The construction industry has one of the worst records of any global sector for employee mental health and suicide. In a report released last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council said that in 2016, there were more than 100 suicides by workers at construction sites around the world. Factors underlying the problem include: a male-dominated “macho” culture; long hours and irregular pay and conditions; bullying; lack of support networks and long periods away from home. As well as having a negative impact upon workers, such stresses can result in declining productivity, worker absence, low staff retention and potential company liability.
The construction industry has one of the worst records of any global sector for employee mental health and suicide. A 2017 study found that suicide rates in building trades were higher than the national average in many countries. Factors underlying the problem include: a male-dominated “macho” culture; long hours and irregular pay and conditions; bullying; lack of support networks and long periods away from home. As well as having a negative impact upon workers, such stresses can result in declining productivity, worker absence, low staff retention and potential company liability.