NEWS ROUND UP

The BIrmingham HS2 construction site

IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK

CONSTRUCTION STRESS REPORT

WHAT HAPPENED?

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge has revealed that at least 70% of people in the construction industry report feeling stressed at work. The findings highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to combat workplace stress. The construction industry is facing a mental health crisis. For example, in the UK, construction employees are almost four times more likely to take their own lives compared to workers in other sectors.

The study, published in the Healthcare journal, gathered data from participants across 12 UK employers in the construction industry. Key findings indicate that 70% of people reported their jobs as being either moderately stressful, very stressful, or extremely stressful, 80% of people signalled that work stress can negatively impact their jobs, and 75% indicated that stress can negatively impact their personal lives.

The major sources of stress were found to be high workloads, tight deadlines, and situations not being under one’s control. Responsibility for the safety of others emerged as another stressor.

Dr Olivia Remes, co-author, and a mental health researcher at the Cambridge Laing O’Rourke Centre at the Department of Engineering, said, “Opening up to family, friends, or colleagues about workplace stress can be helpful. Having a robust support network acts as a buffer against stress and is beneficial for mental health.”

WHAT IT MEANS

Stress can lead to decreased productivity, increased sickness, and higher employee turnover.

If left unmanaged, chronic stress poses serious risks to physical and mental health and can lead to chronic illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease.

A little over half of respondents to the survey reported dealing with the stress they experienced by blocking it out or keeping it to themselves.

“There should be a greater push to tackling the stigma of talking about difficulties you are going through,” said Remes.

“Self-disclosure is linked to improved resilience in people, and it would be interesting to have programmes on that.”

It’s particularly important when you consider that construction is a male-dominated industry and men can sometimes be more prone to bottling up emotions than women, Remes pointed out.

IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK

However, workers did report some healthier coping mechanisms too. These included using support networks of family and friends, hobbies, and taking time for exercise and meditation.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The survey included a limited group of 40 participants (33 men and seven women) from 12 different employers across four major sites in the South East of England. In spite of the small sample size, Remes said the findings were potentially applicable in a wider geographical context, and she hoped they would lead to further research and to companies developing strategies to reduce workplace stress.

“What this research allows us to do is to develop a more targeted approach to dealing with these stresses. We know that construction is a stressful industry to be in. However, the stressors acting on different roles are different and you need to be able to identify how they are different and tailor your strategies for dealing with them accordingly,” Remes said.

FIRST OF NEOM’S PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED OPENS

Sindalah, a luxury island development announced two years ago by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has become the first project within Neom to open.

The project involved four main contractors and up to 60 subcontractors, with a workforce of 30,000 people when work was at its peak.

The island sits five kilometres off Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia. It aims to be Neom’s gateway to the Red Sea, providing access for European, Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-owned yachts.

The island was designed by yachting architecture firm Luca Dini and is set to host 2,400 guests per day by 2028 across different restaurants, hotels and other venues. There are a total of 440 rooms and 88 villas, as well as 218 serviced apartments, which Neom said would be available to book soon.

IMAGE: NEOM

VINCI'S ACQUISITION

Vinci Construction has acquired UK-based public works company FM Conway for an undisclosed sum.

FM Conway generated an annual turnover of €690 million (US$742 million) in 2024. The company was founded in 1961 and is owned by the Conway family. Its expertise encompasses roadworks, civil engineering, asphalt and binders’ production as well as a range of specialist businesses including water and drainage management, lighting, cabling and traffic management.

US$67BN RAIL PROJECT?

Representatives of Vietnam’s government have discussed the construction of a US$67.3 billion high-speed railway at a meeting with China’s biggest construction company, China State Construction (CSCEC).

Vietnam’s Politburo and the Party Central Committee have reportedly agreed to invest in a double-track high-speed line running from north to south through the country through 20 provinces and cities.

The 1,435mm-gauge line will feature 23 passenger stations and five freight stations.

WIND FARM PERMIT

The Danish Energy Agency has granted German company RWE an offshore construction permit for what will become Denmark’s largest offshore wind farm.

It will be located 22km off the West coast of Jutland and will consist of 72 wind turbines. Half of the turbines will be equipped with CO2 -reduced steel towers.

RWE said it planned to undertake turbine installation works from the port of Esbjerg. The wind farm is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2027.