With Mental Health Awareness Month shining a spotlight on the importance of psychological well-being, it’s crucial to recognise the unique challenges tradies face. It’s an important conversation, and one that Dan Pollard, founder of Fergus Software, believes should have a far greater reach.
Safe Work Australia recently released new data showing that mental health issues are becoming more common in the workplace, especially among tradies:
- mental health conditions now make up nine per cent of all serious workers’ compensation claims, a massive 36.9 per cent jump since 2018
- tradies dealing with mental health issues are losing over four times more workdays compared to those with physical injuries or illnesses
- the average payout for mental health claims is more than three times higher than for physical injuries
- those who file mental health claims often find it harder to get back to work and face more stigma from both coworkers and employers.(1)
Tradies’ hidden struggles
The physical demands of tradies are immense, with long hours of labour-intensive work in challenging environments that may be cramped spaces or exposure to extreme weather conditions. On the one hand, this leans into the physical health issues that tradies expect. However, there is a deeper issue underlying it all.
Dan Pollard said, “The physical exhaustion and chronic pain associated with physically demanding work also affects mental well-being, and we need to be talking about it. Time pressures add another layer of stress, as tradies often find themselves meeting tight deadlines and managing emergency callouts, which makes them feel like they are living in a constant state of urgency. Those that own their own business or are sole traders have the added stress of keeping admin at bay, cash flowing, and jobs coming in, so it’s just a pipe ready to burst without an outlet.”
Financial uncertainty is a big concern for many tradies who are running their own businesses. Fluctuating workloads, managing cash flow, and the responsibility of keeping a business afloat and employees paid adds layers of financial stress that can be overwhelming, not to mention that the nature of the work can often lead to feelings of isolation.
Dan Pollard said, “As an ex-tradie, I remember how working alone or in small teams could sometimes make me feel disconnected from my family and community. The demands of the job can often intrude on personal time, leading to a poor work-life balance.
“Mental health won’t happen by itself. It takes focus, prioritising self-care, and finding time to relax with loved ones. Let’s face it, as tradies we aren’t always good at recognising or admitting that we need more emotional support. But it’s time to change that.”
Recognising the early signs of stress and mental strain can help prevent more severe issues like burnout or depression. This proactive approach benefits the tradie directly, but also indirectly leads to other benefits like improved work quality, more safety awareness, and even a better business and job-site culture. A clear, stress-free mind is essential for maintaining high standards in potentially hazardous work environments.
Building a mental health toolkit
All tradies have their physical toolkits on hand, and it’s essential to build a mental health toolkit as well.
Dan Pollard said, “Tradies can start by prioritising their work-life balance. This means setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, scheduling regular days off and vacations, and using technology to streamline scheduling and reduce after-hours work.”
Building positive connections is another vital aspect of maintaining good mental health. Joining trade associations or networking groups can help connect tradies with people who understand their unique challenges. Making time for social activities outside of work and communicating openly with family and friends about work stresses can provide valuable support systems as well.
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