August marks Tradies’ National Health Month, a great opportunity to check in on the physical and mental wellbeing of the workers in your crew.
The aim is to raise awareness of the physical and mental wellbeing of workers in the trade sector, many of whom work long and demanding hours in high-pressure, and sometimes stressful, work environments.
These demands can have a powerful negative effect on the health of these workers – with younger workers at particular risk – and expose them to psychological risk, to negative behaviours (like drinking heavily) and to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, to thoughts of self-harm.
Tradies’ National Health Month gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the demands and pressures faced by people in trades, to spread the word around prioritising mental and physical wellbeing, and to encourage ‘help-seeking’ behaviours – for reaching for help when ‘help is needed’. (Did you know that only one-in-three people suffering symptoms of depression seek professional help?).
With greater awareness, and a better focus on mentally healthy workplace systems and practices, employers, team leaders and co-workers can really create positive change around this topic.
Like most of us, tradies spend the greater parts of their lives ‘on the job’. Their workplaces, work systems and the people around them play an important role in protecting their physical and mental wellbeing and in being alert to signs of struggle.
One way for employers to get involved is by visiting Worksafe Victoria’s WorkWell Toolkit. It’s an online resource designed to provide strategies and advice for improved workplace mental health.
To sign up or log in to your toolkit, visit the following link: https://www.workwell.vic.gov.au/toolkit?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=WorkWell%20Wednesday&utm_term=COVID%20Resources
You can also talk to ADA AUSTRALIA. Our workplace mental health training, toolbox talks, resources and support services can have a positive impact on mental health, commitment and engagement at your workplace.
To order any of our publications – like The Little Blue Book of WORKPLACE MENTAL HEALTH – or to view the training courses and services we offer;
Go to: www.adaaus.com.au
Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about Tradies Health Month, follow the link https://australian.physio/campaigns/tradies-national-health-month
If this information raised any concerns for you, please do speak to your GP, they can help you back to good health, or call a helpline: LIFELINE 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue 1300 22 4636.