Cost of a life

BARRIERS installed on bridges around Australia are a costeffective measure associated with reduced rates of suicide, according to Aussie researchers.

They found that the barriers gave a return of $US2.40 ($A3.20) for every $US1 invested over 10 years.

The team found that $145m could be saved in prevented suicides over five years and $270m over 10 years, based on the Australian government estimates for the value of statistical life.