To many the topic of suicide and self-harm is not only avoided, but also actively discouraged. In a world where statistically 99% of all (on site) construction workers are male, and of the of the women making up just 11% of the entire construction workforce, 87% are limited to desk, design and secretarial roles you can see where the alpha male, stiff upper lip culture thrives and multiplies from.
How many people in “our world” have been approached by a colleague or member of staff to tell you that they feel suicidal? How many people would notice subtle signs of withdrawal or mood changes in a colleague? How many would act on those?
In my time in the Prison Service, I was sadly involved in a number of suicides. The majority of those were prisoners, but not all. One was a child of only 15 years of age. Following the death of a prisoner whilst still incarcerated or recently released, the Prisons Ombudsman will launch an enquiry, the cases will be referred to the Coroner and in most cases staff, witnesses and families will attend court. Once the evidence has been heard a series of findings and recommendations are usually provided. My research before writing this blog, has yet to find any findings for those that have taken their own lives in construction, for any further awareness training or monitoring within the industry.
I am not for a second suggesting that these sad cases are swept under the carpet, they are not. However the construction world is challenging in its makeup. A high percentage of those workers are self employed and so following a job being stopped or in the event of a serious incident, most will move on quickly in order to stay employed.
We have no idea how those people are cared for following such an incident. The industry does not conduct pre employment background checks in most cases, as we have already discussed, a CSCS card can be the most valuable currency. The only pass you need.
It is surprising somewhat then, that given this information, and in a time when we are pushing such a high percentage of prison leavers towards the construction industry, we are not preparing them adequately for the life they are about to enter. A population that we know suffers with some form of mental health condition in over 80% of those released. A population that is likely to have witnessed some form of abuse in their time in prison, aggression or suffering the effects of substance misuse withdrawal or dependency. A population that has a higher percentage of self-harm or suicide risk history than any other community group anywhere in our society. Released openly and gratefully into an industry whereby those employed are three times more likely to commit suicide than any other industry.
I have always commended the work of Prison Workshop Instructors, Training schemes and Construction companies who provide practical hands-on training for prisoners in custody, with the rightful aim of reducing their offending behaviours and helping them to stay out of prison longer on release. But, and it is a huge But, the hands will keep working whilst the mind is breaking.
I would say that in my own case, my history as a suicide and self-harm trainer (ACCT to those in the prison world) over the last two decades, has given me the confidence, ability and strength of mind, to care for others and look after my own mental wellbeing. I feel stronger for it. Have I had low days, yes of course. I am conscious of those days, I am aware of my limitations and coping strategies. I am happy to talk. As a Prison Negotiator, I was trained to listen and talk, I have had many years of frontline experience assessing and dealing with societies most vulnerable people, BUT lets not assume that of those men and women we release from custody into the world of industry have those same coping skills.
through the veins of both industries like butter through a knife, swift and seamless. Self-Harm, Depression and feelings of suicide need to be a comfortable conversation, not an awkward one. Those with history, triggers and risk indicators need to be aware of their own limitations, control measures and responses. Think Change are engaging with prisoners throughout the UK to offer strategies, courses and controls, but in the world of construction, the sites and hiring companies must make risk assessment of mental health a priority.
Of those tragic deaths, I was involved in throughout my career, lives of many people were ripped apart as a result. Loved ones, Cell mates, Friends and family. Prison Staff perhaps. We train our staff to manage the prisoner. We must train the prisoner to become the manager of their future civilian self.
I will repeat one more time, loud and clear. Those employed in construction are three times more likely to commit suicide than any other industry.
A CSCS card, 6 points off a prisoners OASys score and a part time job secured on a building site, is not a pathway to total success. It is a start, just a start.
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