There is a rise in the number of workplace suicides. But, on the bright side, businesses can take a number of steps to reduce the risk of workplace suicide. The organization Workplace Strategies for Mental Health recommends the following:

General

Be aware of individual risk factors. These can include previous suicide attempts; suicide by an acquaintance; addiction or substance abuse; mental illness; access to lethal drugs or weapons; or stigma that discourages employees from seeking help.
Implement a comprehensive psychological health and safety management system to help improve overall workplace culture and resolve issues more effectively.
Reduce stigma related to mental health issues so all employees feel safe asking for help.
Ensure your EAP provides appropriate support and counseling services to those who may have thoughts of suicide.
Ensure that employees are aware of confidential EAP or community services that are available to help them.

Training

Be prepared and aware by providing suicide intervention training.
Increase interpersonal and social competency through training in stress management and coping skills to help individuals deal with problems.
Raise awareness of organizational and community supports, including expertise through human resource, mental health agencies or EAP to help managers and union representatives make appropriate referrals.
Resolve workplace issues quickly and effectively to reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Education

Offer evidence-based suicide prevention education to employees. Provide education to help recognize mental health problems, including warning signs of suicide.
Promote awareness that many suicides are preventable; make facts available about suicide, risk factors and prevention approaches.
Ensure employees understand that they are not required to intervene or put themselves at risk if they are ever in the position of responding to a situation of a potential suicide.
Expand awareness of mental illness and addiction.
Help reduce stigma associated with mental illness, substance abuse and suicide.
Encourage help-seeking behaviors for such problems.
Create a caring work environment in which co-workers support each other. Promote listening and interpersonal skills to help individuals improve their relationships.

Read: Workers fear disclosing a mental health condition

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Steps businesses can take to prevent workplace suicide

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