The Construction Sector Accord (the Accord) has partnered with MATES in Construction NZ (MATES) to help prevent suicide in the construction sector by supporting them to get their programme out to more people. The partnership is part of the Accord’s Health and Safety workstream, delivered though the three-year Construction Sector Accord Transformation Plan.
"We know there is a real issue in the industry, we're fortunate that the Accord has recognised the effectiveness of the MATES programme and the need for it to be delivered more widely," says Victoria McArthur, MATES Chief Executive.
Victoria says the demand for services from MATES exceeds what they can currently supply, and more funding for their programmes is crucial and welcomed.
MATES with assistance from BRANZ has commissioned Otago University to undertake a study to gain more precise research on the issue. The study will look to understand the true prevalence of suicide in the construction industry by occupation and demographics, and then develop appropriate interventions. Findings for the research will be released on June 17th.
