Procore Joins Forces with Australian Olympian Ian Thorpe to Discuss Mental Health in Construction

This October, during Mental Health Month in New South Wales, Procore will be bringing together some of the most influential organizations in Australia’s construction industry to discuss the issue of mental health.

All the research points to a hard truth that those working in construction are disproportionately affected by mental health issues. Indeed, recent studies conducted by PwC and MATES in Construction, indicate that construction workers are over twice as likely as any other people in Australia to commit suicide.

Identifying a need for collaboration across the industry, Procore is hosting an event in Sydney on October 18th to encourage a more open dialogue, and help build a consensus that action must be taken to increase support, awareness and investment in empowering construction workers to confront both their own, and their colleagues’ mental health issues.

Attendees will hear from Australia’s most successful Olympian, Ian Thorpe, who will be sharing his own experience fighting depression and will explain how to start a conversation about mental health that could save lives.

As an increasingly active member of the construction industry in Australia and New Zealand, Procore is partnering with organizations including MATES In Construction, Hammer Technologies, Voyage Control, Cbus and the Master Builders Association to build momentum around breaking down barriers and stigma associated with those working in the industry talking about mental illness.

From government funding to a growing network of dedicated organizations, recent years in Australia have seen a growing sense of action to boost services available for suicide prevention and community support around mental health.

There is certainly no quick fix, however working collaboratively across the industry, we can take the right steps to start to pull down stereotypes, increase awareness and empower those working in the industry to support each other.

Recent years in Australia have seen a growing sense of action to boost services available for suicide prevention and community support around mental health. In May, the Federal Government pledged to provide $47 million in funding to support 17 mental health groups in Australia and provide country-wide support and training.

A major part in ensuring construction workers have the support they need will be the role played by employers. Indeed, one of the most important steps to take is to increase awareness across teams of how to recognise signs that someone might be struggling and the best action to take.