Building better mental health in construction
Every second day we lose an Australian construction worker to suicide1 and construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work2. We urgently need to take action to address mental health in the building and construction industry. 
 
This month’s Mentally Healthy Workplaces Ambassador is Graham Ragg, Managing Director at Western Earthmoving Pty Ltd. Graham is passionate about promoting mental wellbeing in the construction industry and ensuring everyone gets the support they need. 
 
Graham speaks out about the need to challenge the traditional "tough guy" mentality in the construction industry.
 
He is fostering an environment where people feel safe, valued, and genuinely care about each other. Watch Graham’s video to hear his advice on how businesses can focus on employee wellbeing and a positive work culture to improve mental health in the sector.  

Help us share the message 
We really appreciate your support in sharing the information included in the communication pack with your members, business partners and wider networks.   

Download the pack today

Source:  1 Source: Mates in Construction https://mates.org.au/construction/the-problem  
2 Source: Suicide in the Construction Industry Report, Mates in Construction, University of Newcastle and Deakin University 2016 

As part of its commitment to ensuring safe and productive workplaces, WorkSafe ACT has launched its Strategy to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (the Strategy). Most workers can experience aches and pains when carrying out physical tasks such as heavy lifting, sitting or standing too long, or working in an enclosed space. While these activities are often dismissed, they can cause severe and long-term issues for worker health..

International Day of Mourning is an important day for those who have lost loved ones to work-related incidents or illness. On 28 April each year, we remember and commemorate their lives and share their memories..

As part of Small Business Month, Black Dog Institute is delivering free mental health training to help small businesses and not for profits take care of themselves and their staff. The sessions are running online and in-person at Tamworth. ​