Building Stronger Foundations For The Construction Industry

The Australian construction industry employs over 1.3 million workers and contributes an estimated 10% of the country’s GDP.  It’s also the industry with the highest rate of depression and death by suicide.

“Worker safety and wellbeing is a priority concern for construction companies, particularly at a time when the sector is facing significant market challenges and legislative changes,” says Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Director of National Media (organisers of the Workplace Health & Safety Show). He notes the recent passing of new manslaughter laws in NSW, which could see construction companies held liable in the event of death of workers. “If found liable of negligence, business owners could be slapped with penalties of up to $20 million in fines or prison sentences of up to 25 years” says Stephen.

“This is why the Workplace Health & Safety Show features a dedicated Construction Health and Safety Summit, where experts explore the unique safety and wellbeing challenges facing the sector, and guide audiences towards practical and actionable initiatives they can implement on their construction sites.”

With the Sydney Workplace Health & Safety Show coming up in October, Stephen encourages brands to get involved. “With limited exhibitor stands still available for Sydney, we urge brands to secure their spot soon.”

According to Stephen, the recently completed Workplace Health & Safety Show in Melbourne indicated a larger percentage (18%) of the visitors were from the construction industry – the largest sector in attendance at the show by far. With this in mind, the expo and the Construction Health and Safety Summit present excellent exposure opportunities for companies who service this industry, as well as companies who want to attend the free expo and seminars to learn more about the latest changes and services for the industry.

An industry prone to mental health issues 

The construction industry is fraught with challenges, including rising operational costs and labour shortages. Industry organisation, Master Builders Australia, notes that the sector was a major driver of economic growth in 2023, but it has suffered serious declines this year, owing to economic and market-related factors. Reports indicate that over 2,300 construction firms have collapsed in the last year, crippled by financial troubles. “Workers are feeling the pressure!” notes Stephen.

The Australian Building And Construction Industry’s Blueprint For Better Mental Health And Suicide Prevention 2018–2022 reported that between 2001 and 2015, a staggering 3,000 construction workers died by suicide. It also notes the World Health Organisation’s findings, that for every person who dies by suicide, another 10 to 20 individuals will attempt suicide, leaving many with lasting injuries or disabilities.

The Black Dog Institute’s survey of construction workers found that 1 in 4 workers has symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, thanks to the high demands of the job. In addition, workers frequently feel a lack of job control, leading them to feel depleted, stressed and burnt out. The survey also found that 25% of workers who needed mental health support never accessed it.

MATES in Construction (a charity organisation dedicated to suicide prevention in the industry) reports that every second day, a construction worker dies of suicide. Apprentices and younger workers, in particular, are more likely to take their lives.

“The research makes it clear that in male-dominated industries, workers are less likely to seek out help or talk about their feelings. The construction industry is Australia’s most male-dominated industry – almost 90% of its workers are men,” says Stephen. “The implementation of mental health training and support programs is absolutely critical in this sector.”

Risky business

However, it’s not just the mental wellbeing of construction workers that needs to be addressed – their physical safety and wellbeing is also at risk.

According to SafeWork Australia, the construction industry recorded 15 599 workers’ compensation claims in the 2021-22 financial year – most of these due to traumatic joint and muscle injuries, wounds and lacerations and fractures sustained on the job. Between January and June this year, the sector recorded 6 deaths, making it the industry with the third-highest number of deaths.

“Construction work is dangerous and demanding,” states Stephen. “Workers are frequently exposed to risks, including exposure to excessive noise and UV rays, as well as crystalline silica dust”. He points to the Lung Foundation of Australia’s NSPS Scientific and Evidence Report on Silicosis in Australia, which finds that 41% of the silicosis compensation claims recorded by Safe Work Australia between 2000 and 2019, were in the construction industry.

“Many of the risks are preventable and manageable,” adds Stephen.

Supporting the sector

“We recognise the connection between the productivity of the construction sector, and the health wellbeing and safety of its workers,” says Stephen.

“Registration for the Sydney Construction Health and Safety Summit in October is free, and presentation sessions will unpack everything from psychosocial risks to silica dust management, as well as new AI and other technology innovations that help to improve worker safety.”