Redacción Alabrent
St John Ambulance has launched the initiative to get construction workers to open up about their mental health after new research* found nearly seven in 10 (67%) have suspected a colleague was seriously depressed but felt it too difficult to talk about. Alarmingly, 71% of research respondents admitted to giving their employer a different reason, such as a physical illness, for taking time off for mental health. Nearly four in 10 (39%) would rather quit their job than tell someone at work.The limited edition Hi Vis Stress Vests have been shared with construction companies and celebrities including TV builder Tommy Walsh. The back of each high-visibility jacket features a statement, such as “My debt keeps me awake at night”, to express some of the invisible mental distress that many builders don’t feel able to talk about. By making these struggles visible, the campaign encourages open discussions about mental wellbeing.
A sharp, jagged pattern on each vest visualises the mind under stress - a graphic representation of inner turmoil. Uniquely, this pattern is made entirely from the arrows in the St John Ambulance logo, reinforcing the charity’s identity while symbolising the mental health journey many workers face.
As a print partner of the initiative, Roland DG has played a key role in manufacturing the Hi Vis Stress Vests, using its TY-300 Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer to create their striking designs. The TY-300’s DTF process - printing on film, applying hot-melt powder, and heat-pressing - accommodates the intricate campaign designs and works seamlessly on a variety of materials, including light fabrics like hi-vis vests.
The TY-300 DTF printer was selected to create the hi-vis vests due to its newly engineered print heads and True Rich Color 3 technology, which ensures vibrant, high-definition prints with smooth gradations - crucial for maintaining the clarity and impact of the vest designs. With two white ink density profiles, the printer optimises print results across various fabric types, ensuring that each vest maintains its visibility and quality over time.
“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,” said Stephen Davis, EMEA Marketing Director at Roland DG.
Built to withstand the harsh conditions of construction sites, these vests feature hard-wearing and flexible prints, ensuring they remain vibrant and intact despite exposure to weather, dirt, sweat, and repeated wash cycles. To guarantee the best possible adhesion and longevity, Roland DG incorporated its dedicated DTF shaker oven into the production process, which cures the prints for superior durability without compromising fabric flexibility. Additionally, the OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT certified inks used in the TY-300 guarantee that the prints are environmentally safe and skin-friendly, making them suitable for prolonged wear in demanding work environments, like construction sites.
Lisa Sharman, National Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, says: “We know that opening up about a mental health problem with someone who’s ready to listen is the first step towards getting vital help. Our research shows that those working in the construction sector find it particularly difficult to share what they’re going through. We’re confident that our Hi Vis Stress Vests will help get the conversation started.”
This initiative is part of Roland DG’s broader commitment to using technology to drive positive societal change. The company has previously supported hospital transformation projects across Europe, including the Hospital de Sant Pau in Spain, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children in the UK, and Policlinico di Milano in Italy. These projects leveraged Roland DG’s printing solutions to create welcoming, engaging environments in healthcare settings.