The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) annual report on occupational injuries revealed a 7.7% increase in construction fatalities and a 13.1% increase in suicides in 2022 over 2021. Among men in the US, UK, and Australia, construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any sector.
This is a global issue for an industry that is prone to risk factors like physically demanding work, a stoic culture and long hours. Many are now aware of the magnitude of this issue, and as awareness increases, so do expectations for employers to take action.