Our Bluey cattle dog logo is based around the values of mateship, loyalty and reliability. These core values mean that we partner with the industry to support it in every way possible.
Suicide kills more men than workplace and road accidents combined. Every two days in Australia, a construction worker takes his own life. Research suggests starting a conversation about depression & suicide and introducing mental health programs into the workforce may be the first step in addressing this however men remain notorious for avoiding these sensitive subjects.
Recently, the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention Report found that suicide rates in the construction industry were higher than the Australian average for men. Shockingly, it also found youth suicide within our industry could be as much as 238% higher compared to other young Australian men. Poor workplace support, job insecurity and a lack of “help seeking” by employees in high stress environments make a lethal combination in an industry largely comprised of men.
Bluey is a current brand partner with MATES in Construction (MIC). MIC is a charity which aims to eradicate suicides amongst Australian construction workers. MIC provides a variety of mental health and prevention programs on construction sites and supports workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. To date, MIC has trained more than 160,000 people and has managed more than 8,000 cases.
If the building and construction industry in Australia want to improve the mental health of workers, then it cannot be left to the mental health professionals alone, everyone must get involved and play their part. At Bluey we look forward to working closely with MIC to help those in need and to prevent further tragedies.
If you want to find out how you can get MATES in Construction on your worksite, visit: http://matesinconstruction.org.au/get-involved/training/
National Helpline: 1300 642 111