The Association for Project Safety (APS) has launched a nationwide campaign to address the pressing issue of mental health within the construction industry. The campaign aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support to construction workers who are struggling with mental health challenges.

The construction sector has a significant mental health problem, with an estimated 16,000 workers suffering from work-related stress, depression, or anxiety. This equates to 24% of all ill health within the industry.

To drive this initiative, APS has taken its campaign to Westminster and the devolved Parliaments in Scotland and Wales. A recent launch event held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by mental health awareness campaigner Sue Webber MSP, highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health and providing necessary support.

APS, with its membership of over 4,000 professionals, is committed to promoting a positive and supportive working environment. By raising awareness and advocating for better mental health practices, the association aims to improve the well-being of construction workers across the UK.

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Webber said: "There are two construction related suicides every day, according to recent construction statistics in the UK published by HSC.

"It also cites they are more likely than the general working population to take their own life. Working in construction comes with intense pressure, tight contracts, long hours, time away from family and managing extremely tight budgets, so it's little wonder workers in the sector are really feeling the strain.

"Over half of UK employees, especially 50% of millennials, don't talk about mental health issues, and this then creates a culture where many workers avoid seeking support that they need, and that further impacts their mental well-being. I wholeheartedly applaud what APS is doing to advocate mental health and wellbeing issues. We cannot afford to ignore these important factors."

APS partners with and supports work carried out by mental health charities Lighthouse Charity and Mates in Mind. Both are dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing among construction workers, providing organisations with vital support services, from helplines to mental health training, in a bid to foster a culture of openness and support.

Early in the New Year, APS takes its campaign message to the Welsh Parliament – The Senedd – at an event hosted by senior former Labour Minister John Griffiths MS and then onto Westminster ensuring there's great clarity on the issues amongst our elected representatives.

Andrew Leslie, Chief Executive, the Association for Project Safety commented: "There were often no ‘warning signs' that employees are suffering from mental health issues until, sadly, it may be too late. This is why we've taken the campaign to Holyrood, The Senedd and Westminster. Our politicians will recognise just how important this use is and the need to address the fact that everyone affected has their own unique challenges."