A new initiative has been launched to help improve the health and mental wellbeing of workers in the construction industry.

The 'Mates in Mind' programme is being fully rolled out by companies across the sector to tackle poor mental health whilst also nurturing positive mental wellbeing within their workforces.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 18% of reported work-related illnesses in the construction industry are the result of mental health problems, such as stress, depression or anxiety; accounting for £400,000 in working days lost per year.

In addition, further data states 55% of workers have experienced mental health issues, while 42% are living with these issues at their current workplace.

Central to the Mates in Mind framework is providing construction firms with a joined up approach to mental health, from support to employees, line managers and the organisation, through to a tiered training framework developed in collaboration with various organisations including British Safety Council, Mind and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England. This builds understanding, knowledge and confidence amongst all workers, throughout the business, so that they can get the help they need as well as to identify colleagues who could benefit from further support.

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Commenting on the further roll out of Mates in Mind, Steve Hails, Chair of Mates in Mind Board and Director of Health, Safety and Well-being at Tideway, said: "Today is a significant moment as we roll out the Mates in Mind framework and resources for businesses to use. This is the culmination of several months of hard work and would not have been possible without the substantial help of key mental health charities and its championing by industry representatives.

"Mates in Mind represents a meaningful way forward for tackling mental ill health in the workplace whilst also encouraging a positive wellbeing culture. Uniquely, this approach offers flexibility which enables a business to tailor the resources to their needs so that priorities can be more effectively targeted. In doing so, it should be possible to start making serious progress into an issue that is currently the source of much needless pain for so many."

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(LM)