Construction industry woes set to continue as sector faces mental health crisis

The construction industry in New Zealand is struggling – with building companies going to the wall as the housing market falls away.

It also has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries of any industry.

But there’s another workplace hazard that we’re not talking about.

Construction workers are six times more likely to die from suicide than from an accident at work, and last year that number climbed to 80 suspected suicides, according to one report – the highest on record.

Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by New Zealand Herald property editor Anne Gibson to talk  about what’s going on in the sector, and how severe the mental health issue is.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Susie Nordqvist
Sound Engineer: Paddy Fox
Producer: Ethan Sills

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