Healthy Heads: Industry action on mental health

Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds is Australia’s first not for profit organisation to support mental health and wellbeing in the transport industry.

Backed by Ron Finemore Transport, Woolworths, Coles, Linfox, Toll Group, and Qube
Healthy Heads will initially launch online in July and will then move to a national office who will work with industry, government and research funding

The initiative will have three key areas of focus: training, standards and wellness
Ron Finemore Transport is proud to be part of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, a not-for-profit organisation that is designed to support mental health and wellbeing for everyone in the transport and logistics industry.

The organisation was initiated by Woolworths Chief Supply Chain Officer, Paul Graham who will serve as chairman. Backed by Woolworths Group, Coles, Linfox, Toll Group, Qube and Ron Finemore Transport, each company will have a member on the inaugural board. Mark Parry Managing Director of Ron Finemore Transport is a member of the newly formed Board.

“The transport and logistics industry in Australia is a diverse environment and workers are subject to unique risks, including long working hours, shift work, isolation and fatigue” states Mark.

Most organisations have processes and initiatives in place to preserve physical wellbeing. Mental health wellbeing is generally something that has been overlooked, however it is becoming more prevalent in today’s society and we are becoming more aware of its impact.

In the transport and logistics industry there is a disproportionate amount of mental health problems with industry statistics indicating that one in five truck drivers have suffered a mental health episode, and more than 13 per cent are diagnosed with depression.

There is a need to develop skills to recognise mental illness, address suicide, build a positive driver image as well as address broader health and wellbeing through nutrition and fitness and improve mental health and wellbeing screening across the industry.

Healthy Heads will be Australia’s first transport and logistics industry mental health and wellbeing body, that aims to address the large mental health problem the industry currently faces. The organisation will develop a single, national mental health plan for truck drivers, distribution centres and warehouse staff members.

“What we want to do is to get people together to agree that it is an issue and to acknowledge that many of the environments that we work in are not creating the right atmosphere for someone who may be suffering from anxiety or mental health issues.” says Paul Graham, Woolworths Chief Supply Chain Officer and Healthy Heads Chairman.

Healthy Heads will initially launch online in July and will then move to a national office with a small dedicated full-time team, who will work with industry, government and research funding.

The initiative will have three key areas of focus: training in mental health, standard policies and procedures to reduce stress in the work environment and wellness; helping drivers become healthier from a balanced diet and mental health perspective.

The organisation will also collaborate with well-established service partners and use the Healthy Heads platform to elevate current initiatives and provide access to those who are most in need.

Ron Finemore Transport is proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to helping shape a mentally healthy industry and working together with industry to help address this problem that knows no borders or boundaries.