Backed by Research

Publisher:

Journal of Affective Disorders

Authors:

Kyron MK, Carpini JA, Kanse L, Yeo GB, Page AC, and Cubbage L.

Overview:

The construction industry records concerningly high rates of suicide compared to other industries. This study aimed to: 1) identify sub-groups within the industry that report elevated rates of suicida...

The construction industry records concerningly high rates of suicide compared to other industries. This study aimed to: 1) identify sub-groups within the industry that report elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and 2) identify patterns of risk and protective factors that may inform suicide risk. A large representative sample of construction workers in Western Australia participated in a cross-sectional survey. Participants reported recent suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. Associations with personal life and workplace risk factors were examined through decision tree models, and classification accuracy examined through ensemble machine-learning modeling. Findings underscore the need for targeted workplace suicide prevention and mental health initiatives for all construction workers and the proactive identification and intervention for those most at risk.

Publisher:

The Center for Construction Research and Training Data Bulletin

Authors:

Trueblood AB et al.

Overview:

This issue examines US construction worker mental health trends, including anxiety, depression, serious psychological distress, seeing a mental health professional, medication use, suicides, and overd...

This issue examines US construction worker mental health trends, including anxiety, depression, serious psychological distress, seeing a mental health professional, medication use, suicides, and overdoses. Results show that construction workers experience disproportionate levels of depression, anxiety, and substance use; however, most workers do not seek any kind of support, including professional help. Barriers to help-seeking behaviors are discussed.

Publisher:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Authors:

S Tyler, K Gunn, A Esterman, B Clifford, N Procter

Overview:

Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity an...

Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity and increased adherence to traditional masculine norms may play in its presence, is apparent. A representative sample of Australian men were used to create initial understandings of prevalence of suicidal ideation, psychosocial job adversities and level of adherence to traditional masculine norms for the ACI in comparison to a general population comprised of the remaining employed males from Other Industries.Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity and increased adherence to traditional masculine norms may play in its presence, is apparent. A representative sample of Australian men were used to create initial understandings of prevalence of suicidal ideation, psychosocial job adversities and level of adherence to traditional masculine norms for the ACI in comparison to a general population comprised of the remaining employed males from Other Industries.

Publisher:

American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Authors:

Harris W et al.

Overview:

Key takeaway: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the construction industry, particularly among men. In 2021, construction workers were disproportionately affected by suicide deaths. Male and fema...

Key takeaway: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the construction industry, particularly among men. In 2021, construction workers were disproportionately affected by suicide deaths. Male and female construction workers had the highest rates of suicide across all characteristics when compared to all industries. Nearly one-fifth of deaths by suicide with a reported industry code were in construction, despite construction workers accounting for only 7.4% of the workforce. Male construction workers accounted for most suicide deaths. The highest percent of deaths by suicide were among individuals who were white, non-Hispanic, completed high school or equivalent, and single, across construction and all industries for males and females. These findings support the need for ongoing prevention efforts within the industry.

Authors:

Jenkin G, Donnan L, Bowden C, & Hoskin A

Overview:

This study draws on empirical evidence and a validated costing methodology to provide a first attempt at the economic and social cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behavior to the Aotearoa/New Zeal...

This study draws on empirical evidence and a validated costing methodology to provide a first attempt at the economic and social cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behavior to the Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ) construction industry and estimate the impact of MATES in Construction NZ (MATES) in reducing this cost. The MATES program effectively transforms the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of construction industry workers and generates significant cost savings to society. The potential return on investment is equivalent to 1:4.42 (i.e. for every $1 invested in MATES, a return of $4.42 is achieved).

Authors:

Doran C & Potts B.

Overview:

A report conducted for MATES in Construction (Queensland/Northern Territory) for the Queensland building and construction Industry. The objective of this study was to draw on empirical research and a ...

A report conducted for MATES in Construction (Queensland/Northern Territory) for the Queensland building and construction Industry. The objective of this study was to draw on empirical research and a validated costing methodology to quantify the economic cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behavior to the Queensland construction industry and estimate the impact of MATES in Construction in reducing this cost.