Lifelife has launched the Strong Foundations: A Wellbeing Guide for Tradies, ahead of Tradies National Health Month. The guide responds to the unique physical and emotional demands facing those on job sites across Australia.

According to MATES in Construction, tradies are eight times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace accidents, highlighting the critical need for industry-specific mental health tools. Lifeline chair, Professor Steve Moylan, says the guide focuses on small and practical steps to help tradies better manage stress and burnout.

“Stress isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s your body saying you’re carrying too much. This guide helps tradies identify early signs, take manageable steps and know where to turn for support,” he says.

The guide features real stories from tradespeople who’ve found hope by speaking up, seeking help or simply checking in with a mate, reinforcing the message that no one has to struggle alone.

Industry leaders are backing the initiative. Buildcorp Foundation chair Josephine Sukkar AM says the need for open mental health dialogue onsite, while Boom Logistics chief executive Ben Pieyre explains how mental health impacts his workforce firsthand.

“Last year, we lost a colleague to suicide. That loss hit hard. Our partnership with Lifeline and MensLine Australia is about giving people access to the support they need, when they need it,” he says.

The guide is part of Lifeline’s broader Support Toolkit, which includes confidential 24/7 phone, text and webchat services. The Strong Foundations resource is free to access and designed to help workers and employers foster safer, more supportive workplaces.