On 2024’s World Suicide Prevention Day, the construction industry has rallied around changing the narrative on mental health
Tuesday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day, where industries reflect on the mental health challenges faced by their people.
The construction industry unfortunately has a higher rate of mental health problems and suicide, with a 2020 ONS report finding that the suicide rate among male construction workers was 29.1 per 100,000- compared to a national average of 9.6 per 100,000.
Suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 in the UK- and four in five suicides are by men.
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.
Why is suicide higher in the construction industry?
Multiple reasons have been identified as contributing to the high suicide rate in the construction industry, including:
- Long and/or irregular working hours and time spent away from home and family
- Pressure of budgets and deadlines
- Job insecurity
- The demanding nature of the work and high pressure environments
- A perceived culture of toughness
A 2018 survey 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.
Feelings of isolation and increased pressure also rocketed during the pandemic, with the after-effects still being felt by many today.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is focusing on “Changing the Narrative” around suicide- aiming to ‘shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support’.
You can join the conversation online with the campaign hashtag #StartTheConversation across all platforms.
“Changing the narrative around suicide in our industry is essential”
Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors EDI 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.
“Our industry has been built on values of strength and resilience – but it’s vital to redefine what those qualities truly mean.
“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.”
“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.
“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.”
Removing stigma around conversations about mental health in the workplace
Only 45% of people feel comfortable talking to their family and friends about suicidal thoughts. This number is likely less when it comes to talking to a colleague or manager.
The moral need to change to this is obvious, as well as proven business benefits. Deloitte and the Centre for Mental Health found that for every £1 invested in workplace mental health, employers may see a return of between £5-£6.
But it costs nothing to start an open, supportive conversation with your coworkers. Employers can put more structured support in place, including:
- Training employees in mental health first aid and to recognise signs of suffering
- Providing clear signposting and access to support or counseling services
- Enabling honest, empathetic conversations and workplace atmospheres
Lighthouse, the construction charity, is currently offering a free suicide awareness course, where employers can learn to recognise the signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and develop the skills to approach and support someone who may be at risk.
Reach out to the people around you, and help change the narrative on suicide today
If you or someone you know is suffering, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652.
You can also use the “BeAMate” text support service by texting “BeAMate” to 85258. Trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.
