There’s a drive for change in the construction industry on the back of a spike in suspected suicide rates.  

In 2023, 80 construction workers died from suspected suicides - a jump from previous years. 

MATES in Construction Research Manager Lauren Donnan says mental health across the board is improving, but high workloads, job instability, and a lack of support remain key stressors.  

She says 15 to 24-year-olds and Māori workers can be particularly vulnerable.  

Donnan says we need to understand there are key pressures and groups within the industry at higher risk, where we need to target more support. 

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