Roland DG Supports St John Ambulance’s Hi Vis Stress Vest Campaign to Promote Mental Health Awareness in Construction
Roland DG, a global leader in digital printing solutions, has partnered with St John Ambulance, the UK’s leading first aid charity, to support its innovative Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign. The initiative aims to encourage construction workers to open up about their mental health, addressing a critical issue in the industry. Using its advanced TY-300 Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer, Roland DG has produced the campaign’s distinctive high-visibility vests, which are being worn by celebrities, influencers, and businesses to promote mental health awareness.
The Mental Health Crisis in Construction
The campaign was launched in response to alarming research revealing the extent of mental health struggles among construction workers. Nearly seven in 10 (67%) workers have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but felt unable to discuss it. Additionally, 71% of respondents admitted to giving their employer a different reason, such as physical illness, for taking time off for mental health. Shockingly, nearly four in 10 (39%) would rather quit their job than disclose their mental health struggles at work.
These findings highlight the stigma surrounding mental health in the construction industry, where workers often feel pressured to remain silent about their struggles. The Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign seeks to break this silence by making mental health issues visible and encouraging open conversations.
The Hi Vis Stress Vest Design
The limited-edition Hi Vis Stress Vests feature bold, thought-provoking statements on the back, such as “My debt keeps me awake at night,” which reflect the invisible mental distress many construction workers experience. By wearing these vests, individuals can express their struggles in a way that sparks dialogue and reduces stigma.
The vests also include a sharp, jagged pattern that visually represents the mind under stress. This design is particularly meaningful as it is created entirely from the arrows in the St John Ambulance logo, symbolizing the charity’s commitment to supporting mental health journeys while reinforcing its identity.
Roland DG’s Role in the Campaign
As the print partner for the initiative, Roland DG played a crucial role in manufacturing the Hi Vis Stress Vests. The company utilized its TY-300 Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer to produce the intricate and impactful designs. The TY-300’s DTF process involves printing on film, applying hot-melt powder, and heat-pressing the design onto the fabric. This method is ideal for creating detailed, high-quality prints on a variety of materials, including lightweight fabrics like hi-vis vests.
The TY-300 was chosen for its advanced features, including newly engineered print heads and True Rich Color 3 technology, which ensures vibrant, high-definition prints with smooth gradations. These capabilities were essential for maintaining the clarity and impact of the vest designs. Additionally, the printer’s two white ink density profiles optimize print results across different fabric types, ensuring the vests remain visible and durable over time.
Durability and Environmental Safety
The Hi Vis Stress Vests are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of construction sites, where they are exposed to weather, dirt, sweat, and repeated wash cycles. Roland DG’s printing process ensures the prints are hard-wearing and flexible, maintaining their vibrancy and integrity even in demanding environments.
To enhance durability, Roland DG incorporated its dedicated DTF shaker oven into the production process. This oven cures the prints, ensuring superior adhesion and longevity without compromising the flexibility of the fabric. Furthermore, the OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified inks used in the TY-300 are environmentally safe and skin-friendly, making the vests suitable for prolonged wear in challenging work environments.
A Commitment to Social Change
Stephen Davis, EMEA Marketing Director at Roland DG, emphasized the company’s belief in the power of print to drive social change. “At Roland DG, we believe in the power of print to do more than just create visually striking designs – it can also help spark important conversations. The Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign is a great example of how innovative printing solutions can play a small but impactful role in supporting social change initiatives,” he said.
The Impact of the Campaign
The Hi Vis Stress Vests have been distributed to construction companies and celebrities, including TV builder Tommy Walsh, to amplify the campaign’s message. By making mental health struggles visible, the initiative encourages workers to seek support and fosters a culture of openness and understanding in the construction industry.
The campaign also highlights the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace, particularly in industries like construction, where workers face unique challenges and pressures. By partnering with St John Ambulance, Roland DG is helping to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more supportive work environment.
Conclusion
Roland DG’s collaboration with St John Ambulance on the Hi Vis Stress Vest campaign demonstrates the potential of innovative printing technology to drive meaningful social change. By producing durable, high-quality vests that spark important conversations about mental health, Roland DG is playing a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of construction workers. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and the impact that creative solutions can have in breaking down barriers and fostering open dialogue.
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