The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has welcomed the Construction Leadership Council's (CLC) new Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, describing it as a much-needed step toward driving change across the construction industry.

FMB Chief Executive Brian Berry joined over 140 industry leaders at the official launch of the strategy, which brings together key organisations such as the Health and Safety Executive, Construction Industry Advisory Committee, Mates in Mind, and businesses across the supply chain, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The initiative aims to tackle longstanding issues around mental health and safety in construction, a sector where workers are three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: "The construction industry has faced a mental health crisis for far too long with construction workers three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average which is totally unacceptable. By working together to drive change the construction sector can help create a better industry for everyone.

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"Small and medium-sized building companies are the backbone of our industry, employing hundreds of thousands of workers, yet they often lack the resources for comprehensive wellbeing programmes that larger contractors can afford. That is why the FMB supports the Lighthouse Charity. Through the FMB’s work with the Lighthouse Charity, we’re helping to ensure every one of our members has access to professional mental health support for their workers. Our aim is to actively connect our members with the Lighthouse's 24/7 helpline, promoting their mental health training programmes, and ensuring that the smallest building firm has the same access to life-saving support as the largest contractor."

The FMB, the UK’s largest trade body representing over 6,500 SMEs in construction, has already raised nearly £8,000 through its Master Builder Awards to support the Lighthouse Charity. The charity runs a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and suicide prevention initiatives tailored to the unique pressures faced by construction workers and their families.

The new CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group will oversee the strategy, monitoring industry-wide data and reporting progress directly to the CLC Board. The FMB will play a key role in ensuring the strategy’s benefits are felt across the SME sector, including through enhanced promotion of mental health resources, integration into training programmes, and active collaboration with the Lighthouse Charity.