If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm, contact emergency services by calling 000.
Suicide refers to the act of intentionally ending one’s life. Suicidal behaviour includes thoughts of suicide, making plans or attempting to take one’s own life. Suicide and suicidal behaviour can occur in any workplace including in work-related accommodation such as remote or FIFO arrangements.
Under work health and safety laws, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must identify and manage psychosocial hazards that may contribute to the risk of harm, including risks associated with suicide and suicidal behaviour.
Understanding suicide and suicidal behaviour in a work context
Suicide and suicidal behaviours are complex and can affect workers, their families and the wider community.
Work-related factors may include:
- inadequate identification and management of psychosocial hazards
- poorly managed human resources processes such as performance management, investigations or redundancies
- exposure to traumatic events or traumatic material
- stigma that discourages seeking help
- workplace or accommodation design that increases isolation
- remote work or limited access to support networks.
Some groups of people may experience a higher risk due to factors such as sustained trauma, racism or discrimination. While some personal risk factors may be outside the control of a PCBU, any factors that are known or disclosed should be considered when assessing risks and implementing control measures.
Suicide is preventable, and many people recover from suicidal distress when they receive the right support.
Managing risks in the workplace
PCBUs should ensure systems are in place to prevent harm and support workers and other people in the workplace who may be experiencing mental distress or showing signs of suicidal behaviour.
Managing psychosocial risks includes:
- identifying psychosocial hazards arising from work design, systems and interactions
- assessing the risks associated with those hazards
- implementing control measures
- consulting with workers
- reviewing and improving control measures over time.
Responding to concerns
Any expression of suicidal thoughts or behaviours should be taken seriously and responded to in accordance with workplace procedures. If there is an immediate risk, emergency services should be contacted by calling 000.
Supporting a worker may also involve encouraging access to professional support services and using established workplace support pathways.
Investigations following an incident should focus on matters within the PCBU’s control and respect the individual’s privacy. For example, a PCBU should respect a person’s privacy in relation to non-work related personal information.
Workplaces should have clear procedures for responding to psychological distress, including how to escalate concerns, who to contact, and how to support a worker safely.
Crisis lines
Support is available for anyone experiencing distress or affected by workplace incidents involving suicide.
- Available: After hours (4.30 pm - 8.00 pm)
Phone: 1800 552 002 - Available: 6.00 am - 8.00 pm, 7 days a week for people impacted by suicide
Phone: 1300 727 247
Resources and guidance
- Suicide and suicidal behaviour in work-related contexts: Information sheet
This information sheet provides guidance for PCBUs on how to prevent and manage incidents involving suicide and suicidal behaviours within workplace settings or in accommodation facilities connected to the workplace. - A competency framework for the mining industry in Western Australia: Suicide Prevention Australia
This framework sets minimum standards for suicide prevention knowledge, skills and capability across the mining sector. - Psychosocial hazards: Safe Work Australia
This webpage outlines how traumatic workplace exposures affect workers and how associated psychosocial risks can be managed.