Research Library

Publisher:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Authors:

J Jackson, V Ross

Overview:

Suicide is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death globally, with those working in male-dominated industries such as mining and construction at higher risk than the general population. Resea...

Suicide is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of death globally, with those working in male-dominated industries such as mining and construction at higher risk than the general population. Research suggests this is due (in part) to stigma towards mental health. No research exists that has sought to understand the attitudes underpinning this stigma in the fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) industry. The current study, set in Australia, is the first of its kind to examine what specific stigmatised attitudes of FIFO workers exist towards suicide, help-seeking, and help-offering. Methods: Using convenience sampling, FIFO workers (n = 138) completed an online self-report survey. General thematic analysis identified four major themes. Most salient was that fear of negative consequences for employment was a primary barrier to help-seeking and help-offering. Participants also expressed lack of trust in leadership and workplace mental health culture, lack of knowledge and confidence in responding to suicidality disclosure, and fear of negative reactions as barriers to help-seeking and help-offering behaviours. Conclusions: These findings present new and valuable insights into why FIFO workers are reluctant to seek or offer help for suicidality and have important implications for addressing systematic inadequacies within the sector that hinder disclosure of suicidal ideation and access to vital services.

Publisher:

Wiley American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Authors:

J Gullestrup, S Thomas, Tania King, A LaMontagne

Overview:

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role‐relationships between participants, staff and the MATES in Construction (MATES) organisation in an industry‐based suicide prevention program...

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role‐relationships between participants, staff and the MATES in Construction (MATES) organisation in an industry‐based suicide prevention programme in the Australian construction industry. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 MATES programme volunteers. The data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. The relatability of MATES staff and MATES' industry base were seen as important drivers of worker engagement and participation in the programme. This study provides new insights into the importance of peer roles, authenticity, connection, and positionality of public health interventions as facilitators of engagement and participation in community‐based preventive interventions.

Publisher:

AISRAP, Griffith University for MATES in Construction

Authors:

V Ross, R Wardhani

Overview:

This research reports on the results of the Phase 2 evaluation of the MATES in Construction Apprentices’ Training Intervention Program. To address industry concerns about bullying and poor mental heal...

This research reports on the results of the Phase 2 evaluation of the MATES in Construction Apprentices’ Training Intervention Program. To address industry concerns about bullying and poor mental health in construction industry apprentices, MATES developed a threefold intervention program for apprentices and the wider industry. The program is comprised of Toolbox, Supervisor, and Apprentices’ resilience training. The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), in close collaboration with MATES developed a two-Phase evaluation strategy for the training.

Publisher:

A report conducted for MATES in Construction (Queensland/Northern Territory) for the Queensland Building and Construction Industry.

Authors:

C Doran, B Potts

Overview:

The objective of this study is to draw on the empirical research and a validated costing methodology to quantify the economic cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behaviour to the Queensland construc...

The objective of this study is to draw on the empirical research and a validated costing methodology to quantify the economic cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behaviour to the Queensland construction industry and estimate the impact of MATES in Construction in reducing this cost.

Publisher:

Wiley American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Authors:

A La Montagne, C Lockwood, A McKinnon, D Henry, L Cox, N Hall, T King

Overview:

The MATES in Construction suicide prevention program was adapted to the manufacturing sector and evaluated in a pilot of the program.

The MATES in Construction suicide prevention program was adapted to the manufacturing sector and evaluated in a pilot of the program.

Publisher:

AISRAP, School of Applied Psychology Griffith University

Authors:

V Ross, P Greacen

Overview:

A growing body of research has shown that young males working in the construction industry are at elevated risk of poor mental health and suicidality. In addition, a substantial portion of constructio...

A growing body of research has shown that young males working in the construction industry are at elevated risk of poor mental health and suicidality. In addition, a substantial portion of construction apprentices experience workplace bullying, which has been linked to psychological distress. In response to these findings, MATES in Construction developed a threefold training intervention program to address bullying, mental health and suicidality in construction industry apprentices. A recent quantitative evaluation program has shown strong evidence for their effectiveness.

Publisher:

Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research

Authors:

C Meurk, L Wittenhagen, M Lam, C Doran, E Heffernan

Overview:

The Strong minds, safe sites: enhancing mental and physical wellbeing in construction report focuses on distress among Queensland construction industry workers, its drivers, impacts and opportunities ...

The Strong minds, safe sites: enhancing mental and physical wellbeing in construction report focuses on distress among Queensland construction industry workers, its drivers, impacts and opportunities for connection with support services. It highlights key findings from a study conducted by researchers from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, in collaboration with construction industry organisations, which aims to improve systemic caring responses for people in the construction industry who experience distress.

Publisher:

BRANZ

Authors:

G Jenkin, L Donnan, C Bowden, A Hoskin

Overview:

Understanding the psychosocial stressors of an industry or workplace is vital for developing solutions to mitigate their adverse effects on mental health. This research provides a comprehensive explo...

Understanding the psychosocial stressors of an industry or workplace is vital for developing solutions to mitigate their adverse effects on mental health. This research provides a comprehensive exploration of the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders in the construction industry regarding psychosocial stressors, their mental health impacts, and possible solutions to help mitigate those impacts. The findings align with previous research, highlighting persistent issues in the construction industry. However, there is optimism as cultural change is evident, with increasing discussions on mental health and wellbeing in the sector.

Publisher:

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Authors:

N Thompson, A Robertson, R Loudoun, A Biggs, K Townsend

Overview:

The work environment for building workers in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is characterised by concerningly high rates of distress and suicide at both a jurisdictional and an industry level. Wor...

The work environment for building workers in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is characterised by concerningly high rates of distress and suicide at both a jurisdictional and an industry level. Work-related psychosocial hazards are known antecedents of work-related distress and suicide, and more research is required to understand how these hazards impact workers in this unique building context. This paper examines the unique work environment in the NT building industry by comparing psychosocial hazards in the NT with those in the broader Australian building and construction industry. Results suggest that the NT building and construction industry, and particularly FIFO/DIDO operations, require greater resourcing, investment, and focus on workplace mental health initiatives to improve the work environment and wellbeing of this workforce and mitigate hazards that can lead to distress and the high rates of occupational suicide found in this jurisdiction and industry.

Publisher:

BRANZ

Authors:

G Jenkin, L Donnan, C Bowden, A Hoskin

Overview:

This study draws on empirical evidence and a validated costing methodology to provide a first attempt at the economic and social cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behaviour to the NZ construction ...

This study draws on empirical evidence and a validated costing methodology to provide a first attempt at the economic and social cost of suicide and non-fatal suicide behaviour to the NZ construction industry and estimate the impact of MATES in Construction NZ (MATES) in reducing this cost. The MATES program effectively transforms the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of construction industry workers. This study conservatively estimates that the program saves at least one worker's life each year, generating $14.2 million in savings to society. The potential return on investment is equivalent to 1:4.42. For every $1 invested in MATES, a return of $4.42 is achieved.