The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released advice in time for World Mental Health Day (10 October), as part of its ‘Working Minds’ campaign. The theme this year was ‘Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority’.
Stress, depression and anxiety are the second biggest cause of work-related ill health in the construction industry, HSE representatives have said. The glazing industry should be acutely aware of the rise in work-related stress due to findings of the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (DGCOS)’s Glass and Glazing Mental Health Survey 2022. The DGCOS’ survey revealed that over two thirds of industry respondents were experiencing burn out. 90% reported that they’d seen an increase in workload since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Starting a conversation is an important first step in preventing work-related stress in construction, HSE representatives said. The executive’s ‘Talking toolkit’ aims to help managers communicate with workers as part of an overall approach to preventing and managing work-related stress.
The Working Minds campaign promotes five action points for workers to use on World Mental Health Day and beyond:
1. Reach out and have conversations,
2. recognise the signs and causes of stress,
3. respond by agreeing relevant action points,
4. reflect on the actions taken – have things improved? And
5. Make it routine to check back in on how things are going.
The campaign suggests that employees should encourage coworkers to talk to someone if they suspect any issues. This could be a line manager, worker, trade union representative, GP or am occupational health team professional if available.
