The construction industry has one of the worst records of any global sector for employee mental health and suicide. They are beginning to destigmatize mental health issues and discover ancillary benefits that could avert future deaths, while also reducing the legal, financial and reputational considerations that inevitably flow from such tragedies. 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. 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.