Behind the Hard Hat: Mental Health in Construction

Two construction workers die by suicide every working day in the UK.Mental health in construction is in crisis-yet it's still rarely discussed on site. Behind the Hard Hat breaks that silence.Written by Chartered Construction Manager Godson Akinsanya MCIOB, this book blends real stories, industry insight, and practical strategies to address the mental health challenges facing workers, site managers, and leaders. From burnout and stress leave to suicide prevention and cultural change, it offers tools for creating safer, healthier sites-mentally and physically.Whether you're on the tools, managing a site, or running a construction business, you'll discover:The hidden pressures driving stress and burnout in constructionHow to start conversations that break the stigmaThe role of employers in creating mentally safe workplacesPractical steps to build resilience and support recoveryIndustry-wide strategies for long-term cultural changeWith each chapter designed to stand alone, Behind the Hard Hat is also a practical resource for toolbox talks, training sessions, and wellbeing initiatives.It's time for the building industry to protect its most important asset-not just the structures it creates, but the people who create them. Godson Akinsanya MCIOB is a Chartered Construction Manager, author, and the founder of BrightBrand Digital. With over two decades of hands-on experience managing residential and infrastructure projects across the United Kingdom, Godson has worked with some of the industry's most respected names-including Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes, Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Cala Homes, and Crest Nicholson.A proud member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), he holds advanced qualifications including SMSTS, NEBOSH, and an NVQ Level 6 Diploma in Construction Contracting Operations Management. His practical knowledge spans traditional, modular, and timber-frame builds, with a sharp focus on quality, leadership, digital transformation, and site efficiency.Through his bestselling books and toolkits, Godson empowers professionals and aspiring leaders across the construction industry with real-world insight, modern management strategies, and downloadable templates that work on live sites. His writing style is warm, human, and grounded in experience-bridging the gap between site operations and smart digital practice.When he's not writing or developing resources, Godson mentors young professionals, contributes to innovation projects, and leads Hydeas Technology Ltd, a digital innovation company based in Cambridge, UK, and Lagos, Nigeria.