Mental health advocate Graeme Cowan has offered a series of free webinar recordings for the transport and logistics industries
In time for R U OK Day, the transport, warehousing and logistics sector is the focus of free mental health webinar recordings delivered by WorkSafe Victoria in partnership with mental health advocate and author Graeme Cowan.
The purpose of the webinars, which aired live in June and July, is to provide industry with education and resources to promote positive mental health working conditions and prevent mental injury in the workplace.
The first seminar is said to have attracted the interest of 100 industry people.
While one in five Australians are likely to experience a mental health condition, WorkSafe notes transport drivers show a 7 per cent higher prevalence in developing a mental health condition in comparison to other Australians.
WorkSafe notes 65 per cent of drivers work longer hours than recommended, impeding on work-life balance.
Heavy vehicle drivers at the heart of health project
“The Victorian Coroner’s Court concluded that the transport profession had the highest number of suicides, compared to other professions,” it says.
“It is estimated that fatigue has played a role in 10 per cent of road accidents that have involved heavy vehicle drivers, costing the Australian commercial driving industry $250 million annually.”
“Given the current climate, workplace mental health and safety is even more important, yet the webinar content will always be applicable as we progress towards more mentally safe working environments.”
The free webinars are permanently available to watch on the WorkSafe’s WorkWell Program website.
The WorkSafe WorkWell Toolkit also has an online tool enabling a step-by-step approach for employers and managers to promote mental health and prevent mental injury in the workplace.
It contains practical resources, such as tip sheets, policy examples, case studies, and templates covering work-related factors that impact workplace mental health.