Most deaths by suicide are among people of working age. Suicide is the leading cause of death for males aged 25–44 years and females aged 25–34 years. The proportion of suicides that are work-related is unclear. One Australian study found that 17% of suicides in Victoria from 2000–2007 were work-related. Applying this estimate to deaths across Australia, approximately 3,800 suicides over the decade to 2011 may be work-related.

Adults spend about a third of their waking hours at work. The workplace provides a unique opportunity to provide key health information and intervention. Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) sees the workplace as playing a vital role in the creation of a suicide safe community.

The World Health Organisation suggests worker suicide is a result of complex interaction between individual vulnerabilities and work-related environmental factors that trigger stress reactions and contribute to poor mental wellbeing. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace, including managing psychosocial stressors.

SPA calls on organisations of all sizes to implement workplace policies and programs that promote a mentally health workforce and prevent suicide behaviours. The position statement “Work and Suicide Prevention Position Statement February 2014“, provides recommendations for employers to take action to prevent suicide. It also offers an in-depth analysis of the case for change including risk factors, evidence-based activities and programs that can be implemented in the workplace and policy analysis. This is rounded off with practical information for responding to suicide including case studies and links to resources to assist organisations implement the recommendations. 

Sue Murray, CEO of SPA, says, “Employers may be surprised at how simple it can be to take an active role in suicide prevention. There is a wide range of support available from organisations working in mental health and suicide prevention to assist employers prepare for and respond to suicide”.

SPA are encouraging business leaders to take an active role in promoting a culture that supports mental health promotion.

For more information or to download the position statement, visit the Suicide Prevention Australia website. 

Source: Suicide Prevention Australia, February 2014