The UK construction industry is grappling with a profound mental health crisis, marked by a tragically high suicide rate among its workers. The stark reality of this silent epidemic was brought to the forefront by a poignant demonstration where construction workers across the country displayed hard hats and signs to represent the thousands of colleagues lost to suicide over the past decade. The message was clear: the industry is in crisis, and urgent action is needed. The human cost of this crisis is devastating, leaving families and communities shattered. Kryss Tominay, a stonemason who has battled with his own mental health struggles and attempted suicide, shared his harrowing experience, highlighting the difficulty men in the industry face when seeking help. He emphasized the pervasive macho culture that discourages vulnerability and open communication about mental health. The loss of three close friends to suicide underscores the urgency of breaking down these barriers and fostering a culture of support within the construction sector.
The alarming statistics paint a grim picture. An estimated two tradespeople die by suicide every day, a rate four times the national average. Contributing factors include the pressures of tight contracts, long working hours, extended periods away from loved ones, and the escalating costs of supplies. The industry’s demanding nature often overshadows the mental health struggles of its workforce, leading to a vicious cycle of isolation, stress, and despair. Lee Wilcox, CEO of On the Tools, an organization dedicated to addressing challenges within the construction sector, points out the reluctance of tradespeople to disclose their mental health struggles to employers, fearing job loss and the inability to support their families. This silence further exacerbates the crisis, hindering access to crucial support and intervention.
On the Tools launched the “Lost City” campaign to raise awareness of the scale of the crisis. The campaign highlights the staggering statistic that the 7,000 construction worker suicides over the last decade represent the potential workforce needed to build a city the size of Cardiff, including 150,000 affordable homes, schools, apartment blocks, and a hospital. This stark visualization underscores the immense loss not only to individuals and families but also to society as a whole. Lee Wilcox emphasizes the irony of stringent health and safety protocols to protect workers from physical hazards while mental health safeguards remain woefully inadequate. He calls for greater accountability and ownership of the industry’s mental health crisis, particularly within government and regulatory bodies.
The prevalence of mental health issues within the construction industry is staggering, with over 70% of tradespeople reporting such struggles and a significant number turning to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms. Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, a charity supporting tradespeople and their families, describes the cumulative effect of stress, anxiety, and industry pressures as a “dripping tap with a bucket underneath,” eventually leading to an overflow and breakdown. He emphasizes the persistent stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within a male-dominated industry where open communication about emotions is often suppressed. Band of Builders works to facilitate these crucial conversations, encouraging tradespeople to share their burdens and access support before it’s too late. Gavin routinely witnesses the widespread impact of suicide within the industry, observing that in every group of construction workers he addresses, at least one person has lost someone to suicide.
The Lost City campaign argues that if a similar suicide crisis were affecting white-collar professionals, it would be a national priority. However, the scale of the problem within the construction industry remains largely unrecognized by the public and politicians, despite the significant economic cost of mental health-related absences, estimated at £2.74 billion in 2023 alone. Furthermore, the industry’s demands often encroach on personal lives, with many tradespeople sacrificing quality time with family and friends, particularly during holidays like Christmas. This further intensifies the strain on their mental well-being. Lee Wilcox stresses the crucial role of the construction industry in building and maintaining the country’s infrastructure and emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of the workforce. He criticizes the lack of a dedicated government department for construction and questions the disparity between the legal consequences for neglecting physical safety versus mental health on construction sites.
Kryss Tominay, while still navigating his own mental health journey, expresses a sense of hope and renewed purpose, largely attributed to the support of his family. He sees the Lost City campaign as a catalyst for positive change, humanizing construction workers and challenging the perception of them as merely anonymous figures in high-vis vests. He advocates for a simple yet powerful act of caring: asking twice if someone is okay, demonstrating genuine concern and encouraging open communication. The Lost City campaign aims to raise £2.5 million to provide vital mental health support, including therapy sessions, to tradespeople nationwide. In the meantime, the industry relies on its inherent sense of community, with colleagues rallying around bereaved families and providing mutual support. Gavin Crane views the campaign as a transformative movement, fostering connections and building lifelong friendships within the construction community. The underlying message is clear: The lives and well-being of construction workers matter, and it’s time to prioritize their mental health.
