Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has launched a global survey to address the silent mental health crisis in the construction industry.
CIOB is urging construction workers from across the globe to have their say with the third instalment in the series of research studies.
Researchers will survey the sector with their findings set to land in 2025.
The last report was released in 2020 and highlighted 97 per cent of construction workers had experienced high levels of stress, more than a 25 per cent of those surveyed claimed they had experienced suicidal thoughts.
The report also found 71 per cent of respondents revealed they had not received any mental health training.
Construction sees the highest number of suicides a year than any other sector, according to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
ONS data shows 1,433 skilled construction and building trades workers took their own lives between 2017-2021, 43.01 per cent more than the next highest industry, elementary administration and service occupations.
The CIOB is calling on construction professionals at all levels—from on-site workers to senior executives—to share their insights on mental health challenges and the initiatives organisations have implemented to tackle the issues.
Daisie Barnett, policy development manager at CIOB, said: “Our 2020 report revealed scary statistics about the prevalence of mental health challenges within the workforce.
“The number of workers experiencing stress, fatigue and suicidal thoughts highlighted significant and urgent change was needed.
“Our follow-up survey allows us to understand what progress has been made and where further action might be required.
“We are particularly interested to see what has changed post the pandemic, with the introduction of flexible working opportunities and the potential increase of financial worries.”
“We want to hear from construction workers across the globe and we encourage everyone to be as honest as possible.
“Mental health in construction is a silent crisis, so please use this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard and help shape future strategies to support those working in the industry worldwide.”
The survey is open until 31 January 2025 and can be accessed here.
Useful support contacts
If you are experiencing poor mental health, or need someone to talk to, you can also contact the Samaritans here.
You can find more advice about mental health at Mind here.
Rethink Mental Illness can help here.
The Sandy Health Centre offers an A-Z of mental health organisations here.
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