ABSTRACT
The construction industry is characterised by one of the worst safety performances of any industry globally. Construction is equally recognised for high levels of work stress and related psychological injuries. Psychological injury is a broad term that refers to any form of mental ill-health caused by work stress and includes: anxiety, depression, mood disorder, substance use, and suicidality. Psychological injuries are the consequence of excessive, prolonged work stress. Work stress can have many effects on the health of individuals and these effects may take the form of physiological and psychological responses over time. Medical studies have found that there is an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases when individuals experienced job strain due to high job demands and low decision-making opportunities. Work stress has also been suggested to cause somatic symptoms such as nausea, headache, upset stomachs, perspiration and dizziness. Work stress is suggested to have varying effects on the work performance of individuals.
