The NZ Trucking Association is working to raise awareness around mental health in the transport industry.
It has released a new symbol to promote the cause and will be teaming up with Teletrac Navman in the coming weeks to carry out some events for Mental Health Week which runs from September 21 to 27.
The symbol carries the message ‘trucking along, let’s talk’ and aims to encourages more conversations and let people reach out and ask for help when they need it.
It will be made available into window stickers to be displayed on vehicles and in the office.
“Our industry has recently reminded the public that during times of crisis it is essential to keep trucks moving,” NZ Trucking Association general Carol McGeady says.
“It has been an extremely challenging time for some transport operators, trying to navigate the different pandemic levels, managing disrupted schedules and access to ports, all to ensure New Zealand can keep on trucking.
“The health and wellbeing of our truck drivers and all the support people around them, such as dispatch operators, diesel mechanics, tyre technicians, repairers, office personal and management is very important,” she says.
“Truck drivers have a very isolated profession, and often a small problem at the start of the day can grow into a huge one by evening, when you are out alone on the road. Everyone that the driver meets along their way, can impact the way they feel by the end of the day.
“Truck drivers are less likely to talk about their feelings because, in their eyes, it can make them seem weak. A small bump in the road can easily be overcome, however if that bump continues, it can be difficult to get back up on your own.
“The New Zealand Trucking Association sees many operators who do need a hand from time to time with their finances and contracts. Material things like that can be discussed and a plan can be put in place to help make life easier, however if you are talking about an operator’s mental state, it becomes difficult because it is so personal.
“People may not know what to do or where to go. So, the New Zealand Trucking Association have launched a symbol that the trucking industry in New Zealand can use to show that we care,” McGeady says.
*Go to roadsafetytruck.co.nz or stay tuned on Facebook for announcements around Mental Health Week events run by the New Zealand Trucking Association and Teletrac Navman.
Contact Rebecca.dinmore@nztruckingassn.co.nz if you would like an awareness poster to display at your workplace, or some ‘trucking along’ stickers.
If you are wanting help right now phone 1737 Mental Healthline.
