George Nicolson believe in breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental ill-health. This is a crucial step towards providing a safe and healthy workplace environment.
This week is Men’s Health Week, a national awareness initiative calling on organisations, employers, and communities to support men’s physical and mental health through stronger connection, better communication, and practical action.
Health outcomes for men in the UK continue to be concerning:
- One man in five dies before the age of 65 (Men’s Health Forum).
- Four in five suicides are by men, with suicide the biggest cause of death for men under 35 (UK Parliament).
- According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index:
- ‘43% of working British men are urging their employers to provide greater mental health support.
- 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice.
- 37% of UK men admit actively hiding their mental health issues from their partners.
- 30% of men surveyed said they didn’t know where to turn for advice or support.
- 65% of employees recognise that stigma around men’s mental health remains strong
These outcomes are particularly visible in construction, manufacturing, and other male-dominated industries where long hours, physical demands and stigma around mental health often prevent people from seeking support.
Workplaces Can Make A Difference
Employers and team leaders are in a strong position to create healthier working environments. Even small actions, consistently applied, can have a significant impact:
- Encourage open dialogue about mental and physical health without judgement
- Train line managers to spot early signs of stress, burnout, or fatigue
- Ensure breaks and rest periods are respected, especially in physically demanding roles
- Offer practical resources such as mental health awareness training, or confidential check-ins
- Keep skills and safety training current to reduce physical strain and risk of injury
Free Resource: Toolbox Talk on Health & Wellbeing
As part of Men’s Health Week, Training First Safety are offering a free, ready-to-use Toolbox Talk on Health & Wellbeing. It’s suitable for any industry and encourages teams to take ownership of their own health, while opening up valuable conversations on site or in the workshop. Please contact them for more information: https://trainingfirstsafety.co.uk/contact/.
Further Reading and Resources:
- Men’s Health Forum – Men’s Health Week 2025
- HSE Work-Related Stress Toolkit
- Mates in Mind – Mental Health in Construction
Start now by implementing effective interventions to address the stigma that surrounds mental health.
