Research Library

Publisher:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Authors:

S Tyler, K Gunn, A Esterman, B Clifford, N Procter

Overview:

Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity an...

Suicide in the Australian Construction Industry (ACI) is a significant issue, however minimal understanding of suicidal ideation prevalence, as well as the potential role psychosocial job adversity and increased adherence to traditional masculine norms may play in its presence, is apparent. A representative sample of Australian men were used to create initial understandings of prevalence of suicidal ideation, psychosocial job adversities and level of adherence to traditional masculine norms for the ACI in comparison to a general population comprised of the remaining employed males from Other Industries.

Publisher:

Science Direct: Journal of Affective Disorders

Authors:

M Kyron, J Carpini, L Kanse, G Yeo, A Page, L Cubbage

Overview:

Link to article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032725021160 The construction industry records concerningly high rates of suicide compared to other industries. This study a...

Link to article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032725021160 The construction industry records concerningly high rates of suicide compared to other industries. This study aimed to (1) identify sub-groups within the industry that report elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and (2) identify patterns of risk and protective factors that may inform suicide risk. A large representative sample of construction workers in Western Australia (N = 1743) participated in a cross-sectional survey. Participants reported recent suicidal ideation, plans and attempts. Associations with personal life and workplace risk factors were examined through decision tree models, and classification accuracy examined through ensemble machine-learning modelling.

Publisher:

MDPI

Authors:

A Biggs, A Kellner, A Robertson, J Mason, K Townsend, S Jowers Page, N Thompson, R Loudoun.

Overview:

This study presents a case study of a holistic, psychosocial hazard management intervention program in a project-based, remote workforce in the Australian construction industry. There is a dearth of r...

This study presents a case study of a holistic, psychosocial hazard management intervention program in a project-based, remote workforce in the Australian construction industry. There is a dearth of research on targeted, integrative, multi-level wellbeing interventions, and we seek to address this gap. Given the high rates of psychological distress and suicide in construction, understanding these hazards and the responses needed to manage them is critical for prevention. Data were collected from workers before and after the implementation of an intervention using an empirically validated measure of the work environment underpinned by the job demands–resources framework to evaluate exposure to psychosocial hazards, and mental health indicators, including psychological distress and suicidal ideation.

Publisher:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Authors:

K Burns, L Ellis, A Neto, C Lopes and J Amin

Overview:

Despite increasing interest in workplace mental health, limited attention has been paid to the role of industry-based intermediary organisations in delivering mental health support. This scoping revie...

Despite increasing interest in workplace mental health, limited attention has been paid to the role of industry-based intermediary organisations in delivering mental health support. This scoping review addresses this gap by examining the mental health-related activities of industry intermediaries in Australia. The findings suggest that intermediary organisations—including unions, business associations, and professional bodies—are well positioned to support tailored mental health strategies. However, the current lack of robust evaluations limits the understanding of their effectiveness. Future efforts should prioritise industry–research collaborations to strengthen the evidence base and inform sustainable investment in workplace mental health initiatives.

Publisher:

Journal of Loss and Trauma: International Perspectives on Stress & Coping

Authors:

N Thompson, J Lacey, A Robertson, A Biggs

Overview:

Peer support and broadening the skillset of reflective practice as a point of connection in workplace settings, is a transformative component of postvention support after a peer’s suicide.

Peer support and broadening the skillset of reflective practice as a point of connection in workplace settings, is a transformative component of postvention support after a peer’s suicide.

Publisher:

University of Melbourne

Authors:

T King, A LaMontagne, H Maheen

Overview:

This report was commissioned to assess recent trends in suicide among construction workers across Australian states and territories, and to examine whether suicide rates among construction workers rem...

This report was commissioned to assess recent trends in suicide among construction workers across Australian states and territories, and to examine whether suicide rates among construction workers remains higher than other occupational groups.

Publisher:

BMC Public Health

Authors:

V Ross, A Waters, R Wardhani, N Thompson, J Waddington, J Geange and K Hamilton

Overview:

Young construction industry apprentices are subjected to routine workplace bullying which has been linked to poor mental health and suicidality, increased substance use, job dissatisfaction, and appre...

Young construction industry apprentices are subjected to routine workplace bullying which has been linked to poor mental health and suicidality, increased substance use, job dissatisfaction, and apprenticeship non-completion. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a threefold training intervention program comprised of Apprentice Resilience Training, Supervisor Training, and Toolbox Training, targeting construction apprentices, supervisors, and all trade workers respectively.

Publisher:

Elsevier ScienceDirect

Authors:

J Gullestrup, S Thomas, T King, A LaMontagne

Overview:

Suicide is a significant global public health issue. Suicide ideation and suicide behaviour are strongly associated with social disconnection. This social disconnection is most often seen from a persp...

Suicide is a significant global public health issue. Suicide ideation and suicide behaviour are strongly associated with social disconnection. This social disconnection is most often seen from a perspective of the individual’s inability or perception of social connection. This study extends that perspective to examine how social networks interact with the individual. The study used social network theory to understand how workers in the MATES in Construction suicide prevention program incorporated the program into their social networks and how this impacted social norms within these networks.

Publisher:

BMC Public Health

Authors:

A Slade, N Reily, H Fujimoto, Z Seidler, H Christensen, F Shand, S Tang

Overview:

Men represent the majority of suicide deaths globally and men are more likely to die by suicide without contact with formal mental health services. In Australia, three-quarters of suicide deaths are m...

Men represent the majority of suicide deaths globally and men are more likely to die by suicide without contact with formal mental health services. In Australia, three-quarters of suicide deaths are men. If services were better able to meet their needs, men might be more likely to seek help. In this scoping review, we sought to describe the formal and informal service landscape for men at risk of suicide in Australia, and to determine the extent of research evidence for the effectiveness of these in lowering suicidality, and improving mental health or help-seeking behaviours. We limited our investigation to Australian services, in order to comprehensively identify all community and health system services.

Publisher:

Griffith University for MATES in Construction

Authors:

R Loudoun, A Biggs, K Townsend, A Robertson, J Mason, S Jowers Page

Overview:

This report presents a case study of Rookwood Weird, a FIFO construction site that partnered with MATES in Construction, an industry-led suicide prevention charity, to implement best practices for man...

This report presents a case study of Rookwood Weird, a FIFO construction site that partnered with MATES in Construction, an industry-led suicide prevention charity, to implement best practices for managing psychosocial risks and improving mental health on-site. MATES' initiatives, including awareness training, peer support networks, and direct intervention services, helped create a mentally healthier work environment despite the additional challenges associated with FIFO work.