According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2020, 45,979 Americans died by suicide, and there were an estimated 1.20 million attempts. In Hawaii, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death. 

As a leading cause of death among working-age adults in the United States, the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), provides resources regarding suicide prevention. Although aimed toward the construction industry, the resources are available to everyone, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).

Callers to the new three-digit 988 line are connected to a trained Lifeline counselor ready to give assistance to callers experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis. The Lifeline is a free network of over 200 crisis centers across the country, and can be used anytime, anywhere you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.

OSHA further provides a poster entitled “Suicide Prevention 5 Things You Should Know” which may be placed in the workplace. Briefly, the five things to know are:

1. Everyone can help prevent suicide; 
2. Know the warning signs of suicide; 
3. Ask “are you okay?”; 
4. If someone is in a crisis, stay with them and get help; and 
5. Suicide prevention resources are available. 

For more information visit:

• AFSP website
• National Institute of Mental Health Publications about Suicide
• Suicide Prevention Resource Center Workplace resources

Additionally, Hawaii Employers Council previously published a guide: Addressing Suicide in the Workplace (HEC member login required) in July 2018, following some highly publicized suicides.