Data Shows Workplace Suicide a Growing Problem in Shrinking Economy

Workplace suicides in the United States are rising fast in the faltering economy, this according to figures from a report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Preliminary data from the BLS 2008 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) reported 251 workplace suicides, their highest level since the inception of the CFOI program in 1992, and 28 percent higher than the 196 workplace suicides recorded in 2007.

The 2008 CFOI provided a general overview of the demographic characteristics of workers who commit workplace suicide that revealed a similar profile over time. Of the 251 workplace suicides in 2008, the 2008 CFOI found:

• 94 percent (236 fatalities) were male;
• 78 percent (197 fatalities) were white;
• 48 percent (130 fatalities) died of gunshot wounds;
• 36 percent (90 fatalities) were from the 45-54 age group, and;
• 14 percent (34 fatalities) were workers in management positions.

In addition, the CFOI found that almost 80 percent of workplace suicides (199 fatalities) occurred in private industry, with the majority of those workplace suicides (137 fatalities) coming from the service-providing industry sector.

Like economic uncertainty, the rise in workplace suicides is not just an issue in the U.S. but a problem worldwide, as evidenced by an article on CNN.com titled “Worked to death: When going to work kills” which reported:

• In France, 24 suicides and 13 attempted suicides among France Telecom employees since 2008 has put the spotlight on workplace stress and the devastating impact it can have on employees; and
• In Japan, there were 377 cases of "death from overwork" last year, a phenomenon known as "karoshi" caused by stress from working longer hours in response to overseas competition and the recession.

U.S. employers concerned with the double-digit percentage jump in workplace suicides over the past year need to be aware of the increased stress on employees caused by the uncertain economy and tenuous job security. To help avoid workplace suicide, a good employer needs to know about any serious problems that an employee has and provide necessary help if those problems could harm that employee, fellow employees, and the organization.

Pre-employ.com – a leading pre-employment background screening provider – believes a good background screening program shouldn’t end after the employee is hired but it is an ongoing process. Pre-employ.com appeared in Workforce Management Magazine's 2009 "Hot List of Employment-Related Background Screening Providers" and was recognized by HRO Today as an industry leader in background screening. For more information on background screening, visit www.pre-employ.com, email info@pre-employ.com, or call 1-800-300-1821. Follow Pre-employ.com on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PreEmploy.

tahearn@pre-employ.com

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