CIF members share personal experiences from on and off site to raise awareness of real-life issues affecting people working in the industry
Following World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10, one of the themes of this year’s Construction Safety Week was Mind your Health. And so, CIF President Frank Kelly invited me to share a Safety Moment focusing on health and wellbeing.
My personal story is from the last few years and it changed my perspective on life. A few years ago, I had a very simple fall in my office, which gave me severe concussion. Following weeks of hospital visits I continued to manage home life but had to keep my construction business on track.
I was determined not to let this set-back affect me – it could have easily have gotten me down. After a few months, I recovered and like all resilient women I continued working and got back to my busy life. During Covid my father was diagnosed with cancer and sadly passed away earlier this year.
Even though I’ve found life difficult, challenging and stressful over the last few years, I haven’t allowed the stresses to get me down. I’ve tried to remain strong. As everybody knows, through life’s challenges it is vital to manage wellbeing and mental health. While work-life balance seems to be the buzz word lately, people can let their busy lives get on top of them.
This is something to be mindful of because if you are not performing, you are no good to your company, work colleagues and friends – but most importantly your family. People should try to be content and happy within – life is for living. Be around those who make you happy and
make you laugh, those who encourage and inspire you and those who ride out the storms with you.
I’ll finish with a quote I think sums it all up nicely … ‘Just for today, try to live through this day only and not tackle life’s problems at once.’
If you have a Safety Moment you’d like to share contact The CIF team.
Help is always at hand
Lighthouse Club
The Lighthouse Club, the Construction Industry Charity, supported by the CIF, offers a FREE 24/7 confidential employee assistance helpline and app for everyone in the Irish construction industry. The Helpline can be called anytime on 1800 939 122, and the app ‘Construction Industry Helpline’ can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google Play app store.
Build Health
‘Build Health’ is a joint initiative between the CIF, Laya Healthcare and Spectrum Life that can support both employers and employees. See www.wellbeing.spectrum.life/cif/ for more
Construction Workers’ Sick Pay Trust
The trust is committed to the promotion of better health, including mental health and wellbeing for all workers in the construction sector. For information on how to claim, please visit www.cwspt.ie or email [email protected] or call 01-4977663.
50808
The Health Services Executive offers a text-based mental health service. A free 24/7 text service providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through mental health or emotional crisis. For free 24/7 support in a crisis, free text ‘HELLO’ to 50808.
Pieta House
To speak with a therapist any time, day, or night, freephone 1800 247 247 or text ‘HELP’ to 51444.
Aware
Freephone Aware’s Support Line is available Monday to Sunday from 10am – 10pm on 1800 80 48 48 or email:
[email protected]
Samaritans
If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans can provide one-to-one help 24-hours per day. Freephone 116 123 or email: [email protected]
