Mental Health in Construction: Breaking the Silence on Site

The Mental Health Crisis in Construction

The statistics are stark: construction workers in Australia experience suicidal thoughts at significantly higher rates than the general population. Research from the University of Western Australia's Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre confirms what many in the industry have long suspected—there's a mental health crisis that demands urgent attention.

The construction industry loses more workers to suicide than to workplace accidents. This isn't just a workplace safety issue; it's a human tragedy that affects families, colleagues, and entire communities.

Understanding the Risk Factors

The 2024 UWA study, which surveyed 1,743 construction workers across Western Australia, identified key factors associated with suicidal thoughts:

• Loneliness: Emerged as the strongest predictor of suicidal ideation
• Workplace bullying: Creates hostile environments that compound existing struggles
• Work-life conflict: Long hours and travel demands strain relationships
• Substance abuse: Often used as a coping mechanism, creating a dangerous cycle

The transient nature of construction work—moving between sites and crews—can make it difficult to build lasting connections, contributing to feelings of isolation.

The MATES in Construction Program

MATES in Construction is an industry-led suicide prevention program that's showing real results. The program operates on a simple but powerful principle: workers are more likely to open up to their mates than to supervisors or formal support services.

The program provides:

• General Awareness Training: Helps all workers recognise signs of distress
• Connector Training: Equips selected workers to have supportive conversations
• ASIST Training: Provides suicide intervention skills for designated workers
• Case Management: Ongoing support for workers in need

Research has demonstrated the program's effectiveness in improving mental health literacy, increasing help-offering behaviours, and reducing stigma around mental health discussions.

Practical Steps for Your Workplace

Create a Supportive Culture

• Establish clear anti-bullying and harassment policies—and enforce them
• Train supervisors to recognise signs of distress without judgment
• Make mental health discussions a normal part of toolbox talks
• Lead by example—senior staff sharing their own challenges reduces stigma

Address Systemic Factors

• Review rostering practices to support work-life balance
• Consider the impact of excessive overtime on worker wellbeing
• Provide stability where possible—consistent crews build supportive relationships

Provide Access to Support

• Display MATES in Construction information on site (Helpline: 1300 642 111)
• Include mental health resources in site inductions
• Ensure workers know about Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

The Business Case

Beyond the moral imperative, supporting mental health makes business sense. Workers struggling with mental health are more likely to be distracted, make errors, and be involved in incidents. A mentally healthy workforce is a safer, more productive workforce.

Elliott Safety can help you integrate mental health awareness into your safety management system and training programs. Contact us to discuss how we can support your team's wellbeing.