STEERING TRANSPORT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Many people think working in transport is all about physical strength and pushing through tough conditions. But often, it’s the mental strain of long hours, isolation and pressure that weighs heaviest on workers.

To address these issues and support workers to live a mentally healthy, life both on and off shift, the TWU formed a national initiative in 2023, called Steering Healthy Minds (SHM).

This initiative comes as a first for the Australian Transport industry. With more than half a million people employed across maritime, aviation, transport and logistics, and rail, it’s no wonder that 7% of all mental health claims are made by transport workers.

SHM Company Secretary Emma Flynn said those working in the transport industry face unique challenges and that a “tailored approach” is needed to improve mental health in this industry.

Since its inception, SHM has welcomed training from both TWU members and non-members working in transport to reduce stigma, promote awareness and empower workplaces to support mental health initiatives.

Last year, 13 transport companies across WA participated in SHM mental health first aid courses, arming their employees with the resources, skills and support needed combat mental health.

TWU Member and Perth bus driver, Terrie, has worked in transport for the past 7 years. She said that before sitting the SHM course, she had no idea how to support her co-workers.

“Before doing this course, I found one of my colleagues rolled up in a ball in our locker room crying her eyes out. She was new, she was under pressure, and I just didn’t know how to help her. I sat with her, but I didn’t know where to point her for help.

Similar sentiments have been echoed by other workers, which has aided in minimising the stigma surrounding mental health in the transport space.

“When this course came up, I decided that’s what I needed. Since then, I’ve had a lot more confidence in helping others. We were given a lot of information about where to get help and just how to sit and talk with people,” Terrie said.

Since the initiative began in 2023, more than 1100 people in transport have been trained in MHFA nationally. Workers have learnt about the different types of mental illness, signs to look-out for in their co-workers and how to act, and when to stop and care for themselves.

Industry-led plan, the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap (2025-2028) for improving psychological health and safety for road transport, warehousing and logistics, confirmed that truck drivers struggling with depression were six times more likely to be involved in an accident than those without depression.

46% of all mental health conditions in transport were due to “vehicle incidents.”

These numbers show that taking part in mental health first aid can be lifesaving.

It offers a way forward for some who may have felt trapped under pressure by gruelling workloads and serves as a stark reminder that mental health is as serious as physical health, and at times can’t be “toughed out.”

This year, the TWU is calling for companies to take mental health first aid more seriously and upskill their workplace to be a safe and welcoming environment for anyone seeking mental health support.

To register your interest, please visit https://steeringhealthyminds.com.au/training-programs/mhfa/ and view our upcoming dates.

References:

https://www.healthybusiness.net.au/post/wellbeing-in-australias-logistics-and-transport-industry-a-data-driven-look