Suicide rates among Australian construction workers are alarmingly high. They are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to other employed men of the same age (Maheen et al., 2022). Within this group, FIFO (fly-in fly-out) and DIDO (drive-in drive-out) Western Australian construction workers are at even greater risk, reporting higher rates of suicide attempts in the past 12 months (2.4% FIFO; 5% DIDO) compared to the general population (0.3%) (Kyron et al., 2024). Previous quantitative research suggests that loneliness, bullying, work-life conflict, and presenteeism, combined with reduced access to support, contribute to suicidality in FIFO-DIDO workers. Yet little qualitative research has explored their lived experiences or identified what can be done in camp settings and on worksites to address these challenges. As a result, there are currently no suicide prevention or mental health initiatives specifically tailored to these workers and are informed by lived experience.
To address this gap, we undertook a three-phase co-design participatory research project with Queensland FIFO-DIDO construction worker participants, alongside lived experience investigators with academic and industry partners.
Phase 1: Quantitative analyses compared suicidality, mental health, distress, and industry-related factors in FIFO/DIDO construction workers (n=910) with the broader construction industry (n=4090).
Phase 2: Focus groups (n=3) and interviews (n=12) were conducted to explore perspectives on suicidality and potential solutions.
Phase 3: A co-design process, including an additional focus group and interviews (n=12), was used to develop suicide prevention initiatives for psychologically safer workplaces. Findings were thematically analysed and presented at an industry forum for feedback.
Across phases, key findings emerged. Quantitative data highlighted interpersonal issues as a key workplace factor associated with suicidal ideation in the past six months. Qualitative results supported this but also identified additional themes: personal wellbeing and employment pressures. These were all connected by an overarching theme of work-life conflict. Participants suggested practical short- and long-term improvements, including alcohol-free social spaces, tools to encourage conversations, stronger support structures, and targeted training and education for both workers and management.
Taken together, the findings highlight the urgent need for a systemic shift in suicide prevention for FIFO-DIDO construction workers. Thus, potential design considerations are needed to for the entire FIFO-DIDO ecosystem, from camp life to training to work practices, and support structures, which actively promote wellbeing and reduce suicide risk.