Lack Group: Proud State Tier 1 Industry Partner
MATES in Construction is a charity established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers. We are unique in that we foster ownership and control of the program with the Australian building and construction industry.
The MATES in Construction program is based on the simple idea that “suicide is everyone’s business” and that if the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of workers and to reduce suicide then it cannot be left to the mental health professionals, but rather everyone in the industry must play their part.
We are independent of employers and unions and never work directly for a particular employer, but for the construction industry generally. Programs are delivered across the industry regardless of employer and / or union affiliation.
You can find us in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. Our national body MATES in Construction Australia commenced in October 2013.
We were established in response to a major report on suicide [the AISRAP Report] within the Queensland Commercial Building and Construction Industry. This report found that suicide rates in the industry were higher than the Australian average for men, and that youth suicide within the industry could be as much as 2.38 times common than amongst other young Australian men.
We provide suicide prevention through community development programs on sites and support workers in need through case management and a 24/7 help line. Together with the Oz-Help Foundation, we also provide Life Skills Toolbox training to apprentices and young workers.
LackSafe WINNER – November 2018
Congratulations to Paul on being awarded our LackSafe Employee of the Month Award for November 2018.
Paul is one of the Incident Response Team members that works along the Pacific Highway. During his shift, he had noticed that a baby Joey was still inside the pouch of its deceased mother.
For situations like these, Paul carries a pillow case, which was used to safely transport the young Joey to the expert carers at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Paul's actions reflect our LackSafe culture “everyone looking out for everyone” not limited to Safety LackSafe is inclusive of the environment and in Paul's actions relative to our native fauna.
Work Safe. Home Safe. #LackSafe
LackSafe WINNER – October 2018
Congratulations to Katie on being awarded our LackSafe Employee of the Month Award for October 2018.
Whilst on site a fellow employee had collapsed. Katie proceeded to apply First Aid and also performed CPR until paramedics arrived on site. Katie remained by the employees’ side at the hospital until their mother arrived.
Due to fast response the employee has now recovered and returned to work.
Katies actions highlight our LackSafe culture values “everyone looking out for everyone”
Work Safe. Home Safe. #LackSafe.