ARCA joins HSE Working Minds campaign

4th March 2024

ARCA has joined Great Britain’s workplace regulator to support those in asbestos-related trades struggling with mental health and work-related stress.

The Working Minds campaign, set up by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), launched in 2021 and in March will increase its support to those in the construction industry with the addition of six new partners to help reach trades and offer free support.

Steve Sadley, ARCA CEO, said: “We are pleased to support the HSE Working Minds campaign to address work-related stress, depression and anxiety. This is an important issue that employers in the asbestos removal industry should prioritise.

“There are compelling reasons for asbestos removal companies to prevent work-stress and promote mental health. This includes meeting legal responsibilities, enhancing business operations, and caring for employees. The nature of asbestos removal work can be demanding, so it’s critical to provide resources that equip teams to handle stress.”

Working Minds helps employers to follow five simple steps based on risk assessment. They are to Reach out and have conversations, Recognise the signs and causes of stress, Respond to any risks you’ve identified, Reflect on actions you’ve agreed and taken, and make it Routine. It needs to become the norm to talk about stress and how people are feeling and coping on-site.

To help employers prevent stress and support good mental health, Working Minds offers free online learning to show how to make it part of routine working life and culture. The bitesize online learning typically takes no more than an hour to complete and covers what the law requires of employers and what’s needed to do to be compliant.

Steve added: “The Working Minds campaign offers helpful tools and resources to help asbestos removal companies establish effective strategies tailored to industry-specific needs. We encourage companies in this vital field to utilise these materials to foster positive mental health practices. By working together proactively, we can create healthier and more supportive environments for asbestos removal professionals as they safely deliver this essential service.”

Liz Goodwill, head of work-related stress and mental health policy at HSE, said: “We are delighted the Working Minds campaign is welcoming ARCA as a partner and they will no doubt help us in our efforts to raise awareness of ways to prevent and reduce work-related stress in Britain’s construction industry. The law requires all employers to carry out a stress risk assessment and act upon the findings to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health in the workplace. The online learning shares all the tools you need to get started in one place, and you can come back as many times as you like.”

According to Deloitte the total annual cost of poor mental health has increased by 25% since 2019, costing UK employers up to £56 billion a year. Around half of working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety.

Help is available

If you or someone you know needs help or support, reach out and ask how they are feeling and coping. There are tools and sources of support out there that can help.

Services offered by Working Minds partners include:

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides free support services to any construction worker or their family including;

24/7 Construction Industry Helpline, call 0345 605 1956
Text HARDHAT to 85258 f you’re uncomfortable talking and would rather text
Free Construction Industry Helpline mobile app.

Mates in Mind charity can provide can also offer advice to organisations through their Supporter Programme or individuals can text “BeAMate” to 85258 to access free and confidential mental health support service from trained volunteers.

For tips and advice to help you look after your mental health, answer 5 questions to receive a personalised Mind plan from Every Mind Matters (NHS).