MENTAL HEALTH
The World Health Organisation defines “mental health” as “a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and are able to contribute to their community.”
Construction workers are particularly at risk of suffering with poor mental health given the pressures put upon such as working to tight deadlines, long hours and in some cases time away from loved ones.
It is also hard to escape the “macho” culture which is prevalent in the predominantly male environment which prevents many workers from seeking help which only exacerbates their stress and anxiety.
Over 700 people who work in the industry die by suicide every year in the UK which equates to two per day, while 91% of workers have felt overwhelmed and 26% have had suicidal thoughts, according to the Chartered Institute of Building.
Therefore, at Murraywood Construction we have trained six Mental Health First Aiders and rolled out Mental Health Awareness to site managers, supervisors and anyone that wants to learn more on the issue.
We have ensured that all their sites have adequate information on their H & S Board regarding the issue and clear details of who to contact if they have anxieties, stress or concerns in total confidence.
In November 2019, Murraywood Construction Limited also signed the Building Mental Health Charter as a supported. This means that we, as a company, are dedicated to creating awareness and aiding those suffering from Mental Health issues.
