Mental Health & Wellbeing Policy
Policy Statement
Foundation Personnel is committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the workers we place across construction sites throughout the UK.
We recognise that construction can be a demanding industry. Long hours, physical work, travelling between projects, and time away from family can place pressure on individuals. Because of this, we believe mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical safety on site.
Our aim is to create an environment where workers feel supported, respected, and able to speak openly if they are struggling. By raising awareness, encouraging open conversations, and providing access to industry support services, we work to ensure our workforce has the support they need while working on client sites.
This policy outlines how Foundation Personnel supports the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of the workers we supply to construction projects.
Scope
This policy applies to all temporary workers, contractors, and operatives supplied by Foundation Personnel who are working on client construction sites. It also applies to internal staff responsible for supporting and managing site based workers.
The policy operates alongside all site specific health and safety policies set by the principal contractor or client.
Our Commitment to Supporting Our Workforce
At Foundation Personnel we understand that the wellbeing of our workforce directly affects safety, performance, and the overall success of projects.
We actively support our workers by maintaining regular contact throughout assignments, encouraging open conversations about wellbeing, and making sure workers know where to access support if they need it.
Workers are encouraged to speak with their consultant or site supervisor if they are experiencing stress, fatigue, anxiety, or any challenges affecting their wellbeing. Early conversations help ensure the right support can be provided.
Within Foundation Personnel we also have trained Mental Health First Aiders who are available to support workers. These individuals have received recognised training to help identify when someone may be struggling, provide initial support, and guide workers towards appropriate professional help where needed.
We also work closely with our clients to promote a respectful working environment on site where individuals feel valued and supported.
Supporting Mental Health in Construction
The construction industry has one of the highest rates of mental health challenges in the UK. Workers can face pressures such as demanding physical work, long travel times, tight project deadlines, and periods of uncertainty between contracts.
Foundation Personnel believes that creating awareness and encouraging conversations is one of the most effective ways to support workers.
Our consultants and Mental Health First Aiders are trained to recognise when workers may need support and to guide them towards professional services when appropriate. Workers are never expected to deal with these challenges alone.
Access to Professional Support
Foundation Personnel actively promotes support services that are dedicated to helping people working in construction.
Workers can access confidential support through the following organisations.
Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, financial, and wellbeing support specifically for construction workers and their families.
24 Hour Construction Industry Helpline – 0345 605 1956
Text Support Text HARDHAT to 85258
Website www.lighthouseclub.org
Mates in Mind
Mates in Mind is a leading charity focused on improving mental health across the construction industry by raising awareness and providing guidance for workers and employers.
Phone 020 3519 0160
Website www.matesinmind.org
These services are confidential and available to anyone working in the construction industry.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Foundation Personnel encourages a culture where workers feel comfortable speaking about mental health and wellbeing.
We promote a supportive working culture through regular communication with our workforce, encouraging workers to raise concerns early, and supporting respectful behaviour across all projects.
Workers should feel confident that asking for support will never negatively affect their employment or future opportunities.
Physical Wellbeing
Physical wellbeing is closely connected to mental wellbeing. Construction work can be physically demanding and workers must take care of their health.
Foundation Personnel encourages workers to take appropriate breaks, stay hydrated, maintain safe working practices, and report fatigue or excessive working hours where this may impact their safety or wellbeing.
If a worker feels physically or mentally unfit for work, they should inform their consultant or site supervisor so the appropriate support can be provided.
Confidentiality
Any discussions regarding mental health or personal wellbeing will always be treated confidentially. Information will only be shared where necessary to protect the safety of the worker or others and will be handled in accordance with data protection legislation.
Monitoring and Review
Foundation Personnel reviews this policy regularly to ensure it reflects best practice within the construction industry and continues to provide meaningful support for our workforce.
Feedback from workers, clients, and site supervisors helps us improve how we support wellbeing across our projects.
