Campaign to improve psychological wellbeing in construction

The ‘Healthy Minds, Safer Sites’ campaign is being conducted on construction sites across NSW as part of a state government mental health initiative.

Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year, due to lost participation and productivity. In addition, the rise in psychological injury is leading to an increase in workers compensation claims, which in turn is pushing up premiums.

With the goal of improving psychological wellbeing among construction workers, SafeWork NSW inspectors are providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards onsite. These include aspects of work and situations that may cause a stress response, which in turn can lead to psychological and sometimes physical harm.

Some of the common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.

Preventing psychological harm, supporting recovery and promoting mental health are critical components of a mentally healthy workplace.​

“Employers are required by law to control psychosocial hazards and risks. Failing to address these risks may result in compliance action from SafeWork NSW inspectors,” said Head of SafeWork Trent Curtin.

SafeWork NSW inspectors have found most employers are aware that poor mental health is an issue, with around half reporting that they have assisted a worker or colleague with mental health issues. They will continue their visits to construction sites until the end of March 2025.

The Healthy Minds, Safer Sites initiative forms part of the NSW Government’s Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024–2026 plan, which is backed by $5.6 million over the next two years to deliver workplace mental health programs.

“It is important we continue to provide businesses and workers with tools, resources and support that enable workplaces to comply and take action to address psychosocial hazards at work,” said NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis.

All employers can achieve psychologically healthy and safe workplaces by taking these steps: ​

• Identify the things that could cause harm and consider the potential risks.
• Consult with workers on things that could cause harm and ways to manage risks.​
• Implement control measures to eliminate and minimise risks. ​
• Monitor worker safety to ensure control measures are working.
• Review the controls regularly.
   

Need help? Reach out to your GP or access free help 24/7 by calling the following:

• Lifeline Australia —13 11 14
• Beyond Blue — 1300 224 636
• MensLine Australia —1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service —1300 659 467
• Mates in Construction — 1300 642 111
   

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