We’ve work to do on mental health in building trade
Bid to bring vital wellness tools to construction industry
THE ‘hard man’ image of those in the building trade means most won’t talk about their mental health, a new survey shows.
But under the hard hat, more than one in three workers suffer with their mental health and 80% would like the tools to manage it.
A further 79% reckon there’s still a stigma around it in the industry and 85% feel co-workers are reluctant to talk about any such struggles, Chadwicks research reveals.
Another 80% of builders, plumbers, carpenters and electricians feel they’d benefit from training on it, while 62% have noticed co-workers on site suffering with such issues.
Most of those who work in building trades are men, with women making up just five % of the workforce.
The findings were revealed as part of the new How’s Your Head campaign, launched yesterday by therapist, footballer and advocate Richie Sadlier.
Sadlier said: “There is a perception among many that the construction industry is male dominated.
“In my work as a psychotherapist, I hear about how when lads get together, they shy away from really talking about how they’re feeling.
“It’s common for many of us with work colleagues after the weekend to ask: ‘How’s the Head’ — implying the question is specifically associated with their social lives.
“However, when asking this question in future, I hope more people might use it as an opportunity to check how others are feeling.”
How’s Your Head aims to raise awareness of the importance of discussing mental health among tradespeople.
A total of 100 workers were asked last month about their experience of mental health and their views of attitudes in the trades.
Feeling stressed or anxious (77%), a low mood (65%) and sleep problems (60%) are the most common symptoms tradespeople feel when struggling with their mental health.
When experiencing stress or anxiety, 64% say they tend to keep their feelings to themselves, rather than talk about it.
While the research reveals most tradespeople can often internalise how they’re feeling, most are vocal about wanting to learn more about managing mental health.
When it comes to support, 80% agree they could benefit from tips on how to manage their mental health, and another 80% would like mental health training, in particular knowing how to spot signs in others.
Recognising the importance of mental health to colleague’s wellbeing, Chadwicks, in conjunction with VHI, runs an ongoing mental health awareness programme, designed to help.
Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks said: “The research shows
PATRICK ATKINSON
that there is more to be done to encourage tradespeople to feel comfortable [in] talking about their mental health and speak to others they work with too.
“While it’s positive to see that 80 % of tradespeople want more tips on how to manage their mental health better, 85% are reluctant to speak with others.we hope this campaign will help change that and encourage tradespeople to speak up about how they’re feeling.”
As part of the campaign, €1 from every sale of PPE (personal protective equipment) in all Chadwicks branches nationwide for the next four weeks, will be donated to Irish mental health charity, Aware.
Previous industry research has found that the biggest contributors to poor mental health among those in such jobs was workrelated stress (44%), unrealistic work targets (29%) and a macho environment which leaves employees uncomfortable about seeking help.
Stress, anxiety or depression accounts for 27% of work-related illness in the sector.
■ For more information on the ‘How’s the Head’ campaign, visit https://www.chadwicks.ie/blog.