The NHVR has entered into a new partnership with the Healthy Heads Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) Foundation to improve psychological safety and physical health across the heavy vehicle and logistics industries.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the partnership with HHTS showed the importance the NHVR placed on mental and physical health when it comes to heavy vehicle safety and ensuring drivers and logistics workers have access to the best possible information, resources and support.
“The NHVR will contribute $150,000 over the next three years to progress key initiatives that the NHVR sees as critical to supporting mental and physical health,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“This is in addition to the work the NHVR does in promoting mental and physical health through our existing channels.
“The HHTS project is one of the first mental health initiatives that is directly co-driven with industry, customers and others across the complete supply chain at all levels.
“Today we’ve signed off on a set of Guiding Principles which outline a clear and mutual commitment to the heavy vehicle transport and logistics industries to do our part to improve mental health and physical wellbeing.”
HHTS is a registered not-for-profit charitable foundation that exists for the benefit of the broader supply chain and is open to all operators regardless of size or scale.
CEO Naomi Frauenfelder said that support from road transport operators and customers was vital to tackling issues relating to driver psychological safety and physical health.
According to Superfriend, the transport, logistics and postal sector is currently ranked as the worst sector nationally for mental health.
“HHTS is working to build a healthier and more thriving industry, by promoting prevention and understanding of mental health issues in truck drivers and logistics workers,” Ms Frauenfelder said.
“This includes equipping them with the skills and confidence to support their colleagues through life’s ups and downs, as well as monitoring their own mental health and seeking help when needed.
“We look forward to working with the NHVR to ensure that mental and physical health are a key component of their safety agenda moving forward.”
HHTS also receives funding from the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. For more information visit www.healthyheads.org.au/