I truly believe that HR professionals who make great efforts to hire persons with neurodiverse conditions are well intended, not just to tick some fashionable box, but because like most of us, they believe that everyone deserves a chance. But there must be a line where compassion meets safety, not just to the individual hire, but to those working on site where safety is paramount, requiring absolute focus and attention.
The most common neurodiverse condition recognised is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Between April 2023 and March 2024, 278,000 patients were prescribed ADHD medications across England (not UK), which equates to about 5 per 1,000 people. A year earlier, it was 4 per 1,000 – an 18% increase.
25% of construction workers in the UK consider themselves to be neurodiverse, which is higher than the national average of 1 in 7 people.
The figures outlined here are those who have been diagnosed, and many of course have not.
The most common medications for ADHD are Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, and Dexamphetamine. These are all stimulant drugs which cause dopamine to be released in the brain to stimulate concentration.
Side effects shared by each of these drugs are dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm and suicidal ideation.
According to the 2024 HSE publication of "Work-related Fatal Injuries in Great Britain," construction was the leading industry with 51 fatalities (2023~2024), compared to 42 deaths between 2019~2020. The leading cause of death was “Falls from Height” which amounted to 50 fatalities compared to 37 in the previous period.
From the data available publicly, it is not known if any of the deceased workers were on any form of medications, or other drugs, but this is a serious enough issue that it warrants immediate attention.
When construction companies justify hiring neurodiverse applicants they often point to successful people with ADHD, such as Bill Gates. This is correct. Bill Gates is considered one of the many individuals who cope with high-functioning ADHD. But in fairness, Bill Gates probably never worked 80 feet up on a scaffold frame.
I will be posting more on this subject, specifically regarding the diagnosis process of ADHD and issues related to those who have not been diagnosed, but I would very much like to know your thoughts on this issue.
In fact, why not share this post - you might save someone's life!
Thank You
Anthony Hegarty MSc
DSRM – Drugs in Construction
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