New report reveals New Zealand’s construction workers are still struggling with mental health issue
Construction workers in New Zealand remain in distress despite feeling satisfied with their work, according to one of the largest community-based mental health surveys in the country.
The Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey, released on World Suicide Prevention Day, looked into the wellbeing of 3,300 workers in construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
It found that 64% of workers reported being satisfied with their work, with their mental health improving since 2021.
However, suicide risk remains, with almost one in five employees surveyed saying they had suicidal thoughts between March and June.
"The survey revealed a paradox: many in the highest-risk groups – younger workers, apprentices, Pacific, and Māori workers, and those with ongoing health challenges – rated their mental health as 'good' on the day of the survey, while also carrying high levels of stress, distress, or suicidal thoughts," the report read.
In New Zealand, construction workers are nine times more likely to die by suicide than by workplace accident, according to the report, citing Coroner data.
MATES in Construction, which released the report, also noted that the construction industry is "losing nearly one person every week to suicide."
Top stressors among workers
The report attributed the situation to various stressors at home and at work, which "constantly push and pull against each other."
It found that the top stressor at home is exhaustion (40%) and financial strain (29%). At work, the top stressors include high workload (23%) and time pressures (17%). Other stressors include:
- Ongoing demanding work (15%)
- Fear of mistakes (16%)
- Stress among workmates (13%)
As a result, nearly half of the workforce reported living with physical or mental health issues, more than double the national average, according to the report.
"This was not limited to one age group: from young apprentices to older workers, the pattern was consistent. Workers pointed to stress and mental strain, alongside physical wear and tear from years in the industry, as the leading causes," it said.
Suicide prevention initiatives
The New Zealand government released a Suicide Prevention Action Plan in June that aims to improve access to suicide prevention and postvention supports.
It also launched a wellbeing promotion campaign, rolled out crisis recovery cafés, as well as funded peer support workers in emergency departments.
"Whether it's you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there," said Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.
The minister made the remarks during the release of the Construction Industry Wellbeing Survey on World Suicide Prevention Day.
"New Zealand has come a long way in becoming more open to talking about mental health, and we are backing this up by putting more money into suicide prevention than ever before so Kiwis can be met with timely support," he said.
Meanwhile, efforts of MATES in Construction have also been delivering positive results for workers, according to the report.
It found that engagement with the charity group almost halved the likelihood of suicidal behaviours.
Lauren Donnan, MATES' Research Lead, said the group is "really pleased to learn" that it is making a difference.
"This survey clearly shows the urgent need for sustained investment, leadership commitment, and system-wide change — so that what workers say keeps them well is embedded in every workplace," Donnan said in a statement.
"Mental health needs to be given the same importance as physical health and safety."
