- Will Mental Health feature in SSIP accreditations and will house builders be favouring contractors who demonstrate commitment to Mental Health & Wellbeing?
We would certainly see Mental Health featuring in SSIP accreditations in the future and would support that as a sector. Mental health is covered under health and safety legislation and the discussions for mental health first aid to have parity with first aid at work have already started. During a recent HBF Mental Health Group meeting, we discussed and agreed to including commitments from the supply chain during the procurement process, on induction and through site briefings. An action for inclusion during our 2022 action plan and priorities.
- Do you think we should be looking more of the root causes of metal heath issues within the industry? E.g. tight programmes!
Yes, there is some work already taking place through the Mind Builder Project which will be available during 2022 which HBF members are part of. The Lighthouse Charity already host sessions on some of the root causes which can be found here. Tight programmes are indeed a factor with more to be done on overall leadership, management and project planning – an item that is also currently being worked on with CITB of which we are supporting.
- For years the conversation surrounding mental health has almost been taboo. How would you suggest breaking down that perception within a corporate environment?
Create a simple mental health policy setting out guiding principles. Communicate with employees and raise awareness of mental health issues regularly and consistently. Improve the information on support available to employees through the use of the Lighthouse Club posters or other media. Train staff and managers to recognise that mental health and wellbeing is important. Normalising is a good way of reducing stigma and discrimination. You can do this by educating people in Mental Wellbeing, the more people know about the subject the easier it is to talk about it and break down prejudice.
- Do you think the demand for homes is adding to the mental health issues? Site teams demanding jobs are complete to hit their targets?
Yes, the sector still has a huge skills shortage, the impact of Brexit, product availability not forgetting the pandemic of course, all contributing to the well being and mental health challenges of the sector and the construction industry overall. This is why it is vitally important that all tiers the industry recognise and commit to supporting workers during what are increasingly demanding circumstances.