The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has urged those working in the building and construction sector to use World Suicide Prevention Day today (10 September) as an opportunity to reach out for help if they are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The awareness-raising day takes places every year on this day and, for the past two years, has had a theme of ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
The FMB has highlighted that the construction sector is still one of the most affected by suicides, with the industry continuing to face what it called “a disproportionate” mental health crisis.
To that end, the federation has said it is committed to breaking the silence, raising awareness, and encouraging people to ask for help.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other sources, suicide rates in the construction industry are significantly higher than the national average, the FMB pointed out.
“Construction workers in the UK are about three to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. In England and Wales, provisional ONS data indicated that 355 people working in skilled construction trades died by suicide in 2024,” it said.
“Over the past decade, it is estimated that 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives. The industry’s suicide rate stands at roughly 29.1 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to a national average of around 9.6 per 100,000. This high rate is linked to long and irregular working hours, job insecurity, high-pressure environments, and a culture that often fails to encourage seeking mental health support,” it added.
The ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’ theme highlights the importance of having open conversations, removing the stigma, and encouraging support-seeking behaviours within communities and workplaces, the federation added.
Brian Berry, CEO of the FMB, said: “The pressures faced by those working in construction can be overwhelming, but no one should face their struggles alone. Every death is a tragedy and at the FMB we want every builder and industry professional to not be afraid of reaching out if they need help. There is strength in asking for support.”
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts can reach out to Samaritans on www.samaritans.org or by phoning 116 123.
The Lighthouse Charity is the FMB’s charity partner for 2025, and also provides vital mental health support tailored specifically to the construction industry. Its helplines are available 24/7 on 0345 605 1956 (UK), and 1800 939 122 (Republic of Ireland), or www.lighthousecharity.org
Image: The World Suicide Prevention Day yellow ribbon. Shutterstock
