Support Is Growing, but So Is the Pressure: What the Industry Still Needs to Do
Despite increasing access to support services, the UK construction industry continues to face a mental health crisis, with high rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide among workers. A recent report from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) shows that while awareness is improving, the reality on site remains unchanged for many—highlighting the need for deeper cultural change and targeted training interventions.
In an industry where tight deadlines, long hours, remote working conditions, and high-risk tasks are the norm, mental health can no longer be treated as a secondary concern.
Why Mental Health Still Lags Behind on Site
While more companies are offering access to helplines or mental health champions, the root issues remain unaddressed. Common challenges include:
-
Stigma around discussing emotional or psychological stress
-
Supervisors not trained to recognise or manage wellbeing risks
-
Limited access to ongoing CPD or structured wellbeing initiatives
-
Lack of mental health integration in existing risk assessments and toolbox talks
With high suicide rates—particularly among male construction workers—the call for urgent, embedded wellbeing strategies is louder than ever.
How Training and Qualifications Can Play a Role
Improving workplace mental health starts with competent leadership and communication. All Star Safety offers NVQs and in-house training that can help supervisors and site managers develop the awareness and confidence to foster better wellbeing culture:
-
Level 4 NVQ in Construction Site Supervision – includes leadership and people management
-
Level 6 NVQ in Construction Site Management – equipping managers to lead safer, more resilient teams
-
Level 6 NVQ in Occupational Health and Safety Practice – building the skills to assess and manage psychosocial risks
By embedding mental health awareness into training and competency, employers can turn policy into practice.
Supporting Workforce Wellbeing with Training and First Aid
From July 2025, All Star Safety will also offer:
-
1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work
-
3-Day First Aid at Work
Delivered at our new facility at The Suffolk Enterprise Centre, Ipswich, or on-site at client premises for group bookings.
We also support companies with developing All Star Safety certified in-house training to raise awareness and improve day-to-day conversations around mental wellbeing.
Contact us to see how we can assist you in supporting a safer, healthier construction workforce.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402