The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a new webpage on Suicide and Occupation. The page includes factors that are linked to increased risk of suicide among occupations, ways to prevent suicide in the workplace, and a host of other resources.
There were more than 47,000 deaths by suicide in the U.S. in 2017. It was the second leading cause of death among people 10 to 34 years of age.
Among the factors that can increase someone’s risk for suicide: your job, especially if it has low pay and high stress and gives you access to things like medications and firearms.
There are also factors that can influence the link between occupation and suicide, such as gender, socioeconomic status, economic climate, and societal norms.
Along with the grim statistics, NIOSH offers considerable information about ways to reduce and prevent suicide in the workplace.
An example: National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Workplace, which provides guidance on how to develop a comprehensive workplace suicide prevention program as well as 10 action steps for addressing the aftermath of suicide.
