Hire industry joins forces on mental health

The UK hire industry is promoting an initiative to support mental wellbeing across the sector’s workforce; ‘United For Mental Strength is being led by Asif Latief, MD of Boels Rental, and Paul Gaze, CEO of Hire Association Europe and Event Hire Association (HAE EHA).

Mental health is the biggest cause of death in the construction industry, according to the Office for National Statistics. (Photo credit: Reuters / Clare Jackson / Alamy.)

Participating businesses include: HSS Hire, SHC Hire, Speedy Hire, Mr Plant Hire, Ardent Hire Solutions, One Stop Hire, Adlington Welding Supplies Ltd, Towergate Insurance Brokers, Sunbelt Rentals, Vp Brandon Hire Station, Salford Red Devils Foundation, inspHire, and Garic.

Poor mental health is the biggest cause of death in the construction industry, with an implied impact on the rental sector.

According to the Office for National Statistics more than 1,400 construction workers committed suicide in the UK between 2011 and 2017 – more than three times the national average for men.

A #UnitedForMentalStrength event was held at Boels Depot in Stoke-on-Trent last month to underline the importance of a collaborative approach to raise awareness on mental health issues.

Asif Latief, MD of Boels Rental, reportedly said, “We all have common goals when it comes to mental strength. #UnitedforMentalStrength is only the start of the crusade to create momentum with further initiatives planned.

“By working collaboratively, we can make a difference by sharing our activities, our experiences and the challenges we have come up against when dealing with mental health issues.”

Paul Gaze confirmed a key aim of the intiative was to remove “embarrassment or stigma” surrounding mental health by collaborating and talking openly about it. 

HAE EHA, Boels and other hire companies involved are working on range of initiatives aimed at promoting wellbeing.

The campaign is also aimed at educating the hire industry to recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as giving businesses the tools and knowledge to assist employees with recovery.