Laura Timberlake
R U OK? has released a resource called “Tradies Tools to Talk”, to help people understand when tradespeople might be struggling. The initiative has been launched ahead of R U OK? Day 2021, on September 9.
Trades workers and technicians make up more than 13 per cent of the Australian workforce, with men filling 84 per cent of the jobs. According to Mental Health in the Construction Industry, the building and construction industry has experienced much higher rates of suicide when compared to the general population.
Chief Executive Officer of R U OK?, Katherine Newton, says trades workers are also facing increased uncertainty with the impact of COVID-19.
“The pressures of job insecurity, financial position and intense physical demands are part of their everyday,” she says.
“Coupled with life challenges such as relationship difficulties and grief, there can be a cumulative effect which impacts mental health and senses of social connection.”
The free resources offer advice on how family, friends and fellow workers can recognise and help someone who may be having mental health issues. It features stories from trades workers who have struggled themselves, as a guide to spotting the signs, and clear pathways of support for someone who answers, “No, Iām not OK”.
According to an article published in HVAC&R Nation, the long hours construction workers spend working and commuting, combined with physically demanding labour and poor job security can make getting social support more difficult.
CEO of mental health training provider Premium Health, Natalie Donohoe, says the stigma around mental health problems can also make it more difficult for people to talk about their troubles.
“Tradies Tools to Talk” recommends using these four steps to start a conversation:
- Ask if the person is OK
- Listen to them with an open mind.
- Encourage action, such as speaking to a doctor
- Check in with them again.
These simple and safe steps can help to identify people at risk.
The resource is available to download here.
Additional information and resources are also available at these websites:
| R U OK? www.ruok.org.au/ |
| MensLine Australia www.mensline.org.au |
| beyondblue www.beyondblue.org.au |
| Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au/Get-Help/ |
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