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- NSC.org
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- Injury Facts
- Safety+Health Magazine
Suicide is ranked as the fourth leading cause of death among people ages 15-29, with most cases worldwide occurring before age 50.
In the workplace, it is estimated that in a company of 1,000 employees, one employee will die by suicide roughly every 10 years, and many more will attempt it. While it is often viewed as a personal or societal issue, research shows that work conditions including stress, isolation, and access to lethal means can increase suicide risk. Employers, especially in safety-critical industries, are uniquely positioned to reduce risks and provide life-saving support through prevention, awareness and intervention strategies.
Recent CDC analyses show markedly elevated suicide rates in several industries and occupations, including construction, mining, agriculture/forestry/fishing, transportation and warehousing, compared with the overall working population. Chronic pain and work disability further amplify risk; studies link chronic pain and work disability with higher odds of suicidal ideation, attempts and death. Occupational access to lethal means (firearms, medications, toxic agents) is also associated with higher suicide rates in those jobs.
Men bear a disproportionate burden in workplace suicides. Across 2011-2022, male workers’ workplace suicide rate was roughly 10x that of females in U.S., consistent with broader U.S. suicide patterns. Men account for nearly 80% of workplace suicides, reflecting both higher exposure to lethal means and cultural barriers to seeking help.
Language can increase stigma or reduce it. Use people-first, nonjudgmental wording, avoid criminalizing terms and focus on help-seeking.
● Use “died by suicide” not “committed suicide”
● Use “attempted suicide” not “failed attempt" or "unsuccessful suicide”
● Use “death by overdose” not “overdosed himself/herself,” “junkie OD”
● Use “person living with a mental health condition” not “mentally ill person” or “the mentally ill”
● Use “substance use disorder” or “person in recovery” not “addict,” “abuser,” “clean/dirty”
Suicide in Safety-critical Sectors Suicide is not only a devastating personal tragedy, it also carries lasting effects for organizations. When a worker dies by suicide, the impact ripples across teams and the business:
● Emotional trauma among coworkers often leading to grief, stress and reduced morale
● Disruption of teams and operations as productivity, focus and collaboration are compromised
● Increased turnover and absenteeism with colleagues leaving or taking extended time off
● Legal and reputational risks particularly if employers are perceived as neglecting mental health
From a business perspective, prevention is an investment. Studies estimate that the economic cost of suicide in the U.S. exceeds $500 billion annually, largely due to lost productivity and medical expenses. In the workplace, the average cost of a single suicide has been estimated at over $1.3 million, factoring in lost wages, productivity, and replacement costs.
Evidence shows that workplace-based prevention programs including awareness campaigns, gatekeeper training, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and peer support models can reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors, while also strengthening retention, resilience and trust in leadership.
Employers and safety professionals can play a vital role in suicide prevention by:
● Promoting awareness and reducing stigma through campaigns and training
● Creating peer support programs and supervisor training for early recognition
● Providing access to mental health care and EAPs, including crisis hotlines such as 988
● Restricting access to lethal means where relevant (firearms, high-risk equipment)
● Developing postvention protocols to support teams if a suicide occurs
Access the NSC Workplace Wellbeing Hub for resources on workplace mental health and safety. More resources on suicide prevention will be coming soon.
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