A newly published peer-reviewed article has reinforced the evidence behind the MATES workplace suicide prevention model, highlighting its role in building visible support networks across high-risk industries, including construction and mining.
Published in NEW SOLUTIONS: A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy, the article examines the rationale behind the MATES accreditation framework, describing it as a structured, industry-led approach to suicide prevention through awareness, peer support and access to crisis intervention.
The research traces the origins of MATES in Construction, which was established in Australia in response to elevated suicide rates among construction workers. The model has since expanded into other sectors, including mining through MATES in Mining, as well as energy and manufacturing.
MATES Australia chief executive officer Jorgen Gullestrup said the article validates an approach that has long been driven by industry participation.
“This article reinforces what the construction industry has known for many years, that suicide prevention on worksites has to be practical, visible and built into the culture of the job,” Gullestrup said.
The article outlines the accreditation requirements for participating sites, including providing General Awareness Talks to available workers, maintaining a workforce where at least 80 per cent of workers remain trained, ensuring workers have access to trained Connectors, and providing access to an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) practitioner during operating hours.
According to the research, these measures help create a “network of safety” that is reinforced through visible reminders such as hard hat stickers, posters, lunchroom signage and dedicated workwear that identifies trained volunteers.
The article notes that MATES has reached more than 427,300 workers across Australia and New Zealand and accredited more than 414 construction sites as of 2024.
Gullestrup said the findings underscore the importance of treating mental health and suicide prevention with the same focus as physical safety.
“The goal is simple: build a network where workers are more aware, more connected and more confident to take action when a mate is doing it tough,” he said.
Subscribe to Safe to Work for the safety news that matters most to the Australian mining industry.
