The incidence & causes of suicide in the construction industry in Queensland were examined using psychological autopsy & focus group investigations. A total of 64 male suicides occurred over a 7-year period, representing a crude suicide rate of 40.3 per 100,000, significantly greater than the working age Australian male rate. Young employess were at excessive risk with separation/divorce, relationship problems, & untreated psychiatric conditions the major contributors. Focus groups emphasized the importance of work/home interface factors & industry-specific factors preceding suicide. (43 refs.)