Suicidal behavior among construction industry employees

There are no official statistics on the prevalence of suicide among construction workers. The difficulty of recognizing suicides remains a problem. Differential diagnosis with accidents and injuries at work. However, studies conducted in various countries indicate higher rates of suicide mortality among construction workers, primarily blue-collar workers, than in the general population (at least twice as much), along with a significant prevalence of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Male construction workers account for the majority of suicide deaths (up to 97.8%). These are predominantly young individuals who have recently entered the workforce, lack any construction skills, and perform lowskilled labor. In most cases, the work of potential suicide attempters involves physically demanding and low-paid labor, often under conditions of stigma, bullying, and harassment from others, long-standing personal and family problems, divorce, or living alone. At the time of suicidal actions, many workers suffer from clinically defined depressive disorders (17.9%), anxiety (30.3%), and stress (12%), as well as a history of alcohol abuse or drug use. Somatic illnesses and workplace injuries can contribute to a worsening of mental health. Measures to prevent suicidal behavior among workers in this sector are practically nonexistent. Timely identification of mental disorders and suicidal ideation is limited due to the low rate of active consultation with mental health professionals among construction workers, which is often associated with a traditionally "male" attitude toward psychological problems and the inability to recognize depression. Therefore, among measures to prevent suicide among construction workers, educational work on mental health, stress management, and the importance of promptly seeking help are essential. Lower and mid-level managers are responsible for creating a comfortable psychological environment, preventing and/or resolving conflict situations, and combating stigmatization and bullying within the workplace. If necessary, assistance in improving working conditions and engaging various forms of social and material support, including assistance from trade unions, is provided. If signs of mental disorders or physical illness are detected, referral to a medical facility is provided.