In a landmark move to address the pressing issue of mental health within construction, Veriforce CHAS has launched the first Mental Health & Wellbeing evaluation for the sector. The question set is integrated as a voluntary module within the core Veriforce CHAS assessment and marks a significant step towards embedding a culture of mental health and wellbeing practices across construction businesses in the UK.
Studies reveal alarming rates of mental health issues within the UK construction industry. A survey of 1,400 on-site construction workers by Causeway Technologies found 56% experiencing mental health problems and 12% experiencing suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, a Chartered Institute of Building Survey found that almost half (44%) of construction professionals work for organisations who have no policy for mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The new Mental Health & Wellbeing Question Set underscores Veriforce CHAS’s commitment to encouraging the industry to embed best practices address the issue of mental health and empower contractors and buyers to demonstrate their dedication to wellbeing initiatives within their organisations and their supply chains.
By completing the Mental Health & Wellbeing Question Set, contractors can showcase their proactive approach to fostering a supportive environment for their workforce, evidenced by documented mental health and flexible work policies, training initiatives addressing mental health concerns and examples of the support provided to staff experiencing mental health problems.
Buying clients seeking contractors who prioritise mental health and wellbeing will now have access to this vital information through the Veriforce CHAS Client Portal. This transparency empowers organisations to make informed decisions aligned with their values and objectives, thereby driving positive change throughout the industry.
