see people working under acute time and cost pressure, living away from home for long periods and facing workplace bullying.

APS president-elect Ray Bone said: “Mental health problems can - and do – affect everyone: that is why I am delighted to present the Association for Project Safety’s spring conference, Building the Future of Workplace Mental Health.

“Poor mental health is a silent crisis in construction. There is still a culture where – despite many employers having forward-thinking programmes in place - too many people feel they have to put on a brave face when, really, they need to ask for help. People can be their own worst enemies, keeping problems bottled up. But the APS is going to tackle the issues head on, helping people recognise problems before they come to a head and to understand what they can do to help themselves and other people.”

The one-day online conference will bring together industry experts and guests from other support services to provide insights that raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing within the construction industry. The packed programme aims to provide valuable tools to improve overall wellbeing in the workplace and life in general and will look at:

• Causes of stress and illness such as poor working conditions, bullying and working far from home.
• Addictive behaviours such as drinking, drug taking and gambling.
• Warning signs of mental health problems for both employers and workers.
• Coping techniques and ways of managing wellness; and
• Sources of support as well as help tackling underlying triggers such as finance and debt

APS is partnering with Mates in Mind – the construction industry charity - and a donation will be going to them to help them carry on their good work across the construction sector. APS also support the Lighthouse Club, a  specialist charity working in construction.