Mental Health
‘Macho’ construction culture is killing tradies
Construction workers are overrepresented in suicide rates in Australia.
Workers in construction are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health problems than workers in other professions, according to researchers from Charles Sturt University.
In 2012 in Australia, a total of 169 men working in the construction industry committed suicide. A 2017 report indicated the suicide rate is 24.2 per 100,000 male construction workers compared to 13.9 per 100,000 males in all other occupations – almost double.
The researchers said there were several factors that contributed to this problem.
“Workers can be on site for up to double their contracted work time. So long hours, resulting in fatigue and poor work–life balance, are likely affecting tradies’ mental wellbeing,” they wrote in the online magazine The Conversation.
They also say there are strong links between a “macho” work culture and the likelihood of mental health issues.
“A ‘macho’ work culture emphasises self-reliance; there’s an expectation tradespeople can withstand insecure and transient work arrangements,” they said.
“There’s also stigma associated with men talking to others about psychological distress. For this reason, many ignore stress-related mental health problems like panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Competition at work may also lead to a breakdown of trust, a lack of collegiality, and conflict.
“Macho workplaces decrease the likelihood men will look after themselves by consulting healthcare professionals, talking to a supervisor about reducing hours or asking for time off.”