World suicide prevention day 2024

It's World Suicide Prevention Day and this years theme is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". The UK construction industry has one of the highest rates of suicide compared to other sectors, a reflection of the intense pressures, demanding working conditions, and mental health challenges prevalent in the industry. Here are some key statistics related to suicide within the UK construction industry:

1. Suicide Rate: Construction workers are reported to be three times more likely to die by suicide compared to the national average for men. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the rate of suicide among male construction workers is approximately 34 per 100,000 individuals, compared to an overall UK rate of about 10 per 100,000.
2. Occupational Risk: Certain roles within construction have even higher risks. For example, low-skilled laborers in construction are at the highest risk of suicide, with rates reportedly 10 times higher than the national average.
3. Mental Health Issues: Surveys suggest that 59% of construction workers have experienced mental health issues, but a large proportion feel unable to talk about them. Nearly one-third of workers cite stress, anxiety, or depression as a primary cause of mental health challenges.
4. Substance Abuse: Substance misuse, including drugs and alcohol, is also prevalent in the construction industry. This can be linked to the high suicide rates, as some workers may use substances as a coping mechanism for stress or mental health struggles.
5. Prevention Efforts: Several industry bodies and charities, such as Mates in Mind and The Lighthouse Club, have been working to address mental health and reduce suicides. Some companies have started implementing mental health training and support programs, but more efforts are needed across the industry.
6. Age Demographics: Men aged between 45 and 54 in the construction industry are at the highest risk of suicide, making up a significant portion of the total cases. This aligns with the broader UK trend, where men in mid-life tend to be at greater risk of suicide due to factors like job instability, financial pressures, and lack of support systems.
7. Lost Working Days: Mental health issues, including stress and depression, contribute to a high number of lost working days. It's estimated that the UK construction industry loses over 400,000 working days annually due to poor mental health, which often correlates with the high suicide rates.
8. Gender Disparity: While the majority of suicides in the construction industry are among men, reflecting the male-dominated nature of the sector, it's important to note that women in construction also face unique mental health challenges. However, because men represent about 87% of the construction workforce, most statistics focus on male suicides, and targeted support for women may still be lacking.

We're supporting the UK construction sector in changing the narrative and starting the conversation when it comes to mental health and suicide!