PORTS Australia has joined Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds as members to continue the promotion of mental health and wellbeing of transport and logistics workers.
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds is a not-for-profit foundation that promotes prevention and understanding of mental health issues that exist across the road transport and logistics industries in Australia.
These occupations in the transport and logistics sector come with long hours, isolation and constant pressure to meet deadlines. These factors can increase vulnerability to mental health issues.
Healthy Heads’ National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap shows that between 2008 and 2014, truck drivers had the highest number of suicides of any profession.
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation exists to promote prevention and understanding of mental health issues that exist across the road transport and logistics industries in Australia.
Ports Australia strongly recommends individuals across the transport and logistics industry to use the resources provided by Healthy Heads and to consider becoming a member, which is free for individuals.
The pandemic has challenged the industry more than ever to prioritise the mental health of staff, given the unpredictability of working conditions and the potentially increased isolation they face.
Many Australian ports have reimagined the way staff interact with one another, some introducing new workplace social media platforms, some holding virtual luncheons where food is sent to workers’ remote locations.
Ports Australia CEO Mike Gallacher praised the work of Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds and looked forward to sharing a strong relationship going forward.
“Businesses simply cannot go without mental health and wellbeing planning for their staff and its importance has been proven ever more for workers in the transport and logistics industry,” Mr Gallacher said.
“Ports Australia believes that with such responsibility and exposure to risk, the mental health of our sector’s workers should be of the utmost importance to ensure their wellbeing and the continuity of our supply chain.
“Ports Australia congratulates Healthy Heads on their work thus far promoting the mental health of supply chain workers and we look forward to joining their fight.”
If you or someone you know needs support with mental health or well-being, you can contact the appropriate support service provider as shown below.
24/7 Mental Health Services:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
