Concern over mental health crisis hitting Victorian tradies

ONE Victorian construction workers is dying from suicide each month, new data reveals, prompting the launch of a program to train tradies in mental health first aid on every work site.

ONE Victorian construction worker commits suicide each month, new data reveals, prompting the launch of a program to train tradies in mental health first aid on all worksites.

Long working days and clocking on at odd hours, strict construction deadlines amid a statewide building boom, job instability and a lack of control about the working day, are some of the pressures that construction industry leaders say could add to the complex mix of personal and psychological issues that lead to self-harm.

Suicides in the commercial construction industry — which makes up about 40 per cent of the state construction workforce — have gone from two suicides a year in 2016-2017, to one every 40 days last financial year and one every 30 days already this year.

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The deaths were reported to industry’s insurance and counselling provider, Incolink.

The trend mirrors the national increase in the suicide rate, with Australian Bureau of Statistics data this month showing the rate had hit a 10-year high, with 3128 people — or more than eight a day — taking their own life in Australia last year.

One Victorian construction worker commits suicide each month.

CFMEU occupational health and safety manager Dr Gerry Ayers said while there were many factors that contributed to suicide, workplace pressures could readily exacerbate difficulties in some people’s home life, their mental health or tendencies for substance abuse.

“Traditional we’ve been a six day a week industry, that’s now often turned into seven days and they’re working 10-12 hours a day,” Dr Ayers said.

“Add to that night shifts and unfriendly hours, plus a lot of people go to work and they must do what they’re told. Many people have no job autonomy. There is a whole range of factors.”

Incolink will on Thursday launch the Bluehats program in which builders, plumbers, carpenters, and managers will be trained to detect signs of stress in their co-workers and where to refer colleagues to professional support.

They will be a visible presence on the worksite in their bright blue hard hats.

Incolink chief Dan O’Brien said the program would be run in partnership with the CFMEU, Plumbing Union and Master Builders Association of Victoria, with the aim to train Bluehats on every worksite.

“The first aim is to start a conversation on the worksite,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Their role is to be there as an obvious sign they’re open for the chat and provide with a pathway into counsellors GP or other services.

“I would hope ultimately we see a decline in the number of suicides.”

For support phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.