Painting trucks blue for mental health

10/10/2017

October is a month dedicated to placing mental health awareness in the foreground.

This year, the Mining team took the opportunity to open the discussion on mental health by launching ‘blue trucks’ in Cape Preston (WA) and Goonyella (QLD). The aim of this initiative is to shift mental health into a more positive view and reduce the stigma.

Natasha Palethorpe, National Employee Support for the Mining business, said “Mining have painted Haul trucks and engines blue to remind employees that ‘R U OK? Day is everyday’. These trucks serve as a fantastic reminder to our operators, maintainers and clients that we need to keep a compassionate eye on one another.”

“A massive thanks must go to our Mining Project Managers for their ongoing support; particularly, Kris Oliver and Wayne Martin. Special thanks also go to Harry Sewell (Maintenance Planner), Graeme Leersen (Plant Manager) & Clem Sears (Commercial Manager) in the West and Warren Januschka (Plant Estimating & Innovation Manager), Jason Arthur (Maintenance Operations Contracts Manager) and Jason Boss (Maintenance Contracts Support) in the East. Great work, team!”, says Natasha.

Mental Health First Aid

The Mining business has demonstrated a strong commitment to mental health literacy by providing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Mental Health Awareness courses to employees. As part of their Supervisor Capability Framework it is mandatory for Superintendents or above to complete the MHFA course.

To date, over 350 employees in the Mining team have completed the MHFA course. The Mental Health First Aid Skilled Workplaces Initiative currently recognises the Downer Mining team as a silver workplace with over 5% of employees trained in Mental Health First Aid.