Suicides in Massachusetts by Industry and Occupation, 2016–2019

Abstract

Objective To examine suicide deaths among working-age residents in Massachusetts and to determine industries and occupations with high numbers and rates of suicides. Methods The Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System and Massachusetts death certificates were used to analyze suicide deaths from 2016 to 2019. Counts and rates were generated by demographics and industry and occupation groupings. Results There were 2199 working-age Massachusetts residents who died by suicide. Higher suicide rates were associated with being male, 65 years or older, White, and non-Hispanic or having military background. Suicide rates were higher among the construction industry sector and the construction and extraction occupational group compared with the average rate for all Massachusetts workers. Conclusions Suicide rates differed between industries and occupations, suggesting that work-related factors may play a role and should be considered when planning outreach initiatives and interventions.