HEALTHY Heads in Trucks & Sheds has today launched an initiative to ensure workers in road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to have conversations around each other’s mental wellbeing.
The foundation has teamed up with harm prevention charity R U OK? on a dedicated day of action known as R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds.
The campaign intends to drive conversations for ongoing cultural change and to shine light on the need to have genuine and meaningful conversations every day of the year.
HHTS said organisations across the country are holding workplace events to encourage connection among colleagues and provide free resources on how to drive a conversation if a workmate appears to be struggling.
HTTS CEO Naomi Frauenfelder said a primary ambition of the foundation is to raise mental health awareness among truck drivers, distribution centre and warehouse staff members.
“By joining forces with R U OK? our goal is to make sure people in the sector have the tools to drive conversations that could change, or even, save a life,” Ms Frauenfelder said.
“To achieve this goal, we have worked with R U OK? to create A practical guide to asking, “are you OK?” that is tailored to the sector.
“It provides the tools to spot the signs that someone might be doing it tough and four simple steps to asking, ‘are you okay?’, right through to how to find support services.”
A 2021 national report indicated Australia’s transport industry ranks poorly in terms of workplace mental health and wellbeing, with a thriving workplace index score the lowest of any sector.
“Life’s ups and downs happen to us all, but those working in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries face some unique challenges including tight deadlines, long hours, shift work and isolation,” R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton said.
“One thing we can all do is drive conversations with work mates who might be doing it touch, helping them feel connected and supported at work and in their professional lives.”
The R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds initiative is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and supported by the federal government.
“Mental health continues to be an important issue for our industry, and I congratulate Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds for urging everyone to check in and ask ‘are you OK?’ not just once a year, but every day,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said.
“Show your support and ask ‘R U OK?’ today and every time you spot the signs a workmate might be struggling,” Ms Frauenfelder said.
“Together, as an industry we can drive conversations that make a real difference.”
Further information and free resources including A practical guide to asking, “are you OK? can be found at healthyheads.org.au/ruok
