Male Suicide among Construction Workers in Australia: A Qualitative Analysis

Suicide rates among those employed in male-dominated professions such as construction are elevated compared to other occupational groups.  To date, research has been mainly quantitative and has been unable to identify the complex range of risk and protective factors that surround these suicides.  This study used a national coronial database to qualitatively study suicide amongst male construction workers in Australia.  It found that the risk factors included work-related issues such as job insecurity, transient working conditions and fear of legal prosecution in relation to debt and conduct at work.  Substance issues, alcohol use and mental health issues were also prominent, as were family breakdown and the lack of access to children.  The findings from the study are available online at: www.bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-017-4500-8