POSITIVE RESULTS OF SUICIDE PREVENTION

Research examining suicide trends among Australian construction workers between 2001 to 2019 suggest population-wide, male-specific, and sector-specific suicide prevention efforts are having an effect.

In many Western countries, including Australia, construction workers have been at elevated risk of suicide, compared to other workers.

A variety of suicide prevention initiatives have been implemented over time and this study, undertaken by researchers at Melbourne and Deakin Universities, sort to examine the net effect of those interventions.

Using 19 years of national suicide data, researchers reviewed mortality rates among construction workers, relative to other working males, comparing any percentage change.

Construction workers' overall suicide rate was 26.6 per 100,000 persons, compared to 13.2 per 100,000 for male workers.

Data indicates suicide rates actually declined in both cohorts, however a significant increase in the rate of decline for construction workers was evident over the 19-year study period, suggesting existing efforts should continue, and expand.

Read the report in detail here

Share Tweet

RELATED

MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AND SUICIDE IN FLY-IN/FLY-OUT WORKFORCES
Suicide is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death globally, with those working in male-dominated industries such as mining and construction at higher risk than the general population. Research suggests...
Read More
NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK - DRIVE SO OTHERS SURVIVE
The week 11-18 May marks National Road Safety Week (NRSW) 2025, with statistics revealing that around 1,200 people lose their lives on Australian roads annually, with an additional 40,000+ suffering serious injuries....
Read More
INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE WORKCOVER SCHEME MODERNISATION ACT
The Victorian Government appointed Dr. Claire Noone to conduct an independent review of the Modernisation Act focusing on the financial sustainability challenges of the WorkCover Scheme and the efficacy of recent reforms.
Read More