“Hidden Topic”: Workers Rally To Save Lives - Juice 107.3

“Hidden Topic”: Workers Rally To Save Lives

This week, flags will fly high at construction sites around the country, in light of a shocking and disturbing statistic.

By Michael CrooksMonday 9 Sep 2024Health and WellbeingReading Time: 3 minutes

Warning: The following article contains mentions of suicide and content that some readers may find distressing. If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

A special kind of flag will be flying at sites throughout the country this week.

Key Points:

  • From Monday for five days, “MATES Flags” will fly at work sites in Australia to raise awareness of those disturbing figures, and to acknowledge the role of Australian volunteers who are rallying to prevent suicide.
  • If you need more information or support, contact the MATES 24/7 help line on 1300 642 111 or visit mates.org.au, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.

For National Suicide Prevention Week this week, and World Suicide Prevention Day today (September 10), charity MATES in Construction will raise awareness for the high rate of suicides among construction workers and other blue-collar workers.

MATES was established in 2008 to reduce the level of suicides among Australians working in construction, energy, and mining.

The charity reports that every year 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives.

That’s one person every two days.

And construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work.

“Fly the Flag”

From Monday for five days, “MATES Flags” will fly at work sites in Australia to raise awareness of those disturbing figures, and to acknowledge the role of Australian volunteers who are rallying to prevent suicide.

“Fly the Flag is a hi-vis strategy to bring an often-hidden topic to the surface so we can help as many people as possible,” MATES national CEO Chris Lockwood said.

The MATES program, which is recognised by the World Health Organisation, supports the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.

“At a general awareness level, Mates have trained more than 300,000 people across the construction, mining, and energy sectors,” Mr Lockwood said.

“From this, we’ve been able to build a volunteer workforce of over 30,000 volunteers who know how to have the difficult conversations that can save a life.”

“Be aware of the signs”

According to MATES, “suicide seems to part of the reality” of working in the construction industry.

The group cites research that identifies “potential drivers of suicidal thoughts in construction industry workers”.

The research shows “a strong relationship between job security, demands of work, and suicidal thoughts,” read a MATES statement provided to Hope 103.2.

Other contributing reasons, according to Mates, include:

  • Communication – workers find it difficult to discuss feelings and emotions with colleagues at work.
  • Pride and masculinity – male workers have a problem with not being viewed as “manly”.

“The research has also found, unfortunately, that many people, men in particular, still struggle with the idea of needing to access mental health support,” Mr Lockwood said.

“That’s why it’s so important for workmates to be aware of the signs that someone might be struggling, know how to have the delicate but important conversations, and then connect that person with suitable help.”

“Everyone’s business”

This week until Friday, more than 100,000 workers at more than 900 job sites throughout the nation are expected to participate in the Fly the Flag project.

The project aims to show the support that is available, and the importance of mental health awareness.

“The MATES program is based on the simple idea that suicide is everyone’s business,” a MATES statement said.

“If the building and construction industry in Australia is to improve the mental health and well-being of workers and reduce suicide, then it cannot be left to mental health professionals.

“Everyone in the industry must play their part.”

If you need support, contact the MATES 24/7 help line on 1300 642 111 or visit mates.org.au.
Or contact
Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.


Image source: supplied by MATES in Construction, Lendlease NPAV