Southampton Solent University BSc (Hons) Construction Management A Study into Workplace Factors that may impact the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Construction Site Operatives' and the methods applied by Principal Contractors to aid in Mental Health Safety. By Elissa Witt Q12632350 Submitted to Southampton Solent University May 2020 Supervisor: Alison Messenger --
Acknowledgements I would like to firstly thank my supervisor, Alison Messenger, for the continued support, encouragement and guidance throughout this research project. I would also like to express my appreciation towards Solent University lecturers; who have helped develop my knowledge of the construction industry over the last five years. Secondly I would like to thank all the interviewees and questionnaire respondents who assisted with my research, enabling me to complete this report. Finally, I would like to thank my employer Powells, partner Ben and parents Carol and Mark, who have been by my side to encourage and support me throughout the last five years. 2
Abstract In 2017, the Office for National Statistics released their Suicide report, showing that suicide was the leading cause of death in adults below the age of 50 in England. The report revealed that the highest risk of suicide was amongst individuals working within the construction sector, with low-skilled male labourers' and skilled trades, both in the highest risk categories. Since the release of the report, there has been an increasing push from governing industry bodies to improve mental health awareness, however, there is still a long way ahead to embed the importance of mental health within workplaces. In addition to the legal obligations for managing the health and safety of individuals' working or visiting a construction site, there is an ethical and business case for managing health and wellbeing. Promoting positive mental wellbeing in the workplace encourages productive working, staff retention, innovative thinking and ultimately good business outcomes. It has been reported that over a quarter of all construction workers admit to having average to poor mental health, and are considering leaving the industry in the next 12 months. At a time of noticeable skills shortages within the industry, it is more important than ever that the Construction Sector begins to examine the reasons behind poor mental health and looks to implement strategies to develop a strong and sustainable workforce. The aim of this research is to identify the workplace factors that may impact the mental health and wellbeing of construction operatives'. Then to further understand what methods are applied on construction sites by principal contractors to aid in the safety of an operative's mental health and wellbeing. A mixed research design was adopted for this study. A semi-structed interview study was carried out with 8 professionals working within the construction sector; including 5 individuals working in management positions for principal contractors and 3 site operatives'. Discussion topics surrounded, perceptions of mental health, workplace factors that cause stress and support available on site for mental health. Following the interview study, a questionnaire study was issued to site operatives' throughout various construction sites