The construction sector is among the highest-risk industries for mental health crises in Australia. As regulatory changes focus more on comprehensive well-being and psychological resilience, micro-builders and trade professionals must adapt and offer mental health screenings as part of their safety protocols.

The state of mental health in Australian construction 

The Australian construction industry is in the midst of a mental health crisis. Suicide rates are 53% higher for labourers in construction compared to other occupations, while on-site contractors tend to have extremely high stress levels.

In one study, 52% of Australia’s construction industry leaders say skilled workers are exiting the workforce due to burnout and stress, underscoring the need for psychological support.

Small construction teams experience unique pressures on the job. Long hours, inconsistent scheduling and physically demanding work often affect a person’s well-being, which may be part of the reason 12% of construction site workers abuse alcohol, while 11.6% turn to illegal drugs.

Why integrate mental health screenings?

Mental health directly impacts physical safety on construction sites due to heightened anxiety and depression. Workers with higher stress and fatigue will likely be distracted and make errors that put them at risk of injury or fatalities.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15% of 288,800 males who experienced work-related injuries over 12 months between 2021 and 2022 were labourers. The most common sector for these accidents was construction at 17%. It may not be a coincidence that 25.1% of Australian building labourers have mental health conditions.

The Australian micro-builder industry is not the only one with a high injury and fatality rate. In 2022, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported 2,143 ladder violations and more than 130,000 ladder-related emergency room visits.

Poor mental health also results in greater absenteeism. Research shows that Australia’s absentee rates are 5% higher among people with psychiatric conditions than those with better mental well-being. Presenteeism — working when not feeling well — could also impede productivity and team safety.

Screening for mental health problems could make a difference in identifying issues before they become worse, supporting the workplace and decreasing costly and life-threatening events.

Current safety protocols in construction

Safe Work Australia creates standards for site safety to minimise workplace hazards, such as injuries and exposure to dangerous materials. Construction teams must adhere to strict protocols through their policy body, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), conducting hazard inspections and documenting incidents.

Current procedures for handling psychosocial risks entail identifying and addressing factors, including high job expectations, bullying, harassment, isolated working conditions, poor interactions and trauma. Safe Work Australia lays out a plan for consulting with workers, delivering training and following practical controls to improve workloads and maximise leadership potential.

While these guidelines are helpful, they provide little insight or process for mental health screenings, creating a gap in employee welfare.

Benefits of mental health screenings for micro-builders 

Micro-builders and their teams benefit from a mentally sound workforce. Identifying psychological issues early enables workers to receive help quickly, reducing the risk of worsening symptoms and crises. In turn, screenings can prevent major disruptions that impact workflows.

Open communication regarding mental health also builds trust and brings teams closer together. This candour is invaluable among small construction companies and may result in greater collaboration and morale.

Issuing screenings for mental health and offering support can also prevent on-site accidents and fatalities by improving focus, decreasing exhaustion and preventing substance abuse.

Long-term business growth hinges on sustainable productivity. Micro-builders can help reduce workers’ compensation claims and absenteeism by focusing on their workers’ mental wellness.

Practical implementation steps for small teams

Introducing mental health screenings in the micro-builder landscape requires careful implementation. It is crucial to reduce stigma and make screenings routine.

Anonymous surveys can make teams feel safe and respected while giving leaders insights into workers’ mental well-being on the job. Ensure everyone knows screenings are voluntary and the results will remain confidential.

MATES in Construction is a free and practical resource that provides toolkits and training for small businesses. This intervention program addresses suicide prevention, connects construction workers to psychological support and aims to create a resilient workforce.

Micro-builders could also network with local organisations offering related services and workshops to deliver accessible, stigma-free care to construction teams.

Addressing concerns about privacy, cost and culture 

Stigmatisation and privacy breaches are genuine concerns regarding workplace mental health screenings. With such small teams, the potential for breaking confidentiality can create discomfort. It is crucial to screen for mental health privately and share results with the individual alone, unless they give consent to share with another person.

Micro-builders can minimise costs by taking advantage of free or subsidised resources. Likewise, they can address team members’ fear and resistance by fostering open communication and acceptance.

Building a safer, healthier workforce

Integrating mental health screenings into safety protocols can protect construction teams and improve the workplace. Considering the association between psychological and physical wellbeing, micro-builders should not overlook this critical measure.