MATES in Construction
Workers in the construction industry are more likely to die from suicide than from an industrial accident. At The Apprenticeship Community, we place more apprentices in construction positions than in any other area so we identified a need for a specialist mental health partner to support our construction industry employers.
MATES in Construction (MIC) is a provider of programs for suicide awareness and prevention within the building and construction workforce. MIC supports workers with mental health problems, and helps them from developing further.
As apprentices in the construction industry are the highest risk group for suicide, MIC aims to help apprentices with a philosophy of ‘mates looking after mates’. MIC provides a range of supports for employers in the construction industry, including training, on-site case management and a 24/7 Suicide Help Line. With thanks to MIC, The Apprenticeship Community is now delivering these tools to our employer partners.
Black Dog Institute
The Black Dog Institute is dedicated to understanding, preventing and treating mental illness. Internationally recognised as a pioneer in the identification, prevention and treatment of mental illness, and the promotion of wellbeing, the Black Dog Institute places emphasis on teaching people to recognise the symptoms of poor mental health in themselves and others, as well as providing them with the right psychological tools to hold the black dog at bay.
Black Dog Institute translates research outcomes into education and training programs for health professionals, schools, community groups and workplaces. Available face to face, online, via webinar, podcast and downloadable resources, Black Dog Institute’s programs improve diagnosis and treatment, reduce stigma, promote help seeking, improve organisational performance and increase individual wellbeing.
Important Facts about Mental Health and the Workplace
Mental illness
is now the leading cause of sickness absence and long-term work incapacity in Australia.
One in six
working-age Australians are currently experiencing mental illness, most commonly depression and anxiety.
Mental health conditions
like depression and anxiety, are costing Australian businesses between $11 and $12 billion dollars each year through:
- Staff being absent from work (sick days)
- Reduced work performance and productivity (presenteeism - at work but not working well)
- Increased staff turnover rates and associated recruitment and training costs
- Compensation claims.
