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World Suicide Prevention Day 2024: Changing the narrative on suicide

As Tuesday 10 September is World Suicide Prevention Day, it's important to shine a light on the unique mental health challenges faced by those in the construction industry, particularly with the 2024 theme being 'Changing the narrative on suicide'.

This strapline, coupled with the call-to-action #StartTheConversation, highlights clear challenges, as under 45 percent of people feel comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts.

And it's reasonable to assume this percentage drops significantly among individuals that would feel comfortable talking to a colleague or manager.

The UK construction industry has been experiencing a mental health crisis for years, with suicides - particularly among young men - providing some alarming numbers.

Studies have shown that construction workers are more than three times more likely than the general population to die by suicide.

Indeed, a 2020 ONS report found 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.

Why is suicide so prevalent in our industry?

A number of factors may contribute to the high rates of suicide in the construction industry, including:

  • The demanding nature of the work
  • Job insecurity
  • Long working hours
  • Time spent away from home
  • Pressures of deadlines and/or budgets
  • A perceived culture of toughness

Indeed, a 2018 survey by the Chartered Institute of Building revealed that 26 percent of construction professionals had experienced mental health issues, with stress, anxiety and depression cited as the most common problems.

And when you consider that these issues likely increased across the board during the global pandemic, the scale of the challenge in our sector becomes apparent.

What can we do?

CICES EDI Council chair, Simon Navin says:

'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.'

Construction companies and related organisations that aren't already doing so must make mental health a top priority in their organisational culture.

Removing the stigma around seeking help is a key part of starting the conversation.

Steps that employers can take include:

  • Providing clear signposting and access to counseling services
  • Facilitating honest and open conversations about the importance of self-care
  • Training managers to recognise the signs of distress or suffering

While at a legislative level, policymakers can play a crucial role, encouraging investment in targeted suicide prevention programs for the construction industry.

Research by both the Centre for Mental Health and Deloitte indicates that for every £1 invested in workplace mental health, employers may see a return of between £5-£6.

And at the other end of the scale, on an individual level, it costs nothing for workers in costruction to cultivate a community of support.

By being brave enough to foster and maintain a culture of empathy and action, we can help save lives and ensure that no worker has to face their darkest moments alone.

This World Suicide Prevention Day, let's commit to creating a future where mental health is championed as vigorously as physical wellbeing and safety.

CICES CEO Simon Hamlyn shares his own experience of an unsuccessful suicide attempt by someone close to him:

'Reading the note left me bewildered, confused, angry and desperate for immediate answers.

'There is a saying that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, luckily on this occasion it was the latter - temporary, but it was a shocking wake-up call.

'I hadn't seen any signs and it took us some time to understand the impact, the reasons and how to address the future.

'The most important thing we learnt was to talk, to share thoughts, worries, emotions and pressures and never be afraid to ask for help.'

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Published: 09 September 2024