The Blueprint for Mental Health in the Mining Industry provides a broad-based framework for best practice models of health and safety in the sector.
The blueprint spells out goals and strategies for the promotion of health, prevention of mental health problems and responding to those in need of help.
It also includes strategies for supporting those returning to work, which are underpinned by an emphasis on robust evaluation.
MCA chief executive Brendan Pearson said the remote nature of mining work presented its challenges to those in the industry, and establishing the blueprint was a start in addressing the issue.
“Despite the growing awareness of the importance of mental health, there is still much to do,” he said.
“The development and launch of the blueprint is an important step forward.
“It builds on research that has concluded that a broad multifaceted approach within an industry framework is most likely to deliver long-term results, and bring best return on investment, both cost benefit and broader social benefit.”
Pearson said industry had a significant part to play in the mental health space.
“The important message that mental health is everyone’s business has been a key platform for national and state government mental health policies,” he said.
“Industry has a key role to play, and a willingness to work intensively with communities, researchers and health services to advance our progress towards better mental health for all.”
The Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy has thrown its support behind the initiative, releasing its own blueprint based on the MCA version and tailored to the state’s resource industry context.
CME deputy chief executive Nicole Roocke said the blueprint provided a framework for promoting wellbeing in the workforce and reducing the risks and impacts of mental illness.
“Mental illness is a significant issue within the community and there is growing appreciation for how mental health issues many manifest in the workplace,” she said.
“CME recognises there is an important role for all workplaces to play in promoting wellbeing and addressing the risks and impact of mental illness.”
Rooke said the CME encouraged all companies to utilise the blueprint to help improve their efforts in the area.
