Did you know...
- construction workers are 6 times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work
- we lose a construction worker every second day to suicide
- suicide rates are 80% higher than the general working age population in construction.
These are very troubling statistics, but what can we do to help?
MATES provides suicide prevention through community development programs on sites, and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline. They support the construction industry in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, the Energy industry in Queensland and New South Wales, and nationally to the Mining industry.
MATES was established in response to a major report on suicide (the ‘AISRAP Report’) within the Queensland commercial building and construction industry. The report found that suicide rates in the industry were higher than the Australian average for men, and youth suicide within the industry could be as much as 2.38 times more common than among other young Australian men.
The MATES program is based on the simple idea that suicide is everyone’s business. Everyone in the industry must play their part to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide in the building and construction industry.
Working for the construction industry in general, MATES is independent of employers and unions, and never works directly for an employer. Programs are delivered across the industry regardless of employer or union affiliation.
If you or someone you know is doing it tough, the MATES Helpline is available 24/7 on 1300 642 111 or check out the Mates in Construction website for more information about how they can help you.