Construction Sector Faces Rising Fatalities, Mental Health Issues

A recent report highlights a concerning mental health crisis among construction workers in the UK, who are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average, with approximately 7,000 deaths linked to mental illness over the past decade. This issue is compounded by financial pressures, with work absences costing the industry £2.7 billion annually. In Singapore, the construction sector has also seen a tragic spike in workplace fatalities, tripling from the first half of 2024 to 15 deaths in the latter half, attributed to complacency and lack of adherence to safety measures. The Ministry of Manpower has increased inspections, issuing fines and stop-work orders to enforce compliance. Both reports underscore the urgent need for improved mental health support and safety measures in construction industries worldwide. As the festive season approaches, there are fears that companies may prioritize deadlines over safety, raising further concerns for worker welfare.