Silent Conversations Spoken Out loud.
Addressing Suicide Risk in the Construction Industry
Construction workers are 6 times more likely to die by suicide than in an industrial accident. [1]
Through an engaging and interactive presentation, the presenter will take the National Suicide Prevention Conference audience through an example of a ‘toolbox talk’ from the award-winning Bluehats program.
After a brief introduction of themselves, their professional and lived experience of mental health difficulties, the presenter will showcase how storytelling, grounded in destigmatising language, addresses the needs and mindset of workers in the construction industry.
Audience members will experience the impact that courageous, open discussion can have on individuals and collectives that may be struggling, and gain insight on how research can be used in real life, with everyday language.
In 25 minutes, the audience will gain insight into the Bluehats program and how it has evolved since its establishment in 2018, with the support from suicide researchers.
The Bluehats program represents a true partnership between Incolink, employers, unions and WorkSafe Victoria to address the increased risk of suicide in the construction industry. It aims to directly address suicide by targeting the risk factors, such as spousal and relationship problems, alcohol and other drug use, gambling and financial stress.
Incolink is the safety net for the building and construction industry, protecting members’ entitlements for when they need them most.
Incolink looks after the health and wellbeing of the industry through a suite of programs such as health checks, skin checks, vaccinations and our Bluehats peer to peer suicide prevention program.
We encourage help seeking behaviour through storytelling and non-judgemental and inclusive discussions.
The talk will encourage the audience to participate in a discussion while providing testimonials from Bluehat volunteers and data on the impact of having conversations about silent struggles, spoken out loud.
[1] Tania King, LauraRiccarde and Allison Milner, ‘Suicide in the Construction Industry: Report submitted to MATES in Construction by The University of Melbourne’ (Online Report, 1 December 2018) <https://mates.org.au/media/documents/18597-MIC-QLD-Suicide-in-the-Construction-Industry-%C3%94%C3%87%C3%B4-2018-Report-297x210mm-v9.pdf>.