In the electrical and construction industries, we talk about safety every day.
We look out for hazards, check our equipment, follow procedures and keep an eye on the people working beside us. But there’s another part of workplace safety that can be much harder to see – how someone is really going.
R U OK? Day is a reminder to check in with the people around us, not just today, but throughout the year.
Mental health in the trades
Working in the trades can be rewarding, but it can also come with its share of pressure.
Long days, demanding workloads, physical strain, injuries, financial pressures, tight deadlines and time away from family can all take their toll. Problems outside of work including relationships, finances and health, don’t simply disappear when someone turns up to site either.
Tradies can also face an added hurdle: the idea that you should simply toughen up, get on with it and keep personal problems to yourself.
That attitude can make it difficult for someone to admit they’re struggling or ask for help.
Sometimes it takes somebody else noticing that things aren’t quite right and starting the conversation.
Would you notice if one of your mates wasn’t themselves?
It isn’t always obvious when someone is doing it tough.
They might become quieter or less social. They might be unusually irritable, distracted or tired. Perhaps they’re turning up late, losing interest in things they normally enjoy, struggling to concentrate or simply don’t seem like themselves.
Changes in behaviour, mood or usual routines can be a reason to check in, particularly if you know they’ve been dealing with pressures at work or at home.
You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong, and you certainly don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need to be willing to ask.
Four simple steps
The R U OK? Tradies Tools to Talk resource breaks the conversation down into four practical steps:
- Ask R U OK?
Choose a suitable moment, mention the changes you’ve noticed and give them the opportunity to talk. - Listen
Give them your attention and listen without judgement. Try not to jump straight into fixing the problem, sometimes being genuinely heard is what someone needs first. - Encourage action
If they’re not OK, encourage them to speak with someone they trust or seek professional support. You can even offer to look at the options together. - Check in
Don’t assume one conversation is the end of it. Check in again after a few days and let them know you’re still there.
Download the full Tradies Tools to Talk (PDF) resource and share it with your team.
What if they say, “I’m fine”?
They might be.
Or they might simply not be ready to talk.
If something still doesn’t seem right, let them know you’ve noticed a change and that you’re there if they want to talk. Then check in again.
It can take more than one conversation before someone feels comfortable opening up.
Looking out for our mates
At E-Tec, safety isn’t only about what happens on the tools.
It’s about looking after the people beside us too.
You don’t need to be an expert to check in with someone. You don’t need the perfect words, and you don’t need to solve their problems.
Sometimes a simple “You don’t seem quite yourself lately, are you OK?” is enough to start a conversation that matters.
So this R U OK? Day, check in with your workmates, friends and family.
And don’t make it something we only do once a year.
Need support?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
The R U OK? Tradies resource also lists 24/7 support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 224 636), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) and MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78).
For more information and resources specifically designed for tradies, visit R U OK? – Tradies.
