A recent study found family factors, being in poor physical health or in financial distress (also known as health determinants), have the biggest impact on how likely a heavy vehicle driver is to face psychological distress. Transport is a male dominated industry with about 97% of truck drivers being men, which according to studies is related to higher rates of depression and suicide than other industries.
Studies suggest around 45% of Australians will experience mental illness at some point in their lives, with 1 in 5 experiencing it every year. Mental health and mental illness are still a taboo topic in some industries, especially in male dominated ones. This stigma makes workers in road transport and logistics to be less likely to access mental health and wellbeing services and resources.
The use of certain expressions or words regarding mental health and mental illness can create stigma, discrimination, and judgement. Without guidance and training we could be perpetuating stigma and judgement without realizing it. Meaningful conversations can be difficult, which is why we could tend to avoid them. Yet, they are important to create real connection.
The talk features interviews with drivers from Qube and Alex Fraser. Each give their own tips and stories about approaching mental health at work, but ultimately they share the same message: the importance of asking people are you okay to drive?
A fact sheet, poster, facilitator guide, overview and PowerPoint are also included. The fact sheets are available in three different versions, depending on the audience. One is targeted towards drivers, one towards companies and the other includes all the information.
The Toolbox Talk is designed to be flexible so your organisation can present or distribute it as you see fit.
The package was peer reviewed by industry experts to ensure it is relevant, accurate and delivered in a way that will engage drivers. This information is sourced from a combination of industry bodies and scholarly texts.
The HVTBT project is delivered thanks to key funding provided through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the federal government.
NRSPP thanks its industry working group, which consists of BINGO Industries, ComfortDelGro Australia, Heavy Vehicle Association of Australia, Holcim, Monash University Accident Research Centre, Qube, Swinburne University, Toll Global Express, Toll Group, Viva Energy and Zurich Insurance.
To download the full pack, visit Toolbox Talks >> Heavy Vehicles >> Are You Okay to Drive?