Addressing Mental Health in Construction: A Powerful Evening at the Scottish Parliament

Every day, two lives are lost to suicide in the construction industry—a devastating statistic that underscores the urgent need for mental health awareness and support. For too long, these challenges have gone unaddressed in an industry that is often defined by physical resilience and high-risk environments. Now, more than ever, it's clear that we need real, lasting change to protect the mental health of our workforce.

The Association for Project Safety (APS) had the privilege of hosting a Mental Health in Construction Awareness event at the Scottish Parliament, where we gathered to confront these issues head-on. The event was led by Sue Webber MSP, a dedicated advocate for mental health, who shared powerful insights into the unique challenges our industry faces. Sue’s opening remarks set a thoughtful and urgent tone, highlighting how mental health struggles in construction are often compounded by intense working conditions, job insecurity, and stigma surrounding mental health.

One of the evening’s most impactful moments came from Dylan Skelhorn of Safety Up and Ladder Locker, a remarkable motivational speaker with firsthand experience of the dangers faced by construction workers. Dylan courageously shared his personal story, recounting the life-changing fall he endured on the job and the resulting struggles with his mental health. His journey was both sobering and inspiring, as he spoke of his determination to raise awareness and help others confront their own mental health challenges. His message was clear: we must be proactive in addressing mental health to prevent more lives from being lost.

The event served as a powerful reminder that while safety in construction has traditionally focused on physical hazards, mental health is an equally critical aspect of well-being that demands our attention and action. The evening prompted discussions about practical steps we can take, from creating supportive environments on job sites to ensuring workers have access to mental health resources without fear of judgment.

APS is deeply grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation. The stories shared and the collective commitment to improving mental health support in construction made it a truly memorable and impactful evening. We left feeling motivated to continue this work and to advocate for a culture that prioritizes both physical and mental safety.

As we reflect on the evening, we’re reminded that every effort counts. Through continued awareness, shared stories, and dedicated action, we can create a safer, healthier construction industry for everyone. Thank you to Sue Webber MSP, Dylan Skelhorn, and all those who joined us for an evening that we hope will spark real change.