Construction can be a high pressure industry, and the summer season often brings added stressors such as time-sensitive projects like school renovations. Moreover, with employees taking holiday breaks and managing childcare during school holidays, stress can easily pile up.
As per the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the incidence of stress, depression, or anxiety is notably higher among construction and building trade workers, with 2,440 cases per 100,000 workers. In this piece, we provide five strategies to alleviate stress on-site during summer.
Training
Comprehensive and tailored training programs, including safety and equipment usage courses or job-specific training, give workers the skills they require to perform confidently. This not only reduces stress levels and enhances safety but also ensures smooth project execution.
When you hire from Alliance Tool Hire, our team is on-hand to offer advice and guidance on how to use our equipment, and we're more than happy to provide demonstrations if needed. To further ensure ease of use, we include user manuals with all our equipment.
Regular breaks
Long working hours and demanding deadlines often result in both physical and mental fatigue among construction workers, escalating stress levels. Regular breaks provide workers with time to rest and rejuvenate, reducing stress and risk of accidents due to fatigue.
Beyond physical breaks, encouraging workers to use their annual leave throughout the year prevents burnout and reduces overall stress. Managing construction site stress also means ensuring employees have adequate time for family commitments, particularly important during school holidays.
Appropriate equipment
The physical demands of construction work can be exacerbated by using inappropriate or faulty equipment, potentially compromising worker safety and leading to frustration and stress.
Using high-quality tools and machinery can improve worker efficiency and safety, making the job less stressful and more productive. You can hire quality equipment from Alliance Tool Hire today. We invest in the best brands and keep our fleet up to date with the latest technology, keeping you and your team safe and efficient. Explore our range to hire here.
Nurture a positive work environment
A positive work atmosphere significantly reduces stress at work. When employees feel appreciated and supported, their job satisfaction increases, and mental health improves. Fostering open communication, respect, and teamwork contributes towards a positive work environment.
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are common in the construction industry, but often stigmatised and under-discussed. Employers can help de-stigmatise mental health issues by fostering an open and supportive work culture.
Resources such as the HSE's Talking Toolkit provide useful tips on initiating conversations around work-related stress.
Provide mental health support
Access to counselling, stress management resources, and support groups can offer workers the necessary support, encouraging them to share experiences and coping strategies.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England offers a range of courses to raise mental health awareness and equip people with practical skills to support those dealing with mental health problems. These courses, available both in-person and online, are tailored to specific industries, including construction. Appointing a Mental Health First Aider means that someone is on hand within your business to support staff when they need it.
Helpful resources
Explore the HSE's range of resources HERE
Contact Alliance Tool Hire today to learn more about our range and how we can help you keep your workers safe with quality equipment and demonstrations.
Call the team on 0800 464 7060, send us an email [email protected] or find your local depot.
