Three industry representative bodies have come together to support the creation of a Mental Health Joint Code of Practice
The construction mental health code is being shaped by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), and the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF).
There is now a consultation survey to gather views and opinions to help shape the code.
Mental health “must remain a top priority”
In co-operation with the University of Warwick, the consultation is being pushed by the CLC, and seeks to find what the primary causes for poor mental health in the construction industry are.
Using this information, the new Joint Code of Practice can be developed, and the unacceptably high rates of poor mental health and suicide can be tackled.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “Improving mental health in our industry must remain a top priority. Everyone working in construction deserves a working environment that supports their wellbeing. The pressures facing small builders, from tight deadlines to financial uncertainty can take a real toll. It is vital that the new Joint Code of Practice reflects the lived experience of those on the ground.I urge all FMB members and others in the sector to take part in this important consultation and help shape a healthier future for our industry.”
The survey is open to anyone working in the UK construction or building materials sectors, and can be found here.
The FMB has called for drastic action on mental health
For World Mental Health day, on 10 October, the FMB released a statement calling on the industry to prioritise the mental health of construction workers.
They highlighted that suicide rates are nearly quadruple the national average, and that the culture within many sector workspaces increase the risk of poor mental health.
Therefore, the FMB are urging the industry to improve self-care, reduce hours, and work to increase job security.
Brian Berry, FMB chief executive, said: “Mental Health in the construction sector is a topic that needs to be discussed much more within industry and beyond. The construction sector is built on teamwork and trust, and these values must extend to how we handle mental health.
“World Mental Health Day is a reminder that too many builders are still facing these challenges – caused by tough, physically demanding working conditions alone.
“Every small building business has a duty to prioritise mental wellbeing. It’s only through leadership, open discussion and action that we can create a safer, healthier construction sector – that encourages those who need help, to ask for it.”
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