Blueprint For Better Mental Health And Suicide Prevention

Reducing harmful impacts of work

BLUEPRINT FOR BETTER MENTAL HEALTH IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE THE HARMFUL IMPACT OF WORK ON MENTAL HEALTH ON SITE?

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Considering both work content and work context when developing policy will ensure expectations, communication, job design, role clarity, fatigue, rosters and acceptable interpersonal behaviour will all be considered.

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SUPERVISORY STAFF

Supervisors should be trained to understand their roles and expectations in the implementation of site and business policy and Manager Assistance Programs.

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PEER SUPPORT

Peer support programs should be implemented in order to positively impact workplace culture and create clear pathways to help. Peer support networks in the workplace can also positively inform policy and supervision practices.

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HAZARD MITIGATION

Harmful impacts on site should be reduced—for example, reducing excessive workplace stress and offering debriefing and support following critical incidences or a suicide to minimise ongoing effect on the workforce.

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PREVENTION

Worksites in high-risk areas should prevent access to the site by the public to reduce suicides on site. Sites/workplaces should pre-plan intervention processes to ensure a support strategy is implemented immediately following any traumatic event on site.

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CONNECTION

On remote sites, it is important to ensure adequate communications facilities, family-friendly rosters, camp activities and peer support is in place to mitigate the sense of disconnection felt by many FIFO/ DIDO workers.

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Reduce Harmful Impact of work Diagram

RISK AND THE WORKPLACE

Risk factors associated with the development or exacerbation of mental health issues in the workplace often fall within three categories. These are the content of work, such as the activities workers perform. The context, such as the conditions under which performance occurs and organisational culture. Culture is the pattern of assumptions that develop within an organisation that become an overall norm. Additional stressors on site can also significantly impact mental health. Accidents, near misses, unexpected redundancies and bankruptcies all can add a layer of stress that impacts individuals differently. Where possible considered planning should seek to minimise these stressors impacts via deliberate communication and support.

IMPLEMENTING THE BLUEPRINT

This information has been developed in consultation with industry partners implementing the Blueprint for Better Mental Health. MATES in Construction have Industry Engagement officers who can meet with you to work through activities or actions that your company or business can do to implement the Blueprint either on site or throughout your organisation. For more information contact us


Companies that can assist implementing this pillar:

Additional resources:

Download Stress Management Competency indicator

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