Aspen launches UK construction mental health solution

Aspen Insurance, in partnership with business continuity and risk management specialist BCarm, has launched Construction Wellbeing, a solution to support the rising challenges associated with the mental health of employees working in the UK construction industry.

Aspen said Construction Wellbeing is the first product of its kind to be offered by the London market insurance industry and includes a suite of features designed to provide holistic, mental health support to employers and workers.

These include:

• Three E-learning modules, all approved by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, that deliver valuable educational guidance for employees and managers on stress awareness, health and wellbeing and mental health legislation;
• A 24-hour confidential helpline, providing a support mechanism for construction workers to discuss issues that cause anxiety, stress and concern.
• Rehabilitation programmes offering mental and physical therapy to aid in recovery and overall wellbeing, including early intervention, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and support for employees witnessing on-site incidents.

Aspen noted that according to 2023 statistics for England and Wales from the Office for National Statistics, suicides within construction are three times the national industry average. “These rehabilitation programmes will enable the continuous evaluation of employee mental health and overall wellbeing to take place, through data analysis, direct employee engagement and an assessment of potential risk factors,” said Aspen.

As part of the partnership, Aspen and BCarm said they also can provide wider support to help policyholders develop their management systems to better identify and report on wellbeing issues in the workplace.

Integrated into Aspen’s UK Casualty and Construction product offerings, Construction Wellbeing will be immediately available to Aspen policyholders operating in the construction sector via Aspen’s broker partners, and will be integrated into Aspen’s UK casualty and construction product offerings.

Ryan Cushway, Aspen head of UK liability & DUA, said: “This pioneering offering marks a significant step forward in supporting and promoting wellbeing within the construction sector. At Aspen, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to further enhance our products, and so we are delighted to be the driving force behind this London market initiative.”

He added: “Statistics highlight how important it is to raise awareness of mental health in the construction industry, not only to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental ill-health but to promote effective change by educating, upskilling and building confidence among employers and their workforce through partnerships and initiatives like Construction Wellbeing.”