Suicides by those working in construction occupations reached 507 in 2021 - up by 24 on the previous  year, and 25 more than the previous five year average. Of the total number, 503 were male.

The research by the Office of National Statistics has risen from 26 to 34 per 100,000 in the seven years up to 2021. Suicides in the construction sector are nearly four times the national industry average.

“Whilst it is unwise to react to a single year’s figures, the long-term rate of suicides is regrettably on an upward trajectory for those working in the construction industry, despite all the good work being done in recent years,” said Professor Billy Hare of Glasgow Caledonian University.

Financial insecurity continues to be a major contributing factor to the generally poor mental health of the sector. With over 50% of the construction sector either self-employed, agency staff or on zero-hour contracts, most bear the full brunt of the pressure of owning and operating a business.

“Financial insecurity is a major factor for poor wellbeing in our workforce and the pandemic added greater anxiety and emotional burden,” said Bill Hill, CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. 

“The industry and charities like ours have made huge strides in recognising and delivering programmes to improve wellbeing but the results from 2021 simply galvanise our resolve to do more. Our messages of support are not reaching the boots on the ground. We all have a moral responsibility and an economic imperative to work together to improve the wellbeing and welfare of our workers,” he added.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has asked the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Mates In Mind Charity to work together to co-chair a major project to improve wellbeing and welfare within construction along with initiatives to accelerate universal culture change to reduce stigma, break down barriers and increase awareness of support services.

“These latest statistics demonstrate that we need to do more as an industry to prevent people reaching the point of crisis, by addressing the causes that negatively impact on one’s mental health and thereby reduce the need for safety nets,” said Sarah Meek, managing director of Mates in Mind.

“There is much that we can do around prevention and employers should be encouraged to view their responsibility around this across their total workforce including their supply chain who, from our research earlier this year, have shown to be working with severe levels of anxiety,” she added.