Breaking the Stigma: NASC’s Launches New Mental Health and Wellbeing Guidance, SG:38

 

The construction industry is no stranger to the mental health crisis that has been plaguing the construction sector for years. The sector has been grappling with high suicide rates and poor mental health awareness for a long time.

In a bid to address this challenge, National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has launched its new SG:38 Mental Health and Wellbeing guidance for the scaffolding and access sector. The updated guidance aims to help scaffolding contractors and their employees understand the mental health issues that our industry faces, raise awareness, and help break down the stigma associated with mental health and mental ill health. It also provides tools to understand what can trigger poor mental health, as well as to alert you to changes in emotions and behaviours when someone is struggling.

NASC’s updated guidance is a step in the right direction for the construction industry. It recommends that scaffolding contractors follow SG:38’s guidance and NASC members apply for the President Training fund grant for Mental Health First Aider training, to ensure access to qualified, professional support is available to operatives.

NASC President David Brown said: “Mental health and wellbeing is a vital issue for our industry, and we are committed to raising awareness, destigmatising mental illness and providing support to our members and their employees. We hope that this new guidance note will help them to create a positive and supportive work environment, where mental health is taken seriously and people can thrive.”

The new Mental Health and Wellbeing guidance includes greater focus on raising awareness of the risks of mental health issues, including stress, and outlining positive steps to enable employees and workers to thrive at work.

To purchase a copy of our new SG:38, visit our shop. For general enquiries about NASC or information about becoming a member, contact us at enquiries@nasc.org.uk