The British Standards Institution is developing BS 30480 Suicide and the workplace to guide built environment organisations in preventing tragedy
The British suicide prevention standard will provide guidance on intervention, prevention, and support for those affected by suicide.
On average, two workers in the built environment commit suicide every day.
The standard is now in consultation
Anyone is able to see the current draft of the standard and also provide feedback. The intention is to gain public views and ensure that the standard will take a wide range of knowledge and experience with suicide awareness and education.
An expert panel is developing the standard, and will take all comments into consideration. Their work will develop a British suicide prevention standard into one that is suitable and applicable for all organisations and practices.
Comments are being accepted for the draft until 16th July, and can be submitted either through a short survey or via the draft portal.
Suicide is alarmingly high in construction
Construction workers are more than three times more likely than the rest of the general population to die through suicide with ONS stats finding that in 2021, of the 6,319 suicides, 507 were construction workers.
Reasons for this are often attributed to long and irregular working hours, time spent away from home and family, budget and deadline pressures, job insecurity, demanding work, high pressure environments, and a perception of needing to be tough in the industry preventing discussion of the issue amongst workers.
Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors EDI Council chair, Simon Navin said: “Changing the narrative around suicide in our industry is essential, particularly given the alarmingly high suicide rates among our male colleagues, who are over three times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.
“Our industry has been built on values of strength and resilience – but it’s vital to redefine what those qualities truly mean.
“Strength isn’t just about physical endurance – it’s also about recognising how to have open conversations, break down barriers and when to ask for help.”
“The narrative must shift from one of silent suffering to one of open dialogue, where the mental health of ourselves and our colleagues is prioritised alongside physical safety.
“By encouraging conversations, challenging working practices that are detrimental to mental health, reducing any perceived stigma a providing accessible support, we will create environments where every individual feels empowered to seek help and get the support they need, ultimately saving lives.”
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