Mark Vender
More than 800 construction, energy, and mining sites across Australia came together on September 8 to mark the annual MATES in Construction “Fly The Flag Day”. Held in conjunction with R U OK? Day, the event is geared towards improving mental health and preventing suicide specifically among construction workers.
In Australia, male construction workers have consistently been found to die by suicide at about twice the rate of other male workers.
According to the industry data conducted by University of Melbourne from 2001–2019, the overall rate of suicide among construction workers remains higher than among non-construction workers.
At the same time, MATES notes that there has been a steady decline in suicide rates among construction workers, and a narrowing of the disparity in rates between construction and non-construction workers across Australia (from 2.42 to 1.79). This is particularly true in Queensland, where MATES has been established since 2008.
“This data is extremely precious for MATES,” says MATES CEO Chris Lockwood. “We believe that our hard work over the years has been instrumental. MATES will never give up on helping mates be strong together.”
Training and awareness raising is a strong focus for MATES. The organisation has trained more than 250,000 construction workers in general awareness, 24,000 Connector volunteers, and 3,000 ASIST volunteers. It has also managed more than 12,000 individual cases.
This year’s Fly The Flag event was supported by 27,000 Connector/ASIST volunteers and almost 90,000 workers who have committed to look out for their mates every day.
“Moving forward, reducing suicide among construction workers should continue to be a key priority for the government, organisations, and workplace suicide prevention initiatives,” says Lockwood.
“Thank you for believing and supporting MATES over the years. Without you, MATES could not continue our goal of improving mental health and preventing suicide. Again, we are stronger together!”
More information about Fly the Flag Day is available at the MATES in Construction website.
Image courtesy of MATES in Construction shows a Fly the Flag Day site event in 2019.
Leave a Reply