CECA calls on construction sector to focus on safety and wellbeing

By Danny BallPublished On: September 30th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) is calling on construction and infrastructure organisations to take part in its Stop. Make a Change 2026 campaign, which will focus on serious injuries and fatalities, occupational health and mental health.

Running throughout October, the campaign encourages employers, workers, clients and other organisations across the built environment to pause work and take part in sessions focused on health, safety and wellbeing.

Construction campaign focuses on serious safety risks

Stop. Make a Change has run annually since 2017, with hundreds of CECA members and organisations across the wider built environment sector taking part.

The 2026 campaign will focus on serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs), serious work-related health conditions and mental health.

Topics covered through the campaign programme include workplace substance misuse, trauma, safe driving, drug driving, mental health, the people-plant interface and the use of AI and video technology to improve safety.

CECA is providing free resources alongside events, meetings, webinars and other learning opportunities throughout October.

Andrew Rippington, chair of the CECA Health, Safety & Wellbeing Group, said: “Stop. Make a Change 2026 is about more than taking a pause, it is about making a commitment that could change a life.

“Throughout October, the campaign will bring together organisations from across the construction and infrastructure sectors to share learning, raise awareness and take positive action on safety, occupational health and mental wellbeing.

“I encourage everyone to get involved, make their commitment and take advantage of the excellent free events and resources available through the campaign website.”

Occupational health risks remain a construction concern

The campaign will also address the longer-term health risks associated with working in construction and infrastructure.

These include occupational cancers, respiratory diseases linked to dust and silica exposure, noise-induced hearing loss and other work-related illnesses.

CECA represents more than 300 civil engineering contractors across England, Scotland and Wales. Its members deliver, maintain and upgrade infrastructure across sectors including transport, energy, water, waste and communications.

The association’s members collectively deliver around £20 billion of maintenance and improvements to the UK’s transport and utility networks each year.

Mental health included alongside site safety

Mental health is another focus of the October programme, with the campaign highlighting pressures that can affect workers across construction and infrastructure.

These include demanding projects, long working hours, isolation, financial concerns and personal challenges.

The campaign encourages organisations to consider how these pressures can affect workers and what measures can be put in place to support mental wellbeing alongside physical health and site safety.

Stop. Make a Change 2026 is open to organisations across the built environment sector, with free resources, events, meetings and webinars available throughout the campaign.