15/01/2026
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UWA research has found that more than one in 10 construction workers were affected by suicidal thoughts in the past year.
Loneliness is being identified as a key driver.
Dr Michael Kyron, a lead researcher on the study and interim director of the WA Su***de Prevention and Resilience Research Centre at UWA, said the risk is significantly higher than in the general population.
"We found construction workers were at a much more pronounced risk of experiencing recent suicidal thoughts and behaviours," he said.
"Their suicidal thoughts are about three times higher, su***de attempts and plans are about four times higher."
Dr Kyron said isolation plays a major role for workers who spend long periods away from home.
"For people like drive-in, drive-out workers, fly-in, fly-out workers, there might be long commute times to get to a work site, or it's just a disconnection from friends and family as well," he said
"It highlights something needs to be done to make sure that people do get the support that they need within the industry to make sure that these suicidal thoughts don't translate into suicidal behaviours later on."
Dr Kyron said supportive, meaningful connections on worksites could help protect workers' mental health.
" If you're around people consistently over time, you can start to recognise differences in a person's behaviour that might indicate the person needs help," he said.
"Not everyone's going to come out and say that they need help, but I think it's starting to open that conversation."
If you or anyone you know needs help or wants to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
