Mental Health in Construction: Resources and Support for Workers in Perth

Construction workers in Australia are six times more likely to die from suicide than from a workplace accident. The industry has one of the highest rates of mental health issues and suicide of any sector — and the problem is most acute among male tradespeople.

If you work in construction in Perth, this matters. Here’s what you need to know about mental health in the industry and where to find help.

Why Is Mental Health a Problem in Construction?

Several factors specific to the construction industry contribute to poor mental health outcomes:

Job Insecurity

Construction work is often project-based and casual. When a project ends, you might have days or weeks without work. This uncertainty creates financial stress and anxiety, particularly for workers with families and mortgages.

Physical Demands

Construction is hard on the body. Chronic pain from injuries, physical exhaustion, and long hours take a toll on mental wellbeing. Workers dealing with injury or chronic pain are at higher risk of depression and substance use.

FIFO and Time Away From Family

FIFO rosters — two weeks on, one week off — mean extended time away from partners, children, and friends. The isolation of remote camp life, combined with the stress of maintaining relationships from a distance, contributes to depression, anxiety, and relationship breakdown.

Culture

The construction industry has traditionally had a “toughen up” culture where admitting to mental health struggles is seen as weakness. While this is slowly changing, many workers still don’t feel comfortable talking about how they’re feeling.

Substance Use

Higher rates of alcohol and drug use in the construction industry are both a symptom and a cause of mental health problems. Workers may use substances to cope with stress, pain, or boredom — which can create a cycle that worsens mental health.

Financial Pressure

Despite generally good wages, many construction workers face financial pressure — mortgages taken on during good times, supporting families, the cost of tools and vehicles, and the financial impact of gaps between projects.

Warning Signs

Mental health issues don’t always look like sadness. In construction workers, signs to watch for — in yourself and in your mates — include:

Withdrawing from conversations and social interaction on site
Increased anger, irritability, or aggression
Increased alcohol or drug use
Changes in work performance — making mistakes, forgetting things, not caring about quality
Turning up late or not showing up
Physical complaints — headaches, stomach problems, fatigue — that don’t have an obvious cause
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
Taking unnecessary risks on site
Giving away tools or personal items

What You Can Do

Talk to Someone

Talking to a mate, a family member, or a professional is the single most important step. You don’t have to have a solution — just talking about what’s going on can relieve pressure.

Check on Your Mates

If you notice a workmate behaving differently, ask them how they’re going. You don’t need to be a counsellor — just showing that you’ve noticed and that you care can make a difference. The MATES in Construction program teaches a simple approach: Ask, Listen, Connect.

Use Available Support Services

Multiple support services exist specifically for construction workers and tradespeople in Perth and Australia. They’re free, confidential, and staffed by people who understand the industry.

Mental Health Resources for Construction Workers

MATES in Construction

MATES in Construction is the construction industry’s dedicated suicide prevention program. They provide:

On-site awareness training
Connector training — teaching workers to recognise and respond to mates in distress
24/7 helpline: 1300 642 111
On-site support and case management

MATES in Construction operates across WA and runs programs on construction sites throughout Perth.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. They have specific resources for men and for workers in high-risk industries.

Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
Online chat available at beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline

Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Phone: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Text: 0477 13 11 14
Online chat available at lifeline.org.au

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Many construction employers and labour hire companies offer EAPs — confidential counselling services available free to employees and often their families. Ask your employer or recruitment agency whether an EAP is available to you.

Your GP

Your GP can provide a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which gives you access to up to 10 subsidised sessions with a psychologist or counsellor per year under Medicare. This is a practical, affordable way to access professional support.

What Employers and the Industry Can Do

Mental health in construction isn’t just an individual responsibility — employers and the industry have a role to play:

Promote MATES in Construction programs on every site
Train supervisors to recognise signs of mental distress in their crews
Provide EAPs and make sure workers know they exist
Create a culture where talking about mental health is normal, not a sign of weakness
Manage workload and rosters to allow adequate rest and family time
Address bullying and harassment — toxic workplace culture directly impacts mental health
Support workers returning from injury — the transition back to work is a vulnerable period

Perth Trades Recruitment: Supporting Our Workers

Perth Trades Recruitment takes the mental health of construction workers seriously. We encourage every worker we place to reach out if they’re struggling — whether to us, to their employer, or to a professional service.

A construction career should be rewarding, not something that breaks you. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to one of the services listed above.

MATES in Construction: 1300 642 111

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636