Today is 1 October, which marks the start of National Mental Health Month ahead of the World Health Organisation's World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Each year, National Mental Health Month encourages us to take the time to pause and really think about our health and wellbeing, while raising awareness and support of mental health issues.
Australia's oil and gas industry is committed to the mental health and wellbeing of all its workers, contractors and their families. To coincide with the launch of National Mental Health Month, APPEA has joined forces with the Australian Resources & Energy Group AMMA and Safer Together to launch a new 'Mental Health and Wellbeing Implementation Guideline' to help its members navigate mental health concerns in the workforce.
The guideline complements AMMA's Resources and Energy Industry Workforce Mental Health Framework.
This guideline is split into four distinct sections covering various facets of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace:
- Champion wellbeing culture and leadership
- Promote wellbeing
- Protect mental health
- Support people
It encourages employers to ensure they are supportive of their workers' needs and spending sufficient time and resources into proactive management of wellbeing, while also ensuring employees feel comfortable to speak up if they are struggling or require support.
The resources and energy sectors can be demanding work environments, with employees often living and working in remote areas for extended periods. And like nearly all work sectors, there are the impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to consider.
This guideline is an important tool for APPEA members to consolidate and review their mental health policies and programs, to continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all oil and gas workers and their families.
The full guideline is available as a PDF via the links below:
