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Injury and Recovery

How can an injury affect mental health?

A serious injury changes more than your body. For construction workers, whose living often depends on physical fitness, an injury can mean losing income, independence, routine and identity overnight. Recovery can be long and uncertain.

It is common to feel frustrated, low, anxious or angry during recovery. If the injury happened in an accident, you may also experience shock or PTSD. Looking after your mental health is an important part of getting back on your feet.

What are the signs an injury is affecting your mental health?

1. Emotional signs:

  • Low mood, frustration or hopelessness.
  • Anxiety about money, work or whether you'll recover fully.
  • Feeling useless or like a burden.
  • Anger about what happened.

2. Trauma signs:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares about the accident.
  • Fear of returning to site or to the task.

3. Behaviour:

  • Withdrawing from friends.
  • Drinking more or misusing painkillers.
  • Giving up on rehabilitation.

What are the statistics for workplace injury in construction?

Injuries: The HSE reports that tens of thousands of construction workers suffer non-fatal injuries at work each year in Great Britain, with falls, slips and handling injuries among the most common.

Fatal injuries: Construction consistently has one of the highest numbers of fatal injuries of any industry.

Mental health: Serious injury is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety and PTSD, especially when recovery is long.

Financial support: Many self-employed workers have no sick pay, so financial worries are a major source of stress.

Where to get help after an injury UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help.

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity: Financial and emotional support for construction workers and families affected by illness or injury.
Helpline: 0345 605 1956 (24/7)

Headway: Support after a brain injury.
Helpline: 0808 800 2244

Citizens Advice: Help with sick pay, benefits and your rights.
Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Your GP: Your GP can refer you for physiotherapy, pain management and talking therapy.

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

Recovery isn't just physical. Give your mind the same care as your body.

Work and physical health

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