The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has welcomed the publication of a new report on mental health in construction.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) launched Mental Health and Wellbeing in Construction last week.
It draws on research conducted by the CIOB prior to the covid-19 pandemic that found that 26% of workers thought about taking their own life in 2019.
The CITB’s report found that construction still had some way to go on mental health, but that there was increasing understanding and awareness of problems faced by individuals, and a desire for change in the sector.
Daisie Rees-Evans, author of CIOB’s report Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment and policy officer at CIOB, said: “CIOB are pleased that CITB have launched their new mental health report which has gathered examples of best practice across the sector to inspire companies to accelerate their activities in this area before we lose more lives.
“We are glad to see that our research has been utilised to further develop the case for addressing mental health in construction, particularly at a time where the covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on so many lives during the past 18 months. Tackling mental ill-health is a significant challenge that the industry, government and professional bodies must work together as a collective to address the underlying issues and improve workers’ wellbeing.”
