R U OK? and Healthy Heads in Truck & Sheds Foundation (HHTS) have teamed up to ensure people in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask, “are you OK?”

Today, 17 May the Foundation launches ‘R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds’, a day of action to start driving conversations for ongoing cultural change and to shine a light on the need to have these conversations, every day of the year.

Organisations across the country will hold workplace events to encourage connection amongst colleagues and provide free resources on how to drive a conversation if they’re worried a workmate might be struggling.

Naomi Frauenfelder, CEO HHTS said, “a key ambition of the Foundation is to continually raise mental health awareness among truck drivers, distribution centre and warehouse staff members. By joining forces with R U OK? our goal is to make sure people in the sector have the tools to drive conversations that could change, or even, save a life.”

“To achieve this goal, we have worked with R U OK? to create ‘a practical guide to asking ‘’are you OK?’’that is tailored to the sector. It provides the tools to spot the signs that someone might be doing it tough and four simple steps to asking, “are you okay?”, right through to how to find support services.” Ms Frauenfelder said.

The transport industry in Australia ranks poorly in terms of workplace mental health and wellbeing, with a thriving index score the lowest of any sector^[1].

Katherine Newton, CEO, R U OK? said, “Life’s ups and downs happen to us all, but those working in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries face some unique challenges including tight deadlines, long hours, shift work and isolation. One thing we can all do is drive conversations with work mates who might be doing it tough, helping them feel connected and supported at work and in their personal lives.”

The ‘R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds’ initiative delivered by HHTS and R U OK? is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.

Sal Petroccitto, NHVR CEO said, “Mental health continues to be an important issue for our industry, and I congratulate Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds for urging everyone to check in and ask ‘’are you OK?’’– not just once a year, but every day.”

Naomi Frauenfelder, CEO HHTS said, “show your support and ask ‘R U OK?’today and every time you spot the signs a work mate might be struggling. Together, as an industry we can drive conversations that make a real difference.”

Find out more and download free resources including ‘A practical guide to asking, “are you OK?’’ at: healthyheads.org.au/ruok

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[1] Indicators of a Thriving Workplace – National Report 2021; Transport, Postal and Warehousing 2021 Industry Profile.

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For further information contact: Sally Glover, Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds, National Manager, Marketing & Campaigns, [email protected]