Mental Health in the Construction Industry

Mental Health in the Construction Industry compiles the latest research on mental health within the construction sector. Construction jobs are often transient, physically demanding, and involve long hours, creating a working environment with high levels of psychosocial hazards. Prolonged exposure to these hazards significantly increases the risks of work-related stress and harm to mental health. This book explores the critical need for comprehensive mental health support and awareness, detailing essential measures to protect and promote construction workers’ mental health and wellbeing.

The book presents research studies from both developed and developing countries, offering a broad international perspective on construction mental health and suicide prevention, and emphasising its significant economic and societal impacts. Chapters cover the types and impacts of psychosocial hazards in the construction industry, the legal and practical aspects of managing these risks, and their cascading effects on workers’ mental health. Topics also include burnout, individual coping strategies, organizational and industry-level interventions, and the role of technology in mental health. Together the chapters present a holistic view of mental health in the construction industry, and a roadmap to prevent and manage psychosocial hazards.

Mental Health in the Construction Industry is an invaluable resource for academics, researchers, and students, as well as industry practitioners in construction-related disciplines. It is also essential for professionals in occupational health and safety, and organizational psychology, describing practical implications and directions for future research.

Dr Carol K.H. Hon is an Associate Professor in School of Architecture and Built Environment, at Queensland University of Technology. She received the PhD and MPhil degrees from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Bachelor of Science (Surveying) degree from the University of Hong Kong. Before joining the academia, she practiced as a quantity surveyor in Hong Kong.

Dr Riza Yosia Sunindijo is an Associate Professor and Deputy Head of School Research in the School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney. His research interests include work health and safety, mental health, human resource management, women’s empowerment in construction, and construction in developing countries.

Dr Chenjunyan Sun is a Research Fellow in the School of Property, Construction and Project Management at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. She is a member of The Centre for Construction Work Health and Safety Research @ RMIT. She has been an active researcher in construction health and safety, with a particular focus on psychosocial hazards, mental health, need for recovery, burnout, and work design.

Dr. Samuel Frimpong is an Associate Lecturer at the School of Built Environment, UNSW Sydney. He holds a PhD in Built Environment from UNSW, a Master of Science in Construction Management, and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Building Technology from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.