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The Economic Cost of Suicide and Non-Fatal Suicide Behavior in the Australian Workforce and the Potential Impact of a Workplace Suicide Prevention Strategy

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  • Irina Kinchin

    (Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Psychology and Public Health Department, Cairns Campus of the CQUniversity, CQUniversity Australia, Cairns 4870, Australia)

  • Christopher M. Doran

    (Centre for Indigenous Health Equity Research, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Psychology and Public Health Department, Brisbane Campus of the CQUniversity, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane 4000, Australia)

Abstract

Suicide and non-fatal suicide behavior (NFSB) are significant problems faced by most countries. The objective of this research is to quantify the economic cost of suicide and NFSB in the Australian workforce and to examine the potential impact of introducing a workplace suicide prevention intervention to reduce this burden. The analysis used the best available suicide data, a well-established costing methodology, and a proven workplace intervention. In 2014, 903 workers died by suicide, 2303 workers harmed themselves resulting in full incapacity, and 11,242 workers harmed themselves resulting in a short absence from work. The present value of the economic cost of suicide and NFSB is estimated at $6.73 billion. Our analysis suggests the economic benefit of implementing a universal workplace strategy would considerably outweigh the cost of the strategy. For every one dollar invested, the benefits would be in excess of $1.50 ($1.11–$3.07), representing a positive economic investment. All variations of the key parameter hold the positive benefit-cost ratio. Rates of suicide and NFSB are far too high in Australia and elsewhere. More needs to be done to reduce this burden. Although workplace strategies are appropriate for those employed, these interventions must be used within a multifaceted approach that reflects the complex nature of self-harming behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Irina Kinchin & Christopher M. Doran, 2017. "The Economic Cost of Suicide and Non-Fatal Suicide Behavior in the Australian Workforce and the Potential Impact of a Workplace Suicide Prevention Strategy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-14, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:4:p:347-:d:94190
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jorgen Gullestrup & Belinda Lequertier & Graham Martin, 2011. "MATES in Construction: Impact of a Multimodal, Community-Based Program for Suicide Prevention in the Construction Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(11), pages 1-17, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad Tariq Al Fozaie, 2023. "The 'Bad Behavior Index': A Composite Measure of the Development Hindering Behavior of Individuals and Institutions," Scientific Annals of Economics and Business (continues Analele Stiintifice), Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 70(1), pages 115-161, March.
    2. Sangmi Kim & Haesang Jeon & Joonhyeog Park, 2022. "The Association of Physical and Mental Illness and Self-Harm Resulting in Hospitalization: A Population-Based Study of Older Adults in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-10, July.
    3. Christopher M. Doran & Lisa Wittenhagen & Edward Heffernan & Carla Meurk, 2021. "The MATES Case Management Model: Presenting Problems and Referral Pathways for a Novel Peer-Led Approach to Addressing Suicide in the Construction Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-11, June.
    4. Eva Rothermund & Martina Michaelis & Marc N. Jarczok & Elisabeth M. Balint & Rahna Lange & Stephan Zipfel & Harald Gündel & Monika A. Rieger & Florian Junne, 2018. "Prevention of Common Mental Disorders in Employees. Perspectives on Collaboration from Three Health Care Professions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-13, February.
    5. Grace E. Vincent & Irina Kinchin & Sally A. Ferguson & Sarah M. Jay, 2018. "The Cost of Inadequate Sleep among On-Call Workers in Australia: A Workplace Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-12, February.
    6. Irina Kinchin & Christopher M. Doran, 2018. "The Cost of Youth Suicide in Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, April.

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