Building Safety Beyond the Site: Our Mental Health Method Statement

In construction, safety is everything. Every project we deliver begins with careful planning, risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and detailed controls to make sure everyone goes home safe.

We’re experts at managing physical safety risks. Procedures, documentation, and culture keep us accountable.

When it comes to mental health in construction, that same level of structure isn’t always applied. Across the industry, we often have wellbeing policies, but not always practical plans.

At ATS Controls, we’re changing that. This World Mental Health Day, we’re launching our Mental Health Method Statement, a step-by-step plan to protect mental wellbeing just as rigorously as we protect physical safety.

Just like every build starts with a plan, our mental health strategy follows a structured process to make sure it’s fit for purpose and sustainable.

Step 1: Appoint a Mental Health First Aider — Hello Nicole!

We’re proud to introduce Nicole as our Mental Health First Aider.
Her role is to be a first point of contact for anyone who needs to talk, to champion open discussions, and to help embed mental wellbeing in construction culture across our teams.

Step 2: Ask Our People What They Need

We’re sending out employee surveys to understand what mental health support our people would find most valuable, from awareness training to wellbeing afternoons.
This helps us design a mental health support framework that reflects the real needs of construction professionals.

Step 3: Create a Strategy to Implement

Next, we’ll use this insight to shape a practical, measurable construction mental health strategy, one that includes training, communication, and accessible support channels.

Step 4: Execute, Review, and Improve

Once implemented, we’ll monitor, review, and improve our initiatives, making sure our workplace mental health efforts evolve alongside our people and projects.

Just as every project follows a structured process from specification to handover, we’re applying the same discipline to building a culture of care.

It starts with Specification — defining what good mental health support looks like for our teams.

Then comes Design, where we plan the framework and communication approach that will make it work in practice.

Through Project Management, we coordinate responsibilities, set timelines, and make sure each part of the plan is in place — just like ordering materials for a build.

Next, we Build & Install — bringing our strategy to life by delivering initiatives and support mechanisms that make a real difference day to day.

In the Pre-commission and Commission stage, we gather feedback and evaluate how well our approach is working, identifying opportunities to improve.

Finally, we reach Demonstration and Witness, where we share results, celebrate progress, and refine the plan ready for the next phase.

Because just like any project, creating a strong wellbeing culture takes structure, teamwork, and continual improvement.

According to industry studies, construction workers are among the most at-risk groups for stress, anxiety, and depression. Long hours, tight deadlines, and high physical demands all take their toll.

Taking mental health seriously isn’t just a moral choice, it’s essential for productivity, safety, and long-term workforce sustainability.

By developing our Mental Health Method Statement, we aim to:

– Foster open conversations about wellbeing

– Build awareness and reduce stigma

– Provide practical support and training

– Encourage peer-to-peer connection and resilience

We know we can’t change the culture alone, that’s why we’re opening up the conversation.

What’s working for you?

How are you supporting your people’s mental health on and off site?

We’d love to hear from others in the construction industry who are taking action on mental wellbeing in construction.

Let’s share ideas and help build safer, stronger workplaces together.