Mental health in construction
On site, we speak up when a lift is unsafe. We stop work when the risk is too high. Mental health deserves the same courage.
Free and confidential support is available 24/7
What's beneath the surface
Long hours, time away from home, job uncertainty, money pressure, pain and a culture of “getting on with it” can build quietly. Often, the first sign is simply that someone is behaving differently.
Read the HSE guidanceNotice the change
No single sign proves someone is struggling. A change from what is normal for them is what matters.
Quieter than usual, avoiding breaks, calls or the people they normally spend time with.
More angry, defensive, tearful or overwhelmed by problems that would usually feel manageable.
Late starts, more absences, loss of confidence, poor concentration or unusual mistakes.
Exhaustion, changes in sleep, appetite or appearance, or saying they cannot switch off.
Drinking or using substances more, taking bigger risks or treating their own safety as unimportant.
Talking about being a burden, having no way out, disappearing or people being better off without them.
Start the conversation
A quiet, direct question can make it safer for someone to tell the truth.
Choose a private moment. Say what you have seen, without diagnosing or judging.
“You've seemed under a lot of pressure this week. What's going on?”
Ask clearly and give them time. If you are worried about suicide, it is okay to ask directly.
“Are you thinking about suicide?”
Do not jump to solutions, minimise it or compare stories. Thank them for telling you.
“I'm glad you told me. I'm here, and we'll take the next step together.”
Help them contact support. If there is immediate danger, stay with them and call 999.
“Who can we call together, right now?”
Talk to someone now
Free, confidential support in the UK through the Lighthouse Charity.
Select the mental health option for urgent support.
You will not be wasting anyone's time.
For site leaders
Work-related stress is a health and safety risk. The HSE says employers must assess it and act on it.
HSE stress risk assessment guidanceMake check-ins normal before there is a crisis—especially after absence, incidents or major change.
Look at workload, hours, travel, support, relationships, role clarity and change—not only individual resilience.
Put confidential routes in inductions, briefings, welfare areas and on supervisors' phones.
Protect privacy, agree practical adjustments and keep checking in after the first conversation.
Strength isn't carrying everything.Find support
It's knowing when to put something down.