Staying healthy in construction industry

Improving the mental health of workers in the construction industry will be the focus of a special event at Hazelbrook on Friday, October 19. Organised by Blue Eco Homes, Stainless Steel Worx and Woodford Homes, the “Staying Healthy in the Construction Industry” event will feature speakers from Housing Industry Association talking about workplace health and safety, fitness and nutrition coaching.

Joining forces: Merylese Mercieca of Blue Eco Homes, Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle, Teresa Henson of Stainless Steel Worx and Lyn Smith of Woodford Homes.

A lawyer will discuss social media and the importance of having a will while health checks will also be carried out. State Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle and Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman will also attend. Held at Hazelbrook Bowling Club, the day will end with a lawns bowls challenge with prizes donated by suppliers to the three Blue Mountains businesses.

“The construction industry has one of highest statistics of suicide and we are doing our most to prevent this by creating awareness for our guys to be able to express themselves,” said Teresa Henson of Stainless Steel Worx.

According to recent reports from industry suicide prevention organisation, MATES, construction workers are more than twice as likely to take their own lives as other people in Australia. They are six times more likely to die by suicide than through a workplace accident. Apprentices in construction are also two-and-a-half times more likely to suicide than other young men their age.

• For help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Source: Blue Mountains Gazette, Oct 15, 2018