Suicide is a rare outcome, but thoughts of suicide, suicidal behaviours, and exposure to suicide are common experiences in workplaces, meaning almost every organisation will encounter them at some point. A lack of understanding, stigma, and fear of “saying the wrong thing” often prevents early conversations and leaves individuals feeling isolated. Creating an environment where people feel safe to speak openly about distress should be a critical organisational priority.
In the UK, the issue is increasingly recognised as a workplace health, safety and wellbeing priority. In 2023, 7,055 people died by suicide; around 19 people every day, and work‑related factors are estimated to contribute to approximately 10% of total suicides. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes that work‑related stress, bullying, discrimination, insecurity, and organisational change can all heighten risk, while most suicides are preventable through timely, compassionate intervention.
Modern guidance reinforces the need for a structured, proactive, and compassionate approach to prevention, intervention and postvention. The newly published BS 30480:2025 – Suicide and the Workplace provides the UK’s first national standard for managing suicide risk at work. It offers a practical framework for recognising warning signs, having direct conversations about suicide, reducing access to means, implementing Individual Safety Plans, supporting affected workers, and embedding psychologically safe cultures.
KGS Ltd have created a policy, guidance and Individual Safety Plan aligned closely with this national guidance by emphasising:
- Early recognition of risk factors and warning signs
- Direct, non‑judgemental conversations about suicide
- Clear escalation routes and crisis procedures
- Collaborative Individual Safety Plans to maintain safety during distress
- Supportive, stigma‑free cultures, including postvention support for those affected
Together, these approaches highlight that suicide prevention is not just a clinical issue, but a workplace culture, leadership, and risk‑management issue. By embedding supportive systems, training managers, and ensuring clear pathways to help, organisations can significantly reduce risk and protect the wellbeing of their workforce
Written by Daniel Prosser, MSc CMIOSH L4DipFRA OSHCR
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Professional