More Than Safety Gear: 6 Initiatives Supporting Mental Health in Construction

In the construction industry, mental health struggles can be just as life-threatening as any physical hazard. Stress, anxiety, and depression affect everyone, from labourers to executives. Yet, many workers face these battles in silence, driven by a culture that often values "toughness" over well-being. It’s time to shift that mindset.

In Australia, several initiatives focus on mental health awareness and education in the construction sector, aiming to address the high prevalence of mental health challenges within the industry.

Mental Health Month is a national event celebrated every October, aiming to improve community awareness and understanding of mental health and wellbeing, serving as a reminder that safety on the job site goes beyond hard hats and caution tape. So here are some key programs and organisations leading the way when it comes to raising awareness and providing mental health support to the construction sector and beyond:

MATES in Construction (MATES)

MATES in Construction is one of the most prominent programs dedicated to reducing suicide and improving mental health in the construction industry. They provide on-site training, support programs, and resources to empower workers to recognise signs of distress and seek help. MATES also offer a 24/7 helpline for workers needing immediate support.

The Construction Industry Culture Taskforce

The Construction Industry Culture Taskforce is working on cultural change within the construction industry, focusing on improving work-life balance, diversity, and mental health. They aim to embed a healthier culture across the sector through their initiatives and recommendations for industry practices.

Incolink

Incolink provides mental health support for workers in the construction industry, including a 24/7 counselling helpline, on-site health checks, and mental health first aid training. Their "Bluehats" program trains workers to become mental health advocates, providing peer support to colleagues on-site.

Beyond Blue

While not exclusive to construction, Beyond Blue offers resources tailored for high-risk industries like construction. They promote creating mentally healthy workplaces by providing information, tools, and training to support employees’ mental health.

RUOK? Tradies Initiative

RUOK? has developed a specific program aimed at tradies, encouraging open conversations about mental health on worksites. It provides practical resources and conversation guides to help workers check in with each other and offer support.

When No One's Watching (WNOW)

WNOW creates environments where men (not just those working in construction) feel safe to connect authentically, share openly and learn from their peers to enable them to be happier when they are by themselves and with their loved ones. They seek to shake the perceived cultural expectations that are upon the modern man, that it is ok to celebrate emotional vulnerability and be a good man, and it's ok to grow and change out of your culturally accepted norm to be a better person for yourself and for the world around us. 

These initiatives aim to create safer and more supportive work environments across Australia's construction sector by increasing awareness, providing resources, and reducing the stigma around mental health.

At JV, we're all about getting #WorkDoneRight - and that starts with supporting our clients and workers to operate in a mentally and physically safe work place!