In recognition of Tradies National Health Month, Lifeline has launched Strong Foundations: A Wellbeing Guide for Tradies, a new resource designed to help address the unique physical and emotional pressures faced by people working in trade industries.
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from MATES in Construction, which show that people working in this sector are eight times more likely to die from suicide than in workplace accidents.
According to Lifeline Chair Professor Steve Moylan, the high demands of the trade industry can take a serious toll on workers’ health.
“What we do for a living can have a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing, in both positive and negative ways,” said Professor Moylan.
“It’s important to remember that in the trades, feeling stressed or burnt out isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s your body’s way of saying you’ve been carrying more than you should have to.
“Looking after our wellbeing doesn’t always mean making huge changes. Often, it starts with small steps like getting back to the basics.
“That’s where the Strong Foundations Guide comes in – it’s all about helping tradies learn a few helpful tools and letting them know where to turn when things feel too heavy to manage on their own.”
The Strong Foundations guide also features real-life stories from tradies who have overcome challenges by seeking support, starting conversations, or making small changes.
“When someone sees that others they can relate to have faced similar struggles and found a way through, it reminds them that they are not alone — and that helps build a more open, supportive atmosphere for everyone,” Professor Moylan added.
Buildcorp Foundation Chair Josephine Sukkar AM said the construction sector must break down the stigma around mental health.
“Young men working on construction sites are twice as likely to take their own lives compared to those in other industries, which is why we must become more comfortable discussing mental health,” said Sukkar.
“For over a decade, the Buildcorp Foundation has proudly partnered with Lifeline to raise awareness and provide practical tools to our site teams, subcontractors, and staff – empowering them to care for their own mental health, support their mates, and strengthen the wellbeing of our broader community.”
Boom Logistics Managing Director and CEO Ben Pieyre said that mental health is just as critical as physical safety in the workplace.
“Safety isn’t just about helmets and harnesses; it’s about looking after the whole person which includes mental health,” said Pieyre.
“Working in a high-pressure industry like we do at Boom Logistics can mean many of our workforce, who are predominantly men, often find it hard to speak up when things aren’t okay.
Pieyre said he has witnessed firsthand the significant impact mental health challenges can have on individuals and teams.
He recalled that the loss of a staff member to suicide last year deeply affected the company.
He added that Boom Logistics’ partnership with Lifeline through MensLine Australia is an important step in ensuring workers and the wider community have access to confidential, professional, and readily available support whenever it is needed.
Lifeline is encouraging anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for support.
Lifeline’s services are available 24/7 via phone on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, online chat at www.lifeline.org.au, or through the website’s Support Toolkit.
