A construction and civil engineering company which has made mental health a priority within its business has won praise from Dorset Mind.

The charity says it’s “delighted” that Woodmace is recognising mental health and the necessity to support its largely male workforce by investing in mental health first aid training.

The Poole-based company, which specialises in groundworks, civil engineering and concrete structures, has a workforce of around 150 and employs a dedicated mental health team.

In a sector which is overwhelmingly male, mental health statistics hit very close to home.

Men account for approximately three quarters of suicides.

It is the leading cause of death in males below the age of 50.

The risk of suicide in construction is 1.6 times higher than the UK average.

Joshua Eiles-Clarke, Group Managing Director, pictured left, said: “In our industry there has always been something of a macho culture which, for whatever reason, can make people reluctant to take care of themselves.

“It’s something that we’re working on and progress is definitely being made.

“In much the same way that PPE is now fully accepted and expected on sites, we’re hoping that soon as much emphasis will be placed on mental health as physical health and safety.”

Woodmace has had a mental health team in place since January this year with professionals stationed both at head office and on sites.

They include John Frain, Contracts Manager and Mental Health First Aider (MHFA).

He said: “Mental health has always been an interest of mine.

“When I was asked to become the point of contact for MHFA within the company I was more than happy to embrace the role, take on a new professional challenge and, of course, be available to help my fellow colleagues be it with direct advice or just for a helpful chat if and when required.

“In terms of reception, people have been thankful and are delighted that Woodmace now has a dedicated MHFA onboard.

“This is something that’s never happened before within the company but shows a huge positive step forward not just for Woodmace but within the industry.

“Woodmace is leading the way as 56 per cent of construction professionals work for organisations with no policies on mental health.

“However, the risk of suicide in construction is 1.6 times higher than the UK average.

“As an industry we have a responsibility to look after our employees.

“The hope is that we will set a trend and, in years to come, opening up and talking about mental health issues will be just as normal among construction operatives and professionals as putting on your safety boots and high vis.”

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO, pictured left, said: “We’re delighted to see Woodmace recognise mental health and the necessity to support their largely male workforce by investing in mental health first aid training.

“Our own training team delivers a range of workplace mental health training across all industries in Dorset – and we’ve adapted it recently to deliver sessions online.

“All courses are current.

“They focus on the very real impact of workplace losses and changes brought about by Covid-19.

“This includes increased home working, changes to job roles and demands; and reductions in workforce due to isolation, furlough and redundancy.

“We’ve just launched a new mental health presentation containing pertinent information about mental health in the current climate.

“It offers coping strategies for those facing challenges in and out of work.

“Should your company want to follow Woodmace’s lead, email our training team directly at training@dorsetmind.uk or visit our website dorsetmind.uk”

Woodmace was incorporated in 1986 and counts main contractors, government departments and local authorities among its clients.

In January this year Joshua, who joined the company in an operations role nine years ago, took over the business as Owner and Group Managing Director with the mission of driving progress within both Woodmace and the industry as a whole.

It included an emphasis on staff welfare and development as well as continuous progress in technology and processes.

The company’s latest accounts, filed with Companies House, show Woodmace Limited made a pre-tax profit of £126, 654 on a £21.5m turnover in the year to March 31, 2019.