Why mental health matters in mining
Martin Vasilescu, Country Manager Explosives, Davey Bickford Enaex
I
n today’s high-pressure society, mental health is as important as physical health in contributing to our overall wellbeing, and with increasing numbers of people affected by mental health issues, and the competing concepts in the conversation around it, it matters now more than ever.
According to Beyond Blue, three million Australians currently live with anxiety and depression. This, combined with the findings from the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing around the detrimental effects of substance abuse and poor mental health, means that 12% of the total Australian population report experiencing a mental health challenge in any given 12-month period. When you consider that mining makes up around 2% of the total workforce, it’s fair to assume these figures are reflected in our industry too. This means that approximately 49,000 out of 245,000 Australian mining employees will experience a mental health challenge this year. But what are the biggest struggles? According to research published recently in the Medical Journal of Australia, one of the most common issues within mining is psychological distress. In fact, psychological distress occurs in mining industry workers at a rate of almost three times the national average and is particularly prevalent amongst
FIFO workers. And, let’s face it, it’s not hard to see why. The combination of physically taxing work, financial stresses, long shifts and being away from family is enough to take its toll on anyone, if not managed well. But, fortunately, like society as a whole, the industry’s come a long way. Mental health awareness has increased, and employers understand the importance of maintaining it. Subsequently, programs and support have become increasingly accessible over the past decade. Awareness has also produced charitable organisations such as MATES in Mining. Started in 2012, this organisation offers help to those who are reluctant to seek it, by building communities of people who know what to look out for and help their mates. Supported by both unions and the mining industry, this charity has rolled out its program at multiple mine sites across NSW, Qld, NT and WA, and latest figures show that almost 15,000 people have now been trained in general mental health awareness. BBMC Yearbook 2020
87
people over profit
Approximately 49,000 out of 245,000 Australian mining employees will experience a mental health challenge this year.
