Suicide Attributed to Work

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Workers' compensation laws provide death benefits for the survivors of those who commit suicide as a result of a work‐incurred physical or psychological injury. A study of claims resulting from suicidal acts reveals that included in the indicted work conditions were sudden changes in organization, conflict of loyalties resulting from work change, reactions to pain and suffering following a physical work injury, and the economic and status deprivation resulting from disability and unemployment. Those treating subjects whose jobs were the sources of stress failed to recognize their patients' desperation and urged them to stay at their jobs.