Let’s face it- if you’re working in the Building and Construction industry, you’re likely quite familiar with common workplace stressors.
And you might be thinking, well hey, everybody gets stressed at work, right?
While this is true, research has determined that in Australia, Construction workers are twice as likely to die by suicide than people in other professions.
So why are Australians in Building and Construction at a greater risk of suffering from poor mental health and stability?
It’s time to put the tools down and take a deeper look at the industry norms and expectations causing professionals to experience increased stress, fatigue, and low career satisfaction.
Five Key Stressors Australians are Facing in the Building & Construction Industry
Physical Demands Spending long hours out in the heat of an Aussie summer takes a toll on anyone. Then you add in the strain of physically demanding work, repetitive movements, and unrealistic time constraints and end up with construction workers who are being pushed to their physical limits.
Working conditions
Facing turbulent weather conditions, dangerous workplace hazards, and frequent interactions with unsafe chemicals, construction workers are confronted with daily on-site obstacles. Many of the duties these employees are tasked with present a high risk of injury, disease, or even death. These risk factors provoke thoughts and feelings of anxiety, which deliver a heavy psychological impact on the mental health of those in the construction industry.
No Time for Family
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is incredibly important for construction and building employees working extended hours, which often includes weekends. Not having enough recreational time left in the week to spend with friends and family can cause considerable disruptions to workers’ personal lives and relationships, which in turn can affect their work performance and trigger further stress.
Lack of Career Progression
With fragile job security and little room to climb the career ladder, Australians in the Building and Construction industries are left feeling stuck with no place to go. This is a challenge more commonly faced by women in the Construction industry, who oftentimes struggle to break through the barriers of traditional beliefs and workplace structures.
The culmination of these factors and many others is having a devastating impact on the mental health of our Aussie Construction workers. In fact, we lose a construction worker to suicide every two days. This is a rate that all of Australia wishes to see changed- so how can we improve industry working conditions?
Working Towards a Brighter Future
What are some ways we can reduce stressors and restore Australia’s faith in the Building & Construction industries?
Well for one, we should continue encouraging the construction workers, men and women alike, to speak up about the workplace challenges they’re facing so that they can receive the support they require.
Mental health organisations such as Mates in Constructionor Blueprint for Better Mental Health are dedicated to bettering the lives of Australian construction workers in distress. They provide support to both employees and companies so that both parties are responsible for cultivating a healthy, supportive workplace.
Motivating construction companies to implement structural changes for the benefit of their employees is a long, challenging process- nevertheless, it’s entirely worthwhile.
Resources If you, or somebody you know is struggling with Depression or Anxiety, speak with a professional counsellor for mental health at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
About Regal Crane Hire Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast
Hi, we’re Haydon & Annette of Regal Crane Hire Brisbane. We’re a family-owned and operated crane hire business founded in 2016.
Our fabulous team is well known as the South East QLD specialists in crane operations and hire for the commercial and residential construction industry, so crane hire is easy, profitable, and safe.
For more information about lifting your project and budget to new heights of success, please contact the crane hire specialists at Regal Crane Hire Brisbane, The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast at info@regalcranehire.com.au or by phoning us on 0431 171 332