Troubling data surfaced last year as the Office of National Statistics reported that the risk of suicide amongst those in building trades is 1.6 times higher than the UK average. Swarfega takes a look at mental health and wellbeing for tradespeople.
The workplace is somewhere that mental health and wellbeing should be taken seriously. Conversations on this topic have become more and more commonplace over the last year or so, with people becoming more outspoken and concerned with regards to mental health.
Amongst the trades, however, it may not be an area that is widely discussed, despite the number of suicides in the trades industry as a whole makes up around 38% of the recorded in-work suicides.
When it comes to wellbeing at work, there are a multitude of factors involved – but it goes without saying that it should be a priority. Long, demanding hours and a stressful lifestyle, particularly for those who are self-employed, can all contribute to poor mental health in the trades. When it comes to supporting employees, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advise speaking out at an early stage, using routine management tools to identify problems and being sensitive and supportive. Sometimes even the simplest of changes can have a huge impact.
One of these simple changes is illustrated by Geoff. Speaking about his experience of occupational skin disorders (OSDs), the 65-year-old tradesman said: ‘It was so severe that I couldn’t grip. Not being able to make a cup of tea. Not being able to use a knife and fork properly. All these things affect the mental state of someone.’ Skin diseases are the second most-common work-related health problem in Europe.
Sore, swollen, cracked, itchy or blistered skin are just some of the symptoms that can be experienced. 2 out of 5 workers will suffer a skin issue at some point in their working life, and they can often go unreported. They are a serious health issue, and as they are often unreported, they are a real but invisible threat that can have huge impacts not only on the individual, but also the efficiency and success of the workplace as a whole.
For those in the plumbing trade, skin disorders can be especially common. Working in damp conditions and prolonged contact with unpleasant contaminants and irritants can all exacerbate skin disorders.
What is clear is that physical health has a direct impact on wellbeing. Geoff went on to say: “It affects you mentally. It’s very demoralising.”
Michael also said: ‘If your hands are really sore, it does affect you at home. You try to hold your hands in a different way, where you’re not going to feel any pain. You have to be very careful – you can’t give a baby a dummy, for example.’
Jason, a 41-year-old labourer added: ‘There’s a lot more that could be done. There’s not a lot of information out there.”
What may seem to be small impacts on skin and hand condition, can go on to have lasting and serious impacts on not only physical health, but mental health and wellbeing. As Jason said, more information is needed
A three-step approach should be recommended when it comes to quality skin care. Before work, the skin should be prepared with a protection cream, providing a protective layer and making the skin easier to clean. During work, the hands should be washed with an appropriate strength hand cleaner after each contact with a contaminant, and after work hands should be restored with a moisturising cream.
For more information and advice on workplace skin care, call 01773 855 100 or email [email protected].
