Construction workers are more than three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
And, in the past decade, 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives, according to data published by On The Tools. Men, particularly those in midlife, are disproportionately affected by suicide.
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These sobering statistics paint a worrying story. Behind every number is a person, a workplace, and a community affected by loss.
While progress has been made on many health and safety fronts, suicide remains a critical issue for the construction sector.
At BSI, we recently published a draft standard (BS 30480 Suicide and the workplace – intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide) for public consultation.
It is the first standard to focus on suicide and offers practical guidance for organisations to take informed, systematic steps to address suicide risk and support those affected by suicide.
The standard includes:
- Terms and definitions
- Examples of suicide risks and warning signs
- How to talk about suicide
- Toolkits for managers and HR teams
- How to support those dealing with suicide loss
A standard for all
The standard is designed for managers, business owners, human resources teams and health and safety teams, but the principles can be understood and adopted by any individual.
As more is done to destigmatise conversations around mental health and suicide, it’s important we are all equipped to respond, whether it’s a colleague or someone outside of work.
Additionally, while suicide awareness often focuses on intervention, it’s important to recognise the wider impact.
Each suicide is estimated to affect an average of 135 people, which means offering the right support to those affected is just as important, and BS 30480 provides guidance on this too.
As one of the sectors most affected by suicide, it’s especially important the construction and built environment industries have their voices heard
Anne Hayes, BSI
Consultation is key
Public consultation is a vital part of the standards development process. A standard that is intended to be widely used must reflect the views of those who will use it.
As one of the sectors most affected by suicide, it’s especially important that the construction and built environment industries have their voices heard.
No matter your role or level of experience, your perspective can help shape a more practical and relevant standard.
Every comment is reviewed and helps shape the final version of the standard before it is published and made available for adoption in the UK and internationally.
To make it easy to share your perspective, we’ve created a short survey for those who may not have time to read the full draft. You can access it here: https://bit.ly/43dTSdh.
For more detailed or technical feedback, you can submit comments via our standards development portal: https://bit.ly/3RX2Fep.
And if you’d like to be notified when the final standard is published, you can sign up for updates here: https://bit.ly/4l7ZWLH.
Suicide is a complex and sensitive issue. This draft standard offers one way to help organisations think more carefully about how they respond.
We welcome all contributions to the consultation and encourage anyone with insight, experience or interest to take part.
Anne Hayes is director of sectors and standards development at BSI.
Mental health support and advice for CIOB members, past members and related family is available through CIOB Assist. CIOB, in partnership with Anxiety UK, also provides wellbeing support.
The Lighthouse Charity offers 24/7 free and confidential support on all aspects of emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
24/7 helplines: 0345 605 1956 (UK) 1800 939 122 (ROI)
Text HARDHAT to 85258 (UK) or 50808 (ROI)
Live chat and more information: www.lighthousecharity.org
