THE Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is marking Deaf Awareness Week (5-11 May) by calling on the construction sector to improve accessibility and inclusivity for deaf and hard-of-hearing builders.
Martin Sneddon, an FMB award-winning member from North Ayrshire, who has been profoundly deaf since working in the construction sector long-term, says the industry still has ‘some way to go’ in understanding the needs of deaf tradespeople, despite making up a skilled and capable part of the workforce.
Research shows around one in five adults in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing, yet deaf people remain significantly underrepresented in skilled trades. Communication barriers on noisy building sites, limited awareness of BSL (British Sign Language) and workplace adjustments, and assumptions about capability are all said to contribute to exclusion from the sector.
Martin Sneddon, FMB member from Martin and Son Builders, said, “Since becoming deaf and still working as a builder, I rely on visual cues, written instructions and people around me being patient enough to face me when they speak and be prepared to explain instructions more than once. The construction industry has brilliant tradespeople who happen to be deaf – we just need the sector to meet us halfway as it has some way to go to support people who have hearing issues.
“Simple changes can make a massive difference like better lighting for lip-reading, using messaging apps for site instructions and site managers who understand the struggles deaf people face on site.”
Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland director, added, “With Scotland’s construction industry needing to recruit an extra 3,590 workers per year up to 2029, we can ill afford to alienate deaf and hard-of-hearing people from joining the workforce. Attitudes towards inclusivity and the industry’s working cultural have improved markedly since Martin began his bricklaying apprenticeship. However, more progress on both fronts is needed.
“Martin himself is a brilliant communicator and he is proof that disability is no barrier in construction. His passion for building sees him engaging with local schools in Ayrshire, inspiring the master builders of the future. He is a great example for inclusion and professionalism in the construction industry. Employers and leaders from across the sector would do well to listen to Martin’s advice on improving accessibility and inclusivity for deaf and hard-of-hearing builders.”
