The construction industry has one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries. In 2016, the suicide rate for men in construction and extraction occupations was almost twice the total suicide rate for civilian working men (16-64 years old) in 32 states and 5 times greater than the rate for all fatal work-related injuries in the construction industry in 2018.
More research is needed to understand why people in the construction industry die from suicide at a higher rate compared to other industries. Work can define a person’s identity and psychological risk factors for suicide, such as depression and stress, can be affected by the workplace.5 Job strain and long work hours may be important occupational risk factors for suicidal thoughts in working populations.
In an effort to support the male-dominated construction industry, MenLiving has created the Construction Full House. Our intent is to provide the men in this industry a space to explore the particulars of their workplace and how it may be effecting their lives.
