Starting this Monday, Bowden will host several events to bring attention to a pertinent issue facing the construction industry, as South Australia's largest property developer teams up with a suicide prevention advocate to support a sector in distress.
At 9.30am, construction workers from across Renewal SA's Bowden development will put down their tools to learn how to identify when a co-worker might be at risk of suicide.
The session, led by the advocacy and research charity Mates in Construction (MATES), aims to instil a culture that prioritises mental health, connection, and mutual support within the industry.
Shane Wingard, Renewal SA's Executive Director of Property and Major Projects, emphasised the industry's pressure to deliver under challenging conditions as a key reason for hosting the event.
“It’s widely understood the construction industry is under pressure to deliver a significant amount of infrastructure and housing across the country, with limited resource availability,” Mr Wingard said.
“It’s important we stop and support these workers, who we know are at a greater risk of suicide than many other industries.”
According to a 2020 report by Mates in Construction and the University of Melbourne, one in four male deaths by suicide in South Australia are construction workers.
The report reveals that construction workers are eight times more likely to die from suicide than from a workplace accident.
Many global studies have reinforced the findings, citing job stress, workplace bullying, periods of unemployment, long working hours and transient working arrangements among the factors that contribute to the increased risk within the industry.
Construction ranks alongside farming, agriculture, healthcare, veterinary, law enforcement, and creative industries as sectors with the highest suicide risk.
Second only to health care, the construction industry employs more people in South Australia than any other high-risk industry, accounting for about 9% of the total workforce.
Mr Wingard said the high volume of construction in the Bowden precinct made it an opportune time to bring everyone together.
“With the additional activity on-site, we have engaged with developers within the precinct to encourage as many workers as possible to attend,” he said
Attendees at today's event will participate in Mates in Construction's General Awareness Training.
“This training is designed to reinforce that it’s okay to talk about mental health and provide practical guidance on how Mates in Construction can offer further assistance,” Mr Wingard added.
Established in 2008, Mates in Construction operates under the belief that suicide is everyone’s business.
The charity actively works through community development programs on worksites, supports workers through case management, and offers a 24/7 helpline for those in need.
MATES was founded in response to a Queensland report on suicide, known as the AISRAP Report, which found that suicide rates within the industry were higher than average for men.
“We are proud to collaborate with Mates in Construction at these events and look forward to working with them across more of our sites in the future,” Mr Wingard added.
The session is presented in partnership with Renewal SA's Works Program, which generates economic development in communities through training and employment initiatives across South Australia.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact Mates in Construction on 1300 642 111.
Event details
What: General Awareness training
When: Monday 17 February OR Monday 24 February
Time: 9.30am – 10.30am
Location: Bowden Park, Third Street (outside Plant 4)
Cost: Free (morning tea will be provided)