Tradies suffer from suicidal thoughts due to long hours and limited job security, a new report suggests

Exhausting working hours, financial problems and constantly changing jobs are some of the factors contributing to suicidal thoughts among Australian craftsmen, a new report has found.

Fifteen construction workers were recently interviewed as part of a study on ‘drivers of suicidal ideation and distress’ among the workforce.

The tradies, aged between 29 and 66, worked in a variety of construction jobs.

The researchconducted by the University of Adelaide, found that construction workers “have a greater vulnerability to suicide” compared to workers in other industries.

Eight themes were identified as the possible cause of depressive states in occupations, such as family problems, social disconnection, work problems and a perceived lack of support.

One tradie said long hours, including weekend shifts, took a heavy toll.

‘I still work about 60 hours a week. But for a long time I worked 80, 90, 100 hour weeks. So yes, it took its toll,” they said.

Another tradie said the risks of working with hazardous materials, such as asbestos, were also of concern.

“We are taking a high risk. Everything we do is considered really high risk,” they said.

Others pointed out that professions are often tossed from job to job and have new supervisors and colleagues, which can also be distressing, and that there is no good work-life balance.

The fear of not being able to provide for their family also contributed to suicidal thoughts.

“As someone who wants to provide for his family, you don’t know where the next job will come when your job is gone. For example, it’s going to be quite rainy this week, and I know there probably won’t be as many hours because of this, and I won’t get paid,” someone said.

The feeling of being overwhelmed and trapped by their circumstances was also an important factor in the workers’ happiness.

Traditions are often swung from job to job, with new supervisors and colleagues causing problems and a lack of work-life balance

“You feel like you’re suffocating. Like, you know, how the hell am I supposed to get out of here?’ said a tradition.

Another told the researchers, “And the most logical thing to me was that I was just in a dead-end logical mindset that it would be better for myself and my family if I wasn’t there.”

The research was carried out by experts from the University of South Australia and the MATES in Construction charity.

The study recommended several things to help people with feelings of hopelessness, such as support from colleagues and managers, hobbies outside of work, and the use of support services.

A tradie said the industry needed to change expectations around working hours.

“So personally I believe the industry, within itself, should and it will be clearly organization by organizational structure,” he said.

“But as a whole I think they need a good hard look. And also the support behind that is, say, long weekends. F***ing closes shop. Close the site.’

Bricklayers and concrete workers can earn as much as $120,000 a year, while construction and site supervisors can earn up to $170,000, according to data from Job Outlook.

Plumbers can also have salaries of up to $98,000, according to the numbers.

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