A recent US study looking at 12,312 deaths in the workplace by suicide found:
- 77% occurred in males and 23% in females.
- 85% occurred in individuals aged 16-64 years.
- With the greatest proportion, 23%, in people aged 45-54 years.
- Top three job categories with the highest suicide rates among males: farming, fishing & forestry; construction & extraction & installation, maintenance and repair.
- For females, suicide rates were highest for workers in protective services; legal & healthcare practitioners & technical occupations.
- Lowest rates of suicide were those in the category of education, training & library jobs; office & administrative support & personal care.
Risk factors for suicide includes jobs that:
- Are socially isolating
- Have lower incomes
- Have lower education requirements
- Are considered unsteady
- Are high-stress occupations
- Involve exposure to violent or traumatic events
These findings highlight the importance of community & workplace programs, such as EAP programs, providing education, reducing stigma & delivering targeted suicide prevention efforts, particularly for people working in high-risk industries.