by admin | Jun 16, 2025 | Mental Health
Understanding Mental Health in Construction
CIOB's 2025 Report: Progress and Challenges
Explore the latest insights into mental health within the construction industry, highlighting advancements and ongoing struggles faced by workers.
Mental Health in Construction: A Critical Overview
The Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) 2025 report sheds light on the dual nature of progress and persistent challenges in mental health within the construction sector. While initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Week have gained traction, with 77% participation, and over half of the workforce now having access to trained Mental Health First Aiders, significant hurdles remain. The report reveals that 28% of workers have experienced suicidal thoughts, and 24% endure daily stress, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive support systems. Despite increased awareness, issues such as stigma, communication barriers, and a demanding work culture continue to impede progress. The CIOB emphasizes the importance of integrating mental health considerations into workplace safety protocols to foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Key Features of Our Mental Health Support
Discover how All Star Safety is leading the way in mental health support for construction teams.
Our Level 4 & 6 NVQs include comprehensive well-being content, equipping supervisors and managers to identify and address mental health issues.
Regular on-site sessions designed to encourage open discussions, peer support, and introduce resilience strategies.
Incorporated into broader First Aid training, this initiative equips staff to support colleagues experiencing distress.
Unit 3.03, The Suffolk Enterprise Centre, Felaw Maltings, 44 Felaw St, Ipswich IP2 8SJ
by admin | May 23, 2025 | Mental Health, Safety Update
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:
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Stigma around discussing emotional or psychological stress
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Supervisors not trained to recognise or manage wellbeing risks
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Limited access to ongoing CPD or structured wellbeing initiatives
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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:
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:
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1-Day Emergency First Aid at Work
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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
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Visit our contact page
by admin | Apr 28, 2025 | Health and Safety, Mental Health, Safety Update
IOSH Raises Concerns Over Mental Health and Safety Culture in Construction
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has issued a renewed call for the construction industry to improve its approach to mental health, stress management, and psychological safety. As detailed in IOSH Magazine, IOSH warns that despite progress in physical safety, the sector continues to lag in addressing mental health risks—especially for site-based workers and contractors under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
With construction workers three times more likely to take their own lives than those in other industries, IOSH is encouraging employers to embed mental wellbeing into their health and safety culture, rather than treating it as an add-on.
Why Psychological Safety Is a Health and Safety Priority
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers have a duty to manage both physical and psychological risks. Key concerns raised by IOSH include:
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A lack of supervisory training in mental health awareness
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Inadequate communication structures that isolate site workers
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High levels of fatigue, long hours, and job insecurity
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Stigma around discussing mental health issues on site
For businesses aiming to meet legal duties and improve retention, mental health must be seen as a core part of risk management.
How NVQs Can Support a Healthier Site Culture
NVQ qualifications can play a role in improving site wellbeing by equipping supervisors and managers with the skills to identify and address early signs of mental strain. Relevant NVQs include:
These qualifications embed knowledge of stress management, communication, and leadership, all of which contribute to a safer and more inclusive working environment.
How All Star Safety Supports Wellbeing in Construction
✔ NVQ assessments that integrate best practice in workforce wellbeing
✔ Training and consultancy to help employers address mental health as a compliance and cultural issue
✔ Site audits that include reviews of fatigue risk, work-life balance, and communication
✔ Support for developing mental health awareness as part of CPD for supervisors and managers
Contact us to see how we can assist you in staying safe and compliant.
📞 0330 133 0402
📞 01473 561 402
📩 info@allstarsafety.co.uk
🌐 Contact us here
