Construction is one of the deadliest industries in the world. You might instantaneously think that people face a higher risk of injuries and even death when working with heavy equipment every day.
What most people do not know is the fact that death rates in construction are not related to the work on site, but to the fact that construction workers are more inclined to take their own lives.
The statistics paint a bleak picture of the industry
500+
Construction workers take their own lives every year in the UK
20%
Of all work related illnesses are related to stress, depression or anxiety
82,000
New cases of work related illness in construction every year (UK)
Studies show that construction workers are six times more likely to die by suicide than from a workplace accident. In the UK, two construction workers takes their lives every day. In Australia, one commits suicide every other day. Construction claims the highest number of suicides in any profession.
Mental health is not receiving enough attention in an industry focused on increasing efficiency, digitalisation and automation. Today, on-site workers deal with long working hours, demanding schedules, a male-dominated working culture, and a very insecure job market. On top of this, COVID-19 has added even more pressure to the industry.
Meet the panelists
Chloë Davies
Head Of PR & Partnerships at myGwork – LGBT+ professionals & allies
Simon Blake
OBE CCMI, Chief Executive Officer – Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Maria Coulter
BEM Managing Director – Construction Coach
Jorgen Gullestrup
Chief Executive Officer – MATES in Construction
Calvin Beyer
CWP Vice President; Workforce Risk & Worker Wellbeing – CSDZ