Mental health on the tools
Construction is one of the toughest industries for mental health in Australia. If today's a bad one — or someone on your crew is struggling — here's where to turn. It's free, it's confidential, and they understand site life.
It's OK to Not Be OK
Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry in Australia. Research by MATES in Construction has found a construction worker takes their own life roughly every second day — and workers are far more likely to die by suicide than in a workplace accident. If you or someone you know is struggling, you don't have to deal with it alone. The organisations below are free, confidential and understand construction.
Lifeline
Free, confidential crisis support 24/7. You don't have to be suicidal to call.
MATES in Construction
Australia's dedicated support service for construction workers and their families. Free 24/7 helpline answered by people who know the industry.
Beyond Blue
Free, confidential counselling for anxiety, depression and the tough stretches. Phone, chat and email.
Suicide Call Back Service
24/7 phone and online counselling if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal.
Australia's construction industry has its own dedicated service — MATES in Construction — built for exactly this. Their helpline is answered around the clock by counsellors who understand site life, and they run on-site programs that train crews to spot the signs and start the conversation. If you're struggling, you're not alone. And if you're not, check in on someone who might be.
Hear it from the trades — The Talking Tradesman
Sometimes it helps to hear from someone who's been there. The Talking Tradesman is a podcast for the trades, where tradespeople talk openly about their own mental health — the rough patches, the recovery, the whole story. It's UK-based, but the stories carry across: the pressures on the tools are much the same wherever you're working.
It's a listen, not a crisis line. If you need to talk to someone right now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MATES in Construction on 1300 642 111.
SiteKiln gives you plain-English information, not professional mental health advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (free, 24/7).