A researcher from the University of Lancaster is researching the experiences of suicidal thoughts in UK construction workers, and is calling for workers to share their experiences
Phoebe Savill, researcher and trainee clinical psychologist at the University of Lancaster, is conducting research into why the construction industry’s suicide rates are so high.
She is calling for construction workers to anonymously share their experiences with suicidal ideation to contribute to her research.
Suicidal ideation in construction has not been well-researched
This is a topic that has not been well researched in the past, with only two scientific studies based in the UK, and a systematic review published in 2023 stating that the topic has only “received scanty attention from researchers.”
The review also states that most of the existing research has been conducted in Australia, which has consequently led to effective organisations and initiatives to tackle the issue, such as MATES, successfully reducing stigma and improving mental health and suicide literacy.
This lack of research in the UK comes in spite of existing research demonstrating a real problem with the issue, with construction workers being three times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. A report by CIOB in 2020 showed 26% of the construction workers they interviewed had had suicidal thoughts within the last year, and workers are more likely to die by suicide than from a fall from height.
The ONS has data showing that the most common themes with suicidal ideation in construction workers include depression, substance and/or alcohol abuse, bullying, transient working conditions, and long working hours. The data also shows that lower skilled workers, such as apprentices, are at more risk.
The mental health in construction charity, Mates in Mind, conducted research into the mental health of apprentices, finding that 73% of their surveyed apprentices felt stressed, but only 33% said their employer or colleagues would notice signs of poor mental health. They have also published several interviews with construction workers that discuss topics of suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and other issues faced by the workers.
How to get involved
Phoebe’s research requires participants to:
Be aged 18+
Be fluent in English
Work, or have previously worked in the construction industry
Experienced suicidal thoughts while working in the construction industry
Have NOT attempted to end their life previously
Have NOT experienced suicidal thoughts within the last 12 months
Participants’ information will be anonymised, with pseudonyms given, and identifying information will be removed from published interviews. Interviews will take place on Microsoft Teams over the course of an hour, where participants will be asked about their experiences.
If you would like to get involved, please contact Phoebe via email at p.savill@lancaster.ac.uk
Phoebe said: “I am really passionate about this project and want to understand more about why the construction industry is impacted so highly by suicide.
“There has been very little research completed in the UK regarding suicide in the construction industry. Importantly, there have been no qualitative studies done at all. This type of research aims to develop a deeper insight into a topic by understanding experiences through methods like interviews with people with lived experience. Therefore, for my research, I am seeking to interview people who currently or previously worked in the construction industry and have experienced suicidal thoughts.
“The aims of the research are to better understand the experiences of those who have suicidal thoughts whilst working in the construction industry. The number of suicides in the construction industry continues to rise, so I think it is important to understand more about those who have experienced suicidal thoughts, including what may have contributed to this experience and, vitally, what helped.
“I also want to give a voice to those who have experienced suicidal thoughts within the construction industry. The statistics tell us that those working in this industry are at a higher risk of suicide. However, the experiences and voices of those in the UK are missing from our knowledge and understanding. Following the study, I will aim to give feedback to the industry on the findings of the research as well as submit it for publication.”
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