Four major contractors have signed a charter intended to improve how the construction industry manages workers’ mental health.
Balfour Beatty, VolkerStevin, Graham Group and Sisk backed the Mindflow Mental Health Charter after its relaunch on World Mental Health Day on 10 October.
Ten principles for workplace support
Developed by construction mental health charity Mindflow, the charter sets out 10 principles covering management responsibilities, workplace culture, early intervention and access to support.
Companies are invited to complete a self-assessment and join a register of businesses committed to improving their mental health practices. Mindflow said the initiative was designed to help contractors move beyond awareness campaigns and embed support in routine working practices.
Mindflow chief executive Trevor Steven, who previously played for Everton, Rangers and England, said: “Construction has made significant progress in health and safety because the industry came together, set expectations and made improvements part of everyday working life. We believe mental health deserves that same level of commitment.
“We know the conversation around mental health is starting to open up across construction, and that is an important first step. Now, the industry must turn those conversations into action: practical, consistent support that helps people speak openly and get help early when they need it.”
University of Warwick to assess impact
Mindflow has established a long-term research partnership with the University of Warwick to independently assess how the charter is implemented and how effective its measures are as participation grows.
The charity said the research would help identify which approaches deliver the greatest benefit. It is seeking further involvement from contractors of all sizes.
Mindflow said its charter self-assessment would allow companies to demonstrate that mental health is being treated with the same importance as physical safety.
Football programme has reached 3,500 people
Mindflow was founded by construction software company Causeway Technologies and uses football to encourage conversations about mental health in the industry.
Its Match-Ups programme brings former professional footballers to construction sites. Since its launch, the charity said it had delivered 65 sessions and engaged more than 3,500 people.
The charter builds on existing initiatives across the sector. Balfour Beatty has introduced mental health training for supervisors and created a network of mental health first aiders. The contractor’s 2023 annual report also set out plans to implement ISO 45003, the international standard covering psychological health and safety at work.