If you are in crisis right now, please call the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or Lifeline SA on 0861 322 322. Both are free and open 24 hours. In an emergency, call 10111 for SAPS or 10177 for an ambulance. This guide talks about suicide in a preventative and compassionate way. It does not describe methods, and it is here to help you recognise the warning signs and have the conversation that can save a workmate's life.
What we can and cannot say about the SA picture
Honesty first. Verified, construction-specific suicide statistics for South Africa are not published by SADAG, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) or the Compensation Fund. We will not invent a number to make a point. What we can say:
- SADAG (sadag.org) is South Africa's largest mental health advocacy organisation and publishes national mental health information, but it does not routinely break suicide data down by occupation.
- International evidence consistently puts construction workers among the highest-risk occupational groups. UK research, where the data is more complete, has found construction workers nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than other workers, and international studies have found them more than three times more likely than the general population. SA-specific equivalence cannot be assumed from these figures, but the underlying risk factors (a male-dominated workforce, manual work, job insecurity, financial stress and a reluctance to ask for help) clearly apply in the SA context.
- The SAMRC's National Burden of Disease studies track suicide mortality at www.samrc.ac.za; that is the place to look for more specific SA data.
Warning signs
Look out for these in yourself or a workmate:
- Talking about wanting to die, or about having no reason to live.
- Withdrawing from friends, family or colleagues.
- Giving away personal possessions.
- Sleeping far more or far less than usual.
- Big mood changes, including being very flat, or sometimes unexpectedly calm after a period of distress.
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs.
- Saying things feel hopeless, or that others would be better off without them.
How to ask directly and safely
The research is clear: asking someone directly about suicide does not plant the idea. It usually brings relief and opens a conversation. Use plain words:
"I have noticed you do not seem yourself lately. Are you having thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself?"
If they say yes:
- Stay calm. Do not panic or walk away.
- Listen without judgement. You do not need to have the answers.
- Help them get help. Call a crisis line with them, or take them to get help.
- Remove obvious means if you can do so safely, for example securing medication or firearms.
- Do not promise secrecy if their life is at risk.
SA crisis resources
These numbers are free and answered around the clock unless stated:
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours.
- Lifeline SA: 0861 322 322, 24 hours.
- SADAG SMS line: 31393, if a call is not possible.
- SAPS emergency: 10111.
- Emergency or ambulance: 10177.
- SADAG general line: 011 234 4837.
These numbers were verified as at June 2026. Please re-check them on the live page, as helpline numbers can change.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for "the right moment". There is rarely a perfect moment. A quiet word now beats a perfect word never.
- Avoiding the direct question. Hinting around it leaves the door half-shut. Asking plainly does not increase the risk.
- Trying to fix it. You are not the therapist. Your job is to listen and to connect them to help.
- Promising to keep it secret. If their life is at risk, getting help matters more than the promise.
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In crisis? SADAG 0800 567 567 ·