Dave Taylor: ‘Construction is changing’

As part of WR Construction Month, Mental Health First Aider, Dave Taylor, shares his perspectives as a male who has experienced working in the construction sector first-hand.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself, your role and how long you’ve been in the construction sector?

In total I have been in the construction sector for 20 years.

I started as an apprentice Joiner, once qualified I worked on several high-profile construction sites, after around 10 years I was promoted to Site Manager which involved working with people from all around the world. I have since moved on from being a Site Manager and I’m now the Planning & Resources Manager, in this role I manage/distribute the site labour as required and also work on all our tenders etc.

Could you tell us more about the work of your organisation within the construction sector?

The company I work for carry out all types of work within the construction sector i.e. new build housing, new build hospitals, police stations, factories, refurbishments/renovations and so on, we also have our own in-house civils department that work up and down the country.

What’s your favourite thing about working within the construction sector?

The thing that I probably enjoy the most about construction is that every contract and construction site is different, they offer different challenges, allow you to meet new people and discover new methods of doing things that you maybe weren’t aware of before.

What prompted your decision to become a Mental Health First Aider for your organisation?

I am generally the main contact for our on-site workforce, so I field all sorts of different phone calls. As the first contact I feel that I should have the knowledge to, listen to, signpost and support those that require it, if holding a conversation or listening to someone can make them feel better, then I’m all for it.

According to Mates in Mind, 48% of construction workers have taken time off due to stress, and 91% have felt overwhelmed at work. As a male who has experienced working in the sector first-hand, what do you think employers and work colleagues can do to tackle this issue and support construction workers?

Construction is changing, in the past it was a very male dominated industry and males (not all) are known to bottle things up and keep things to themselves, but you can only bottle up so much before it starts to impact on your mental health. I think people should be encouraged to open up more and talk to a designated Mental Health First Aider if they need to. Possibly having Site Managers trained in mental health first aid could be a positive step too, they may spot early signs of someone that is struggling with their mental health and get them the assistance they need before things get worse.

What would your advice be to a worker within construction who is currently struggling with their mental health?

My advice to someone struggling with their mental health would be to open up and talk to someone, it might feel difficult at first, but it will almost certainly help. Ideally speak to a trained Mental Health First Aider, although speaking to anyone that you trust could be helpful too. I also firmly believe that finding a hobby/sport/interest outside of work can make a huge difference.

To find out more about Mental Health First Aid Courses and to book your course, visit Mental health training online and face to face  · MHFA England.

Support:

Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support | Shout 85258 (giveusashout.org)

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

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