6 minute read
Create Change
characteristics can be exacerbated by non-work-related factors including low socio-economic status, marital status and associated issues and can lead to detrimental outcomes for the mental wellbeing of workers. In addition, site-based construction work is physically demanding and is associated with inherent risks that are also detrimental to workers’ physical and mental wellbeing. The many characteristics of the construction industry that can lead to poor mental health outcomes means it is necessary to address suicide prevention in the industry at the primary level, which includes reducing the risk factors of suicide. MATES in Construction highlights that suicidal ideation, which refers to having thoughts about suicide, also requires intervention because it is associated with substantial psychological distress and is a likely predictor of later suicide attempts and death by suicide.
Despite a plethora of research into the occurrence of suicide in the construction industry, very little research has been conducted focusing on female workers and the unique risks that they face in the industry and the preventive factors that could help them. A ‘one size fits all’ approach to managing work–life balance for construction workers has limitations. Professor Payne working with a group of researchers highlights the importance of having gender-sensitive suicide prevention strategies because a gendered perspective will create understanding of suicide mortality in men and women. Thus, the association of these risk factors with the suicide ideation of female workers in the construction industry requires further research accompanied by more initiatives at the policy level and at the work site level.
A team of researchers from the University of South Australia led by Associate Professor Rameez Rameezdeen aims to investigate work-related and non-work-related suicide risk, as well as protective factors related to female workers in construction, in order to develop strategies to reduce the harmful effects of those factors that result in suicide ideation among those female workers. This project is a collaboration with MATES in Construction South Australia and is funded by the same university.
The project aims to have three major outcomes to help solve this issue. The first outcome is to explicate what constitutes suicide behaviour and the process of suicide prevention tailored to female workers in the construction industry. This outcome will highlight the importance of broadening current conceptualisations of construction industry suicides within public policies from that of a male perspective to one that includes individuals who identify as female. The second outcome of the research is an analysis of the work-related and non-work-related drivers of suicide risk and protective factors, and their association with suicide ideation of female workers. The research will bring forward drivers of suicide risk and potential protective factors, as identified by female workers. This outcome should create understanding in decision makers such as employers and managers at the work site level to enable them to provide customised support to female workers by addressing the suicide risk factors and utilising the protective factors in their project planning and implementation. The third outcome is to provide recommendations on specific strategies to reduce the harmful effects of work-related and non-workrelated factors that contribute to suicide ideation and to improve the mental health of female construction workers. The strategic directions generated by this research could uplift the collective effort of the entire industry in developing suicide prevention programmes customised for females. These programmes should be made available to female construction workers in recognition of the growing evidence that they are suffering from mental health issues. Eventually, improved work conditions will encourage and inspire new female entrants into the construction industry. This will result in more female students entering construction-related higher education programmes that will attract, motivate and retain a diverse workforce in the construction industry. Dr Aparna Samaraweera
A/Prof Rameez Rameezdeen
Shanika Vidana Gamage
WINGS TO FLY
An Interview with Isha & Salonee Sarnaik
Twin Sisters Isha Sarnaik and Salonee Sarnaik were still only in their formative years when their Uncle, Unmesh Gaidhani, an Engineer, would take them to construction sites in their home town of Mumbai. It was during these excursions that they developed a keen interest in construction. We spoke with them about how their career has brought them to Australia and how their roles fuel their desire to be changemakers, for women, for the industry and the betterment of society.
Engineering isn’t a traditional career option for women, particularly in your hometown of Mumbai. Tell us about your journey.
Since we were young we both knew Engineering was exactly what we wanted to do. Studying for our Bachelor’s Degree many people said ‘why don’t you study what arts or teaching or something else’. We were the only two girls in our batch doing Engineering at the time.
There’s a perception that because we are girls that we’ll become family orientated; that girls can have a career or family, but not both. This is simply untrue. We can do it all and better. Our family is very progressive and keenly dismissed people who suggested our parents were wasting money on our education.
Our Grandfather stood up for us. He said they we can study as much and for as long as we want. He is values education. We have Aunties who are lawyers and pilots. We were lucky to have women who are independent to look up to.
Our Dad has said many times; “My duty is to support you and give you wings. Then you can fly wherever you want to”.
Why did you both chose to come to Australia?
The thing about Australia that was appealing was the quality of education. The double master’s degree offered by Griffith University is the only one of its kind enabling us to achieve a Master’s Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Construction Project Management. Studying here is far more practical than our studies in India, with more research and onsite opportunities.
Following on from your studies, where are you now?
Salonee: I’m with Fulton Hogan working on an amazing project in Hobart Mediv Midway Point. The project has now achieved practical completion with an iconic finish proving to be one of the attractions of Midway Point in Tasmania. In Tas Fulton Hogan I am only female engineer. We also have two female undergraduates, and everyone is very glad to have them.
Isha: I’m with Dalton Consulting Engineers working in design for land development and infrastructure. Currently I am engaged in a residential subdivision which is a decade long development.
And specifically, in your respective workplaces, you were both taken on as part graduate programs. Tell us a little about how that works?
Isha: I was assigned a mentor from the start. I chat with him, he’s senior to me and been through the same things recently. I have someone to ask ‘how did you overcome this’ and work through the solution together.
Salonee: I was assigned a mentor and as well as a buddy. I feel free to ask any time of questions. Just recently he spent 2 hours with me explaining something I asked about in detail, until I felt confident and understood. It’s so supportive. I personally feel like I have learned so much working with my mentor.
My Buddy is from the graduate program, just one year ahead of me. He knows exactly knows what stage we are in and what we know in terms of our practical systems. I feel free to talk and ask whatever I need. It’s quite empowering
And what has been your experience working as a female in the male dominated construction Industry?
We’ve has an amazing experience. Initially we were really scared as we’d heard about how our voices wouldn’t be heard. However, we’ve both been really welcomed from day one and feel our opinion is heard. It is male dominated but we feel just as equal as our male colleagues.
