Mental Health in the Construction Industry: a Rapid Review

Abstract

Principles of lean construction have been suggested as strategies towards improving health and safety (H&S) in construction. Previous research has typically focused on the physical aspects of H&S; yet individuals who work within the construction industry have an increased risk of suffering from mental health conditions. This is an area which is gaining attention but is yet to be researched in depth. Through a rapid review of literature, this paper identifies 15 studies, and reviews the current literature concerning mental health within the construction industry. Theoretically, results suggest that mental health is a significant problem within the construction industry; and practically, it is recommended that organisations should consider evidence-based suggestions of ways to address this issue through approaches such as alternate work schedules, and the use of validated detection tools. The results of the review revealed that the current literature is limited, both in terms of quantity and research approaches adopted, and therefore, further high-quality studies are required in this area. The principles of lean construction present an opportunity for addressing the issue of poor mental health in the construction industry, thus expanding the application of lean construction beyond addressing merely the physical aspects of H&S issues.

The effectiveness of organisational-level workplace mental health interventions on mental health and wellbeing in construction workers: A systematic review and recommended research agenda

“…A systematic review identified high work demands (such as long hours) and lack of job control (e.g., few opportunities for decision-making and opportunities to speak about work issues) as the primary stressors for construction workers [ 26 , 27 ]. According to a meta-analysis, role conflict (incompatible work tasks or expectations), role ambiguity (lack of clarity or uncertainty about job responsibilities), job insecurity, interpersonal conflict (disagreement or frictions) and role overload (excessive workload, long hours, time pressure) were the stress factors which showed the strongest pooled associations with work-related distress and burnout [ 29 ]. In an industry that relies heavily on the timely flow of information and efficient communication between different collaborators of a project, poor communication and information sharing were deemed to be fundamental psychosocial risks [ 30 ].…”

Occupational Stress in Construction: Fostering an IGLC Research Agenda

“…People working in construction are particularly vulnerable to suffering from mental health issues (Oswald et al, 2019). There are various systemic and inherited problems in construction (Sarhan et al, 2017), such as its risk-averse and blaming culture, cut-throat price competition, the traditional macho culture, long and fragmented supply chains, late payments, slim profit margins, tight deadlines and challenging working conditions, skills shortage and job insecurities, all of which contribute towards increasing stress and anxiety in construction.…”

“…Many research studies have focused on investigating physical health problems and safety performance in construction. However, much less research has studied mental health issues affecting construction practitioners (Oswald et al, 2019). In addition, efforts in both academic and practitioner communities in construction focus mainly on managing occupational stress, as opposed to preventing or reducing its occurrence.…”

Support from healthcare professionals in empowering family carers to discuss advance care planning: A population-based survey

“…A systematic review identified high work demands (such as long hours) and lack of job control (e.g., few opportunities for decisionmaking and opportunities to speak about work issues) as the primary stressors for construction workers [26,27]. According to a meta-analysis, role conflict (incompatible work tasks or expectations), role ambiguity (lack of clarity or uncertainty about job responsibilities), job insecurity, interpersonal conflict (disagreement or frictions) and role overload (excessive workload, long hours, time pressure) were the stress factors which showed the strongest pooled associations with work-related distress and burnout [29]. In an industry that relies heavily on the timely flow of information and efficient communication between different collaborators of a project, poor communication and information sharing were deemed to be fundamental psychosocial risks [30].…”