People in Particular Occupations
Studies suggest that suicide rates may differ by occupation. A recent meta-analysis found that suicide rates were highest among people in occupations requiring low-level skills, such as laborers, cleaners, factory workers, machine operators, and fishery workers.1 The lowest suicide rates were found among high skill level managers and clerical workers. Other occupations that have also been linked to an elevated risk of suicide include health care providers, veterinarians, farmers, and the police.1
Workplaces can support mental health and contribute to suicide prevention by adopting a range of strategies. These include:
- Increasing awareness of mental health and substance use disorders
- Encouraging help seeking
- Making it easier for workers to access behavioral health care
Reference
- Milner, A., Spittal, M. J., Pirkis, J., & LaMontagne, A. D. (2013). Suicide by occupation: Systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 203(6), 409-416.
Learn More
- See the Recommended Resources below selected by SPRC personnel.
- For resources that address all or most workplaces, see our page on Workplaces.
- See All Resources Related to People in Particular Occupations (below) for a full list of materials, programs, trainings, and other information available from SPRC. Use the filters on the left to narrow your results.
- For more on other groups and settings, see our Populations and Settings pages.
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Recommended Resources
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A construction industry blueprint: Suicide prevention in the workplace
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Breaking the silence: Suicide prevention in law enforcement
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