RVT Group calls for further mental health support in construction industry

RVT Group has called for systemic change in the construction industry’s approach to mental health, following the release of The First Edition Joint Code of Practice Containing Psychosocial Risk in Construction from the Construction Leadership Council. 

Analysis revealed that the UK construction sector has seen suicide rates among male workers rise nearly four times higher than the national average. 

Research led by Dr Carla Toro at the University of Warwick found mental health harm is created upstream and must be prevented at source. 

Around one in four workers identified as neurodivergent, facing unclear instructions, sensory overload, and constant plan changes. 

The framework categorised workplace mental health hazards into five clusters: working patterns, operational demands, people and work environment, financial issues, and support factors. 

Examples include realistic tender plans, fair 30-day payment terms, designing out unnecessary travel, and setting dignity standards for site welfare. 

Supervisor training, flexible rostering, transparent change management, and regular workload reviews were also recommended.

The ISO 45001:2027 draft is in its public enquiry phase, with revisions focused on psychosocial risk and work-related well-being.