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Transport Sector
HGV drivers keep the country and our economy moving, but more needs to be done to protect Britain’s truckers from work-related stress.
The scale of work-related stress across the economy has increased in recent years. Stress, depression or anxiety is now is the number one cause of work-related ill-health in Great Britain. Within the transportation and storage sector as a whole (which includes road haulage), around four in ten cases of work-related ill-health are due to stress, depression or anxiety. Long hours away from home, demanding delivery times and limited access to toilets and showers are common causes of stress for drivers.
Michelle Upson, a lorry driver who has been in the industry for more than three decades, is concerned about the welfare of her fellow workers. She said: “I’d say there is a mental health problem in the industry. Especially for the guys up the road all week and without their families – it is a lot tougher for them.
“Most of the workforce is men and the age demographic is still high. I think they are less likely to talk about their mental health problems so promoting it is a good thing.
“Mates in Mind say it is okay not to be okay and I think that is a valuable message to promote if anyone has got a problem and whether they need someone to talk to.
“Line managers certainly need to promote positive mental health because if it helps one individual it is a success, isn’t it?
“Highlighting mental health is a very good idea and all managers need to be aware of it and that obviously involves training. If there are managers who are able to see and spot the signs of poor mental health then it would be good if they can try and help to promote good mental health.”
Where to begin
Employers have a legal duty to ensure risks of stress and mental ill health are factored into risk assessments at an organisational level, to stop issues developing into poor mental health.
- download a risk assessment template and see some examples
- download a Talking Toolkit to help structure conversations
- print out / share our campaign resources round up
- print out / display our Working Minds 5 steps poster
- sign up to the e-bulletin.
Help is available
If you or someone you know needs help or support, you can use the Mates in Mind “BeAMate” text support service.
Simply text “BeAMate” to 85258 and trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness or depression and are available 24/7.
Sarah Meek, managing director at Mates in Mind, said: “As a partner of Working Minds from the outset of the campaign, we are pleased to be supporting this initiative to raise awareness of the impact that a proactive and preventative approach to mental health delivers within the transport and logistics sector.
“As a charity, Mates in Mind works with many businesses within the sector, including Wincanton and Palletways, that have made the commitment to raising awareness and supporting their teams by developing a positive culture towards mental health and wellbeing. Our fantastic anonymous text service is proving popular particularly with those on the road, to communicate any worries or personal challenges with someone available 24/7.
“If you want to know more about how Mates in Mind can provide expert support in co-creating your mental health strategy and proactive plan, including workforce awareness sessions, please contact us at support@matesinmind.org. Let’s start the conversation about mental health within your workplace.”
Laura Taylor, HR Director at the Road Haulage Association (RHA) says: “We are delighted to be supporting HSE’s Working Minds campaign. At the RHA we recognise that our employees’ mental health wellbeing is not just a personal concern to them but a vital component of our collective success as an organisation. Supporting mental health is not just a token initiative for us but a commitment to nurturing an environment where all employees feel valued, understood and empowered.”
Contact Details
Corporate Communications
2.2 Redgrave Court
Merton Rd
Bootle
L20 7HS
2.2 Redgrave Court
Merton Rd
Bootle
L20 7HS
