World Mental Health Day is held on 10 October and is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and encourage more open conversations about wellbeing.
World Mental Health Day
This year, World Mental Health Day 2026 provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health and the role we all play in creating supportive environments where people feel safe to speak up and ask for help.
To learn more about World Mental Health Day 2026 and how you can get involved, visit Mental Health Australia - World Mental Health Day 2026.
In workplaces such as construction, civil, mining, transport and logistics, safety is often focused on physical hazards. While managing physical risks is essential, creating a genuinely safe workplace also means recognising the factors that can affect a person’s mental health and wellbeing.
A safer workplace is one where people feel comfortable speaking up, asking for help and looking out for one another.
Why mental health matters in the workplace
Work can be an important part of our lives, providing purpose, connection and financial security. However, workplace pressures can also affect mental wellbeing.
Long hours, high workloads, demanding deadlines, shift work, job insecurity, workplace conflict and challenging working conditions can all contribute to stress.
In high-risk industries, workers may also face additional pressures, including fatigue, isolation, physically demanding work and the need to remain focused around heavy machinery and other hazards.
Looking after mental health is therefore an important part of creating a safe and productive workplace.
Recognising the signs
Everyone responds to stress differently, and changes in behaviour can sometimes be a sign that someone is struggling.
Some things to look out for may include:
Changes in mood or behaviour
Increased irritability or frustration
Withdrawal from colleagues
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in attendance or work performance
Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
Loss of interest in usual activities
Increased use of alcohol or other substances
These signs don't necessarily mean someone is experiencing a mental health condition. However, they can be a reason to check in and offer support.
Creating a workplace where people feel safe to speak up
A positive workplace culture can make a significant difference. Workers are more likely to speak up when they feel respected, supported and listened to.
Employers and supervisors can help by:
Encouraging open conversations
Let people know that it's okay to talk about how they're feeling and that asking for help is not a weakness.
Checking in with your team
A simple "How are you going?" can open the door to a meaningful conversation. Take the time to listen rather than immediately trying to solve the problem.
Managing workplace risks
Mental health is influenced by the work environment. Look at factors such as excessive workloads, unreasonable deadlines, bullying, poor communication and inadequate support.
Supporting breaks and recovery
Adequate rest is important, particularly for workers dealing with long shifts, physical work or demanding environments.
Providing access to support
Make sure workers know where they can go for help, whether that's through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), supervisor, health professional or another support service.
Look out for your mates
Creating a safer workplace isn't only the responsibility of management. Everyone has a role to play.
If you notice a colleague who doesn't seem like themselves, take a moment to check in. You don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes listening and letting someone know that you're there for them can make a difference.
You can start with something simple:
"You don't seem like yourself lately. How are you going?"
If someone opens up, listen without judgement and encourage them to seek professional support when appropriate.
Mental health is part of workplace safety
Workplace safety isn't just about wearing the right PPE, following procedures or identifying physical hazards. It also includes creating an environment where people feel supported and able to speak up when something isn't right.
This World Mental Health Day, take the opportunity to check in with your team, have a conversation and think about what you can do to help create a safer workplace.
Because looking after people means looking after their safety, health and wellbeing - both on and off the job.
Learn more about World Mental Health Day 2026
Find out more about this year's World Mental Health Day and ways to get involved through Mental Health Australia.
Need workplace safety training?
At Civil Safety, we provide nationally recognised training and safety courses for workers and businesses across Australia.
Build skills, build confidence, build your future.