The construction industry is one of the most hazardous sectors to work in, however the largest danger to workers comes from mental health problems. Stress, anxiety and depression make up one-fifth of work related illnesses and costs £70-100 billion annually, and construction workers are six times more like to die from suicide than a fall from height.  

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for men in the UK, but men working in the construction industry are three times more likely to commit suicide than the national average. Every day a startling two people who work in construction take their life.  

Over two thirds of construction workers believe that there is a stigma surrounding mental health which prevents them from talking about issues. As a result only a third of construction workers would let their employer know if they were suffering under a mental health issue 

Mental health problems within the construction industry were exacerbated by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, due to the fact that most construction workers are self employed or on a zero hours contract, putting many workers under financial stress. 

In this timely and important event industry leaders, academics and leading stakeholders will examine possible solutions to improving mental health in the construction industry, through cultural change, reduced stigma, and the prioritisation of mental health wellbeing by leadership.