Barriers installed on bridges around Australia are a cost-effective measure associated with reduced rates of suicide, according to Aussie researchers, who found that the barriers give a return of US $2.40 for every US $1 invested over 10 years.
The team found that US $145 million could be saved in prevented suicides over five years, and US $270 Million over 10 years, based on the Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s estimate for the value of statistical life.
The research did not find significant evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of barrier installation at cliff sites, suggesting more research and a broader approach to suicide prevention at cliff sites is needed.
Source: Western Sydney University, The University of Melbourne, Black Dog Institute, The University of New South Wales, Deakin University