Tuesday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day, where industries reflect on the mental health challenges faced by their people.<\/p>\n
The construction industry unfortunately has a higher rate of mental health problems and suicide, with a 2020 ONS report<\/a> finding that the\u00a0 suicide rate among male construction workers was 29.1 per 100,000- compared to a national average of 9.6 per 100,000.<\/p>\n Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35<\/a> in the UK- and four in five suicides are by men<\/a>.<\/p>\n Studies have also shown that construction workers are more than three times more likely than the general population to die by suicide. Of the 6,319 suicides registered in the UK in 2021, 507 were in construction<\/a>.<\/p>\n Multiple reasons have been identified as contributing to the high suicide rate in the construction industry, including:<\/p>\n A 2018 survey<\/a> by the Chartered Institue of Building found that over a quarter (26%) of construction professionals had experienced poor mental health, with stress, anxiety and depression the most common afflictions.<\/p>\n Feelings of isolation and increased pressure also rocketed during the pandemic, with the after-effects still being felt by many today.<\/p>\n This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is focusing on “Changing the Narrative” around suicide- aiming to \u2018shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support\u2019.<\/p>\n You can join the conversation online with the campaign hashtag #StartTheConversation across all platforms.<\/p>\n Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors\u00a0EDI Council chair, Simon Navin said: “Changing the narrative around suicide in our industry is essential, particularly given the alarmingly high suicide rates among our male colleagues, who are over three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.<\/p>\n “Our industry has been built on values of strength and resilience – but it’s vital to redefine what those qualities truly mean.<\/p>\n “Strength isn’t just about physical endurance – it’s also about recognising how to have open conversations, break down barriers and when to ask for help.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n “The narrative must shift from one of silent suffering to one of open dialogue, where the mental health of ourselves and our colleagues is prioritised alongside physical safety.<\/p>\n “By encouraging conversations, challenging working practices that are detrimental to mental health, reducing any perceived stigma a providing accessible support, we will create environments where every individual feels empowered to seek help and get the support they need, ultimately saving lives.”<\/p>\n Only 45% of people feel comfortable<\/a> talking to their family and friends about suicidal thoughts. This number is likely less when it comes to talking to a colleague or manager.<\/p>\n The moral need to change to this is obvious, as well as proven business benefits. Deloitte<\/a> and the Centre for Mental Health found that\u00a0for every \u00a31 invested in workplace mental health, employers may see a return of between \u00a35-\u00a36.<\/p>\n But it costs nothing to start an open, supportive conversation with your coworkers. Employers can put more structured support in place, including:<\/p>\nWhy is suicide higher in the construction industry?<\/h3>\n
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“Changing the narrative around suicide in our industry is essential”<\/h3>\n
Removing stigma around conversations about mental health in the workplace<\/h3>\n
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