Drinkaware launches new partnership with the Considerate Constructors Scheme
Drinkaware is partnering with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) to launch a new alcohol awareness initiative for the construction industry.
Drinkaware is launching a new partnership with the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) to deliver the Drinkaware in Construction programme. This initiative, aimed at construction workers and contractors, provides valuable resources and tools designed to help individuals better understand their relationship with alcohol and how it impacts their health, wellbeing, and workplace safety.
Why construction?
Employees in the construction industry 'do not feel their workplace supports their wellbeing' with a recent survey finding that 29% of construction workers believe their employer “should play a more active role in helping them maintain their wellbeing.” 1
According to a June 2024 survey by Britain’s Healthiest Workplace, the construction industry is facing significant challenges related to depression, fatigue, and burnout. The survey revealed that 6% of construction workers suffer from depression, while 44% of the workforce report feeling fatigued and 13% have experienced burnout, highlighting the urgent need for wellbeing interventions in the sector.2
Research shows that "20-30% of workplace accidents can be linked to alcohol in safety-critical industries such as construction." Drinking at higher levels in high-stress professionals like construction can lead to an increase in workplace accidents, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.3 This is where the partnership between Drinkaware and CCS comes at a crucial time; addressing the link between alcohol misuse and these broader health and wellbeing concerns.
Excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate feelings of depression, fatigue, and burnout—factors that have been recognised by construction workers. Regular drinking can also affect the quality of sleep, potentially worsening the fatigue issues identified in the sector. By encouraging workers to understand their drinking habits and providing practical tools to manage alcohol intake, this partnership seeks to mitigate these risks and promote a healthier workforce.
Drinkaware in Construction
Drinkaware and CCS aim to address these issues by offering a variety of tools and resources:
- Drinking Check tool: a simple online quiz that helps people understand their drinking habits.
- Educational resources: downloadable factsheets, posters, and toolkits tailored for the construction industry.
- Training for CCS monitors: guidance on how to approach conversations about alcohol and encourage workers to complete the Drinking Check on-site.
With CCS’s involvement, this initiative has the potential to reach a large segment of the construction workforce.
References
[3] https://www.kaysmedical.com/insights/drug-and-alcohol-use-in-the-construction-industry/