Sixteen Hall Contracting team members spent the month of November growing moustaches or running 60km to raise awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.
Cameron Hall, CEO of dredging and civil construction company Hall Contracting, said with suicide one of the leading causes of death for males in Australia, it was crucial that communities and employers encouraged men to speak up and seek help when needed.
“We know men are significantly less likely than women to seek treatment for mental health issues, so initiatives like Movember play an important role in removing the stigma surrounding mental illness and depression and empowering men to ask for help,” Mr Hall said.
“This is particularly important in the construction industry, which has a high proportion of male workers and records higher suicide rates than other industries.
“Each year, around 190 construction workers in Australia sadly take their lives, so our top priority is ensuring our staff members feel safe and supported and know there is always help available should they need it.
“We’re determined to create a workplace culture that encourages men to speak up. You wouldn’t think twice about seeking treatment for a physical injury like a broken arm, and that logic should apply when it comes to treating mental health concerns; there is certainly no shame in asking for support.”
Mr Hall said with one in five men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime and testicular cancer the world’s most common cancer among men aged 15-39, Movember was also an important reminder for men to learn the signs, symptoms and risk factors for these conditions.
“Growing a moustache is a great conversation starter and has led to some positive discussions surrounding health and wellbeing in our workplace.
“We’ve had workers as widespread as Brisbane, Port Hedland, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast join in the Movember movement this year, which has helped to raise awareness across the country.
“If we can encourage men to recognise when something’s not right with their body, to schedule a check-up with their doctor, or to open up to someone they trust about their mental health, it will go a long way in helping them live happier, healthier, and longer lives.”
Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and support programmes.
If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.
Fast facts
- Men are dying on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
- On average, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day globally.
- Each year, around 190 construction workers in Australia take their lives.
- Three out of four suicides in Australia are by men.
- One in five men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- Men who have a family history of prostate cancer (e.g a father or brother) are 2.5 times more likely to get prostate cancer.
- Testicular cancer the world’s most common cancer among men aged 15-39.
- The odds of survival for men with testicular cancer are greater than 95 per cent.
