Firm supports mental health

WITH SUICIDE rates among construction workers at three to seven times the national average, an Elland electrical engineering firm has made a commitment to protecting the mental wellbeing of its employees.

Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd is now an official Supporter of Mates in Mind (MinM) – a leading UK charity that enables organisations to improve their workforces’ mental health.

The scheme – which is specific to the construction industry – provides a range of services, support and options, providing employers with the skills, clarity and confidence necessary to raise awareness, improve understanding and address the stigma that surrounds mental health.

Darrell Johnson, SHEQ manager at Smith Brothers Contracting Ltd said: “When we think of ‘health and safety’, we shouldn’t automatically default to high-vis and hard hats. It’s vital that firms go beyond physical health and encompass psychological fitness too.

“By speaking openly about mental health in a shared forum, organisations can slowly break down any stigma that still surrounds the notion of discussing thoughts and feelings out loud.

Smith Brothers is committed to providing a positive working environment and appropriate support for our colleagues, in order to have a positive effect on our staff ’s emotional wellbeing.”

James Rudoni, managing director at Mates in Mind added: “Research shows that those working within constructionrelated industries often suffer from poor mental health more than employees in other sectors.

“This could be due to the fact that in general men often find it harder to open up due to the stigma around mental health, that those within the industry can work irregular shift patterns, often in testing conditions, and also spend a lot of time away from home and their families.”

‘Organisations can slowly break down any stigma’

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