Occupational Suicide: Psychosocial Risks and Regulatory Challenges in Latin America

Abstract

Work-related suicide is an urgent issue within the field of psychosocial risks, due to its association with adverse working conditions such as harassment, work overload, and organizational precariousness, among others. Through a legal-comparative and documentary study of Latin American countries, it is evident that its recognition faces conceptual and legal barriers, particularly regarding the restrictive interpretation of “intentional act” and the “causal link.” However, progress can be seen in regulatory frameworks that incorporate technical and expert criteria—such as psychological autopsy—to reconstruct the work context in cases of suspicious deaths. In turn, it is possible to complement these preventive tools with psychosocial assessment questionnaires used by different countries. In line with the empirical evidence, it is proposed that this type of suicide is a multicausal phenomenon that must be addressed from a structural rather than an individualistic perspective. It is proposed to move toward an occupational health policy that not only mitigates risk factors but also strengthens compensation mechanisms and raises awareness of the issue. Finally, the article concludes with proposals for more robust regulation focused on prevention and social justice.