Queensland builders speak up about mental health fears amid construction industry crisis

As material prices continue to spiral on the back of a worsening supply shortage, Queensland builders fear suicide rates in construction could rise in an industry already on its knees.

Sunshine Coast builders fear suicide rates in construction could rise on the back of a worsening materials and trade shortage that has sent prices soaring and put the industry on its knees.

Industry veterans reported being out of pocket up to $40,000 per home amid the “massive” shortage of building materials and trade issues.

As prices continue to spiral, industry insiders predict there’s no end in sight to the crisis with more challenges in store for 2022.

Master Builders Queensland has reported costs had skyrocketed and that new homes were taking twice as long to complete compared to last year.

A pair of independent builders with a combined four decades of experience have spoken out about their concerns for the industry and have encouraged its workforce to speak up.

Caloundra-based Becker Constructions owner of 20 years Dave Becker said the industry was in “emotional turmoil”.

Mr Becker urged others to speak up before it was too late.

Their fears come on the back of leading research that has shown suicide rates of Australian men in construction are double the rates of men in other sectors.

Sunshine Coast builder Dave Becker said he was concerned suicide rates could rise on the back of a construction crisis. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“We have to have the conversation. Because guys are in emotional turmoil and our industry already has a high suicide rate that is climbing and climbing,” Mr Becker said.

“I’ve been in a lot of inner circles on the Sunshine Coast, and I can hear it in their voices. You see it too.

“The mental wellbeing is the most key point at the moment, it’s paramount.”

Fellow builder Grant McDonald, of Grant McDonald Homes, said the stress levels across the board were difficult to cope with.

Mr McDonald predicted the delays and price spikes to continue well into 2022 and had adopted an “it is what it is” mentality.

“It is draining, super draining. Some days you get out of bed and it’s another curve ball that will impact the industry massively,” Mr McDonald said.

Grant McDonald said it was crucial that tradies spoke to one another to address any mental health concerns, now more than ever.

Mr McDonald said everyone he had spoken to throughout the year were at breaking point.

“I speak to about five or six builders at least once a week, just to bounce our own issues,” he said.

“You get it off your chest and just talk it out. Not be the Lone Ranger.

“Everyone has had such a stressful year. We’ve had a gutful and it’s really hard. That’s the impression I get from 90 per cent of people.

“But you’re not alone.”

Mr Becker said the construction industry had a stigma that mental health was a taboo topic but one that was slowly changing.

“There’s a variety of support networks out there - Mates in Construction, Beyond Blue, Be Well and Prosper - it’s really important that people do speak up,” Mr Becker said.

“Even if it’s just for a chat, often there will be someone else going through the same.”

Sunshine Coast builder of 20 years Dave Becker (right) and carpenter Tylar Crack (left). Picture: Patrick Woods.

How you or your colleagues can get help

Mates in Construction charity was established in 2008 in response to a major report on suicide rates within commercial building and construction industry which found suicide rates were higher than the Australian average, and nearly two and a half times the rate of young Australian men.

The charity’s Queensland chief executive John Brady said the construction industry, with the help of the organisation, had reduced suicide rates in Queensland by about 11 per cent.

However, the statistics for the industry remained “too high”.

Mr Brady said nationwide, about 14 men lose their life to suicide per 100,000 people.

When Mates in construction started, the suicide stats for construction were about 39 per 100,000 people, and for apprentices in construction it’s about 58 people per 100,000.

“They’re scary statistics, but we’re making inroads,” Mr Brady said.

“We can’t stop suicides but we can reduce them. A problem shared is a problem halved.”

Mark Thistleton, a former brickie of 30 years who oversees Mates in Construction from Caboolture to Bundaberg, said the ongoing supply crisis was alarming.

He said it was likely that anyone in the industry knew someone either directly or indirectly who had taken their own life.

“It is scary. But it’s OK to not be OK,” Mr Thistleton said.

Mr Thistleton said he had noticed a change in the “older” generation who were stepping forward to acknowledge the problem.

“A lot of these guys spend more time with their workmates than their families, so it’s important to identify when there are problems,” Mr Thistleton said.

“If we can normalise the conversation it can help reduce the rate of suicide dramatically.”

Free mental health session

St John’s Ambulance through Construction Skills Queensland will later this month hold a free training session based around mental health support for construction workers.

The session will be based at the Master Builders Sunshine Coast office at King Street, Buderim on Friday, November 26.

“The course provides participants with information on common mental illnesses, including depression and anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress, suicidal thoughts and substance use disorders,” the session information read.

“Participants will learn how to identify people who may be suffering from mental health problems, provide initial support and refer to professional services where appropriate.

“Participants will also learn how to promote a mentally healthy workplace and develop strategies on how to look after themselves.”

Who you can contact for help:

Lifeline: 131 114

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Mates in Construction: 1300 642 111