This toolbox talk highlights that construction is an industry of brilliant problem-solvers, many of whom are neurodivergent (having conditions like ADHD, Dyslexia, or Autism). We know this because surveys suggest as many as 1 in 4 construction workers are neurodivergent, drawn to the sector's demands for 3D thinking, pattern recognition, and hyperfocus. These traits represent a "spiky profile" of exceptional strengths that drive innovation and quality on site. To leverage this cognitive strength, we must commit to simple, visible support—like providing noise-cancelling headphones, offering written instructions, or establishing a quiet break space—and encourage an open culture where everyone feels safe to ask, "What would make my job easier right now?" By doing so, we fulfill both our legal and moral obligations, making the site safer, smarter, and more productive.

The construction industry relies heavily on brilliant problem-solvers with unique skills like 3D visualization and pattern recognition, making it a natural fit for neurodivergent talent (including individuals with ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism), whose prevalence in the sector is significantly higher than the general population. This neurodiverse advantage—the "spiky profile" of skills that provides exceptional aptitude in areas like hyperfocus and spatial awareness—is crucial for success, yet many of these workers struggle with invisible hurdles like sensory overload and difficulties with executive function. Therefore, construction companies have a both a commercial imperative and a legal and moral obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments and foster a culture where simple support measures are implemented to leverage this powerful, detail-oriented workforce.

This article includes statistics, toolbox talks for managers and workers and links to further information and support. 

This article highlights the significant presence of neurodivergent individuals within the UK construction industry—with figures suggesting as many as 1 in 4 workers and 46% of project professionals identify as such. Despite this, many face considerable challenges, including a lack of empathy, fear of stigma preventing disclosure, and missed opportunities for support during hiring. This often leads to "masking" and potential burnout, underscoring the urgent need for targeted initiatives. By fostering open conversations and providing specific support, similar to successful mental health campaigns in the sector, the industry can unlock the unique strengths of its neurodivergent workforce—such as strong problem-solving and attention to detail—creating a more inclusive, understanding, and productive environment for everyone.

This report by On The Tools, published in March 2023, found that 93% of UK tradespeople have been impacted by mental ill health in some way, with 73% of all UK tradespeople surveyed experiencing mental ill health right now or in the past. A further 20% hadn’t personally experienced mental ill health but knew another tradesperson who had.

Society is finally coming around to the realisation that mental health is important. Putting on a ‘stiff upper lip’ and suppressing mental distress does nobody any favours. 

10-16 June 2024 is Men's Health Week. Did you know that men are less likely to seek mental health support, and they account for 75% of all suicides worldwide? Men make up over 90% of those working on a construction site and workers in construction are at some of the highest risk of suicide in the country, with rates in the industry over three times higher than the national average.

In this article, we will explore the dangers of sleep deprivation in the construction industry and how it can put workers at risk.‘Sleeping on the job’ is never safe in any sector, but in many construction roles, sleep deprivation can be extremely dangerous and have severe implications on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as increasing the risk of dangerous and potentially fatal injuries.

Whether you are a business owner, manager, or employee, we all have a part to play in creating a more welcoming and inclusive work environment within our industry. As business owners, it is easy to make all the right moves in our attempts to hire a more diverse team of tradespeople and on-site operatives, but what happens when they quit due to bullying, discrimination, or lack of accessibility?

Mental health in construction is a serious issue. With suicide killing more people than falls from height, the mental wellbeing of construction workers definitely needs to be highlighted, to break the stigma, increase awareness and improve support. In this article we have put together a few videos which you may find insightful and could be helpful for your mental health toolbox talks, etc.

Saturday 10th September 2022 marks #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, a day designed to raise awareness of, and to promote action to reduce the number of suicides globally. Here at SC4, we believe in making sure everyone under our employment feels safe, enjoys what they do, and cares about the community and environment. We feel this is important not just for our work, but also for the wellbeing of our staff.

The week of 9^th to 15^th May 2022 was Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, in which hundreds of charities and businesses throughout the country staged local events and awareness-raising activities to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health. At SC4 Carpentry, we believe in the importance and promotion of mental health which continues to be high on our agenda.

On World Suicide Prevention Day 2021, we have republished a couple of videos from 2019 which are sadly still relevant today. In the construction industry deaths from suicide are around ten times higher than deaths from injury, and each death is one too many.

In this article, SC4 reflects on its role and influence in the industry. Our primary focus has been on how Belonging can affect the Wellbeing of our staff and subcontractors. We hope that by raising awareness of Mental Health issues and promoting Diversity within our workforce, we will create a happier and healthier company and a more positive and focused team.

#TimeToTalk Day 2020 , 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, which is why talking about mental health is so important. Join SC4 start the conversation to end the stigma for those struggling with a mental health problem or crisis. Too often, mental health problems are treated as a taboo subject – something not to be talked about, especially at work.

HRH THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE AND FOOTBALL LEGENDS CHAMPION MENTAL HEALTH ON EMIRATES FA CUP THIRD ROUND WEEKEND. Public Health England’s Every Mind Matters and the Heads Up campaign, a partnership between Heads Together and The FA, have teamed up to encourage football fans to take simple actions to look after their mental health.

In October 2019, SC4 attended UK Construction Week in Birmingham. Katy (Director) and Rachael (Marketing) spent the day networking and attending seminars and talks.

SC4 have started a NEW campaign titled "Keeping Safe and Healthy in Construction." We hope to raise awareness of the Health and Safety issues in the industry.

SC4 have now created a Youtube page. So if you have missed out on any of our videos or would like to link to them on your website/blog take a look!! youtube.com/sc4carpenters