A NEW physical and mental health program for the Tasmanian transport industry was launched on May 15 at the Caltex Epping Forest Roadhouse during Road Safety Week.
The Tasmanian Transport Association’s Open Road Driver Health and Wellbeing Program, to be delivered in partnership with Rural Alive and Well, is designed to improve safety for heavy vehicle drivers and was launched by Federal Assistant Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Tasmanian senator Carol Brown.
Tasmanian Transport Association chairman John de Bruyn said the project would be rolled out over the next 18 months, working collaboratively with Tasmanian freight transport businesses.
“Open Road is a program developed by TTA to provide an industry led approach to address issues of physical and mental health and wellbeing in the Tasmanian transport industry and builds on our Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy,” Mr de Bruyn said.
“We’re excited to expand on our partnerships with Rural Alive and Well, and with the University of Tasmania, along with our members, to provide resources and support that will make a real difference to the wellbeing of people in our industry in Tasmania.”
RAW mental health workers, including Open Road coordinator Kerri Connors, who has been driving trucks since she was 17, will be out and about to check up on truckies.
SRT truck driver of 34 years Paul Kelleher said at the launch that it was “a great thing, long overdue for the industry”.
“There are people, myself included, who could have benefited from some mental health support at times that’s life I guess but it shouldn’t be ignored.
“I know a chap who has had to deal with people suiciding on the road, twice, and while he’s still in the industry that’s a hard gig for him.”
Open Road is made possible with funding from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Australian Government.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the Tasmanian Transport Association received $266,000 funding as part of the Australian Government’s $3.5 million investment towards HVSI projects.
“As part of the HVSI, industry will be driving its own safety initiatives to contribute to safer roads, drivers, and vehicles,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“I am excited to see how the Tasmanian Transport Association’s project will make an impact, to deliver improved safety outcomes for all road users.”