After increasing steadily from 2005 - 2015, workplace suicides in the U.S. hit a new record high in 2016 – 291 – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A total of 1,719 male and female workers committed suicide on the job between 2003 and 2007. Those numbers only takes into account suicides that occur at work.

Among occupational groups, male employees of construction and mining companies had the highest suicide rate: 53.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2015, up from 43.6 in 2012.

With the suicide rate among U.S. adults having increased by 34 percent between 2000 and 2016, more and more attention has been focused on suicide prevention.

What can managers do?

Start by reaching out to employees who appear to be in crisis, whether the source of their stress is work-related or not.

Steer them toward mental health resources.

  • They can speak with someone and get confidential support 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For English speakers, the number is 1-800-273-8255. Para español 1-888-628-9454.
  • There’s also an online chat option at: suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat

Educate yourself

Construction-specific resources