Suicide Concerns in the Construction Industry highlighted by Recent Tragedy

construction worker
Source: www.amarolawfirm.com

People from all walks of life experience stress at some time in their lives but statistics show that construction workers in particular experience severe stress and have a higher rate of suicide than many other workers from different industries do.

The high rate of suicide in the industry was once again highlighted by a tragedy that took place, involving ceiling contractor, Acrow Ceilings boss Ross McGinn.

Following financial pressures, Mr McGinn was forced to lay off workers and fell into depression, a fate many subcontractors know all too well.  He recently took his own life.

Addressing mental health among members of this industry is crucial, as this case proves. For more, visit Sourceable.net.

 

3D Printing is Changing Construction

3D PRINT
Source: www.constructionglobal.com

More and more architects and contractors around the globe are starting to build 3D residential structures including houses and apartment buildings.

How it works

The 3D printing is done using super-size printers which use a special concrete and composite mixture that is thicker than regular concrete, allowing it to be self-supporting as it sets.

Why it’s so Popular

3D printing does away with many of the design constraints that other methods of construction are often hindered by.

Also the curved concrete structures that it creates can be hollow which uses less material and saves space and money.

Read more about the benefits of 3D Printing for construction here.

Mental Health as Important as Physical Health

mental health

Dr Marny Lishman in a recent article on PerthNow.com.au discusses the importance of seeking help for mental health issues.

As Dr Lishman points out, people are reluctant to seek help for mental disorders because of the negative stigmas attached to mental health issues by our society in general, even more so in the construction industry.

Find out more about the importance of addressing mental health issues here.

Mindfulness of Work Health and Safety in the Workplace Study Released

safework
SafeWorkAustralia.gov.au

Safe Work Australia have released the results of a study which examined the awareness of employers, sole traders and workers of factors that affect workplace health and safety.

The “Mindfulness of work health and safety in the workplace” study forms part of a series using Safe Work Australia survey data, which examines safety behaviour, perceptions and attitudes on the work site.

The study focuses on certain industries in particular, including the construction industry. To find out what the study revealed, visit Safe Work Australia’s website.

 

 

Study Reveals Back and Neck Pain Common Among Young Workers

nishi worker
Injured Jayson Bush, a young worker who was denied help before falling and being severely injured.
Source: CanberraTimes.com.au

The study “Work productivity loss in young workers” examined the impact of musculoskeletal pain in young workers’ work productivity and the results have been released by Safe Work Australia.

The study reveals that work productivity loss as a result of musculoskeletal pain in 23-year-old workers in Western Australia is high. In fact absenteeism from back and neck pain was twice the rate of absenteeism for other health reasons.

Hopefully employers take note of the results of this study and address this risk among their young workers. Find out more here.

 

Falls from Flatbed Trucks and Trailers – WorkCover Safety Alert

The video below is the latest in a series of safety videos released by WorkCover NSW to educate workers and employers about common hazards and associated risks, which have resulted in a number of workplace injuries recently.

Watch the video below which addresses falls from flatbed trucks and trailers as this can happen when loading and unloading vehicles on the construction site.

 

 

 

Employers Beware of the Affects of Alcohol Abuse on Your Business

As we approach “Dry July” employers are being encouraged to recognise the negative affects of alcohol abuse on their business.

“Dry July” is an initiative that challenges adult participants to abstain from alcohol for the month in support of cancer patients.

alcohol
Source: globe-views.com

In an article on Ferret.com.au, Drug Info Australia statistics were quoted which revealed that alcohol/drug abuse cost Australian workplaces an estimated  $6 billion per year in lost productivity. They also reveal that half of Australian workers drink at harmful levels.

Employers should address these issues in their workplace, for the health and safety of their workers and for the benefit of their business.

Read more at www.ferret.com.au