Construction Workers Have Highest Suicide Rates, CDC Finds

Male construction workers have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S., according to a recent report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report indicated that the suicide rate among male construction workers was 43.6 per 100,000. The report also highlighted how suicides are rising among the whole working population, with rates increasing 34% from 12.9 to 17.3 per 100,000 people from 2000 to 2016.

"Increasing suicide rates in the U.S. are a concerning trend that represent a tragedy for families and communities and impact the American workforce," said Dr. Debra Houry, director of CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "Knowing who is at greater risk for suicide can help save lives through focused prevention efforts."

The CDC report in June that suicide rates were up by 30% across the country. Nearly 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016, the CDC team found.

The CDC report reflects a report from Lendlease in October which found the suicide rate in the construction industry was four times the national average. Lendlease announced it was renewing its commitment to confronting the issue in the construction industry by building on its work with the Global Mental Health Peer Group, joining the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and extablishing a pilot program with Living Works.