Workplace Stress Risk Assessment: Why it matters in the construction industry

The construction industry is built on hard work, resilience, and dedication to getting the job done. However, the demands of the job – tight deadlines, long hours, and sometimes, physical exertion – can significantly impact mental health. While we are experts at managing subcontractor compliance risk, we want to show it’s just as vital to manage psychological risk too.

In partnership with our charity partner Mates in Mind, this blog serves as a way of helping you understand the current state of mental health in the construction industry, and what main contractors, organisations and managers can do to prevent stress in the workplace. Whether this be though raising awareness of stress or by using stress risk assessment resources.

The current state of stress in the construction workplace

The statistics on mental ill-health in construction are a stark reminder of why it matters.

The numbers paint a sad picture across construction, with 82%¹ revealing they’ve experienced mental health issues at some point in their career trade. A study by the University of Cambridge shows similarly high numbers, finding at least 70% of construction workers experiencing stress in-office and on-site, even costing the UK economy as much as £28 billion² annually.

The latest release for Suicide by Occupation in England and Wales by the ONS³ shows over 900 deaths amongst males and females within construction trades – too many for something that can be addressed and tackled sooner.

Why is a workplace stress risk assessment important in the construction industry?

A workplace stress risk assessment matters in construction. Project pressure can take its toll: tight deadlines, long and irregular shifts, complex supply chains, and payment uncertainty can all lead to a higher risk of mental health issues in the construction industry.

Why main contractors should carry out stress risk assessments

As employers have a legal duty to look after their employees’ health and wellbeing, an employee stress risk assessment can be used to help reduce risk across your supply chain in the first place.

Managing these can reduce mistakes and incidents, improve coordination and quality, and protect productivity, margins, and retention; in the end, it avoids damage to reputation, should anything happen, had an assessment not been carried out beforehand.

Why subcontractors should complete a stress risk assessment

For some employees, a stress risk assessment can be the difference between a good and bad day. By assessing their needs, their manager can understand what changes need to be made, or process to put in place, to manage their workload and stress.

Why we need to keep talking about mental health in construction

 

Behind every statistic is a person. Stress can creep into and affect family life, daily wellbeing and eating habits.  In extreme cases, stress can also lead to a loss of life; devastating to all affected.

Workplace stress should be preventable.

Stress continues to be a critical issue in the UK construction industry, with workers experiencing some of the highest suicide rates of any profession—nearly four times the national average⁴. Addressing mental health challenges in our sector is not just important; it’s essential. 

It’s important to continue talking about mental health in the workplace, especially within construction where large projects and tight budgets can take their toll on a person.

How and why should construction managers approach mental health in the workplace?

• Small, regular check-ins and early conversations can help address issues before they escalate into bigger problems. 
• Visible on-site support, like posters and clear information on where to seek help, ensures that individuals know they are not alone and that assistance is readily available. 
• Well-equipped and empathetic managers (see Training for Employers, below) are better prepared to handle concerns with the necessary sensitivity and effectiveness, creating a safer and more supportive work environment. 
• Encouraging open dialogue and on-site communication among team members fosters a culture of trust and mutual support, making it easier for everyone to speak up and seek help when needed.

What main contractors and managers need to know about stress in the workplace and on-site

Stress isn’t always obvious, with many individuals choosing to suppress the signs from emerging within their team. 

As a manager working for a main contractor, what can you do to help someone who is struggling? 

1. Encourage them to talk and actively listen: Look out for the sign of stress in your employees 
2. Encourage them to seek help for what they are struggling with 
3. Follow up: Check out Mates in Mind’s Let’s Talk. Let’s Act. Managers Guide so you can effectively speak to your team and guide them to helpful resources.

Mental health support: Training for employers

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect their workers – this includes their mental health, just as much as their physical health. 

Through our partnership with Mates in Mind, we want to share the important work they do to support construction managers that don’t know where to begin when it comes to supporting mental health. They offer tailored training courses, including half-day courses, to help facilitate conversations between managers and employees, to make sure steps are taken and the right support is given. Support also includes: 

• Annual assessments to implementing workplace mental health programmes 
• Free access to their ‘Start the conversation’ course 
• Access to a dedicated Support Manager 
• Courses so managers feel confident and equipped to fulfil their duties looking after employees’ mental health 
• Monthly peer support webinars

What individuals need to know about stress

The tell-tale signs may not be obvious, even to the ones experiencing stress, thinking it’s part of the job. But this isn’t okay.

What are the signs of stress?

Whether it’s being aware of someone else suffering from stress, or even yourself, it’s important to talk about it and get help.

Other symptoms can include (but aren’t limited to):

Muscle tension.  Stomach or bowel upset.  Anxiety or depression.  Heart conditions.  Feeling restless or agitated.  Feeling tearful.  Not wanting to talk to or be with people.

Using alcohol or drugs to cope with your feelings.  Disrupted sleep.  Finding it hard to cope with everyday things.  Being late, absent or exhibiting ‘presenteeism’ at work.  Lack of concentration.  Not finding the joy in life.

Reach out to your manager and tell them how you’re feeling.  

If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, Mates in Mind can also support and recommend some free, confidential support services.

 

FREE download: Stress awareness template for construction managers

 

 

Next steps

For employers, main contractors and managers

• Download our Stress Risk Assessment template to help you review workplace safety policies to ensure compliance with regulations. 
• Consider investing in training with Mates in Mind so you’re equipped to support your colleagues, employees and partners – and yourself. 
• Review current processes and see what needs revising to prioritise mental wellbeing in the workplace and on-site. 
• Check-in with those around you: Stress isn’t always clear on the surface.

For employees, subcontractors and individuals

• Please know that you are not alone.
• Speak to someone, whether that’s your manager or Mates in Mind.
• Know someone else who is struggling? Ask how they’re doing, if they need help, and explore your company’s mental wellbeing resources.

Our partnership with Mates in Mind

We’ve partnered up with Mates in Mind to raise awareness, improve understanding, and address the stigma of mental ill-health, specifically in the construction industry. 

Learn more about our partnership.

FAQs

Is a stress risk assessment a legal requirement?

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive in the UK states that employers have a ‘legal duty to protect workers from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it’⁵. Therefore, yes, a stress risk assessment is a legal requirement.