The adoption of the OzHelp Foundation's suicide prevention program in Western Australia and the ACT has drawn attention again to the tragic incidence of suicide among construction workers.

Research from Queensland shows that workers in our industry are six times more likely to die from suicide than from a workplace incident. Construction workers are also twice as likely to commit suicide than other men, and die at a younger age.

I have lost friends through suicide and people I've worked with and become friends with in the industry. Unfortunately, I expect many of our members reading this may have the same experience.

The CFMEU thinks the tragedy and scars that suicide leaves behind need to be dealt with, and we're proud of the range of initiatives being taken by the Union and in the industry to deal with suicide.

Listen to Dave's comments and the report on the Queensland 'Mates in construction' program being adopted in WA and the ACT below, or on ABC Radio National AM Archives - Monday Sept 14, 2009 (scroll to segment).

Suicide Prevention and Counselling Services contacts:

• ACT - CSI phone 02 6230 1320.
  OzHelp Foundation National/ACT  phone 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357)

• NSW - Life Care Skills for Apprentices in TAFE -
  Drug & Alcohol Foundation phone 02 9555 7852   Email  Website
• NT - 24 hour crisis line/lifeline phone 13 11 14 or
  Contact your GP for referral to Wisemind Psychology or IM Concepts professionals.
  Out-of-hours call 1800 859 585.
• QLD -  Mates in Construction phone 1300 MIC 111 (1300 642 111) OR within Queensland 07 3833 1140.
  Also Converge International phone 1800 337 068
• TAS - OzHelp Foundation  phone 1300 OZHELP (1300 694 357) Services in Hobart and Launceston.
• VIC - Incolink members call Rob Dawson on 0419 568 605 or email
  For full list of services see Incolink website
• WA - Converge International for building workers on commercial sites and WACIRF members. Call 1800 337 068. For full list of counselling services see Converge International website
  Mates in Construction phone 1300 MIC 111 (1300 642 111)