New research has revealed that while construction workers remain at a higher risk of suicide than other Australians, the gap is closing due to concerted efforts to target mental health in the sector, such as MATES in Construction.
The recently released University of Melbourne research, Suicide in the Construction Industry, Volume 7 led by Associate Professor Tania King, was commissioned by MATES in Construction.
The report confirms that male construction workers continue to die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of other employed men (25.7 per 100,000 vs 14.3 per 100,000). However, in several states including Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, rates are steadily declining and converging with the national average.
At the same time, the report reveals a troubling trend: suicide rates among younger construction workers (aged 15-24) have risen in recent years, bucking the overall decline. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-24 and 25-44, with construction workers in these age groups facing heightened risks.
Associate Professor King, now at RMIT said that while suicide in the construction industry remains higher than many other sectors, this analysis suggests that trends are heading in the right direction.
“It’s important that prevention efforts build on this and continue to address suicide in the construction sector,” King said.
CEO of MATES Australia, Jorgen Gullestrup, said that while any suicide is one too many, the data gives reason for hope, but also for urgency.
“We are seeing strong progress overall, but the increase in suicides among our youngest workers is deeply concerning,” Gullestrup said.
“It shows we must double down on prevention and support for apprentices and younger men entering the industry.”
Between 2001 and 2021, more than 4,500 suicides were recorded among construction workers in Australia. Recent trends show encouraging signs, with some states seeing construction suicide rates drop significantly and, in some states, reaching parity with other industries.
The shift is backed by new qualitative research published in SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, which found that the MATES ‘network of safety’ model has transformed social norms on sites. Workers reported that suicide prevention is now embedded in daily workplace culture, with help-offering and help-seeking seen as strengths rather than weaknesses.
“Construction has gone from a culture where talking about mental health was frowned upon, to one where looking out for your mates is part of the job,” Gullestrup said.
“This is proof that cultural change is possible, and it saves lives.”
As Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 highlights the theme ‘Connect for Mental Health’, MATES’ work demonstrates the power of connection.
“MATES was born in construction, but it now spans mining, energy and manufacturing. Together, we are building networks of safety across industries where men are at higher risk. Our approach shows that when we connect, we can save lives.”
