Australia’s transport and logistics sector is currently ranked as the worst in Australia for mental health and wellbeing outcomes, but that doesn’t mean positive work is not being conducted in the space by those embedded in it to improve the lives and support networks of those around them.
TRUCK TECH Workshop Leading Hand Tom Burke is among the new generation of transport worker checking in with his team, looking after his mates and having the hard conversations to help ensure he and his team are feeling supported and cared for in the workplace.
Speaking to Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds, Burke’s progression to mental health advocacy has been led by his own experiences in the physically demanding and often challenging industry as a young man and, now he’s progressed to a management role, he’s turning long held and antiquated ideas about mental health on their heads.
“Many people don’t realise the physical strength required to be a truck mechanic,” Burke says. “When I first started out, I was a small bloke, so I had to work harder, and I copped a lot of crap about my size.
“I could have bailed at that point, but I wanted to prove them wrong.
“Now I’m a manager I make sure my team know each other well, don’t push the jokes too far and can spot the signs if someone is struggling.
“You never know what a workmate is battling with outside of work. I’ve had some serious family struggles over the past few years, and while it’s separate from work my brain doesn’t magically switch off when I clock on.
“Having mates at work who know my situation and give me the space to talk about it makes me feel less alone. I’m no longer afraid to say, ‘I’m not ok’ [and] I think me being more open has helped the boys be more open too.”
Burke’s employer, TRUCK TECH, currently operates out of a trio of locations in Chipping Norton in NSW, Dandenong South in Victoria and Stapylton in Queensland.
Burke says his interactions with a variety of heavy vehicle operators across TRUCK TECH’s client base has led to some of the most insightful conversations of his career.
“Our relationships extend beyond just our team,” he continues.
“Truckies drop their vehicles off the get fixed or we respond to a breakdown, and they might have been on the road alone for hours on end, so it’s common for them to share their day with you.
“The more you get to know them, the more they’ll also share about some of their challenges.
“Having that yarn can help them get out of their head and builds a level of trust which is so important in our industry.”
There is still plenty of room for improvement for mental health outcomes in the transport and logistics industry, but managers like Burke and employers like TRUCK TECH are slowly starting to move the needle.
“Even though there are still blokes in the industry who have a ‘toughen up’ attitude, it’s becoming less tolerated,” he says.
“They realise the day will come when they might need support too.
“I know when the boys are having an off day because they’re not performing, or they’re distracted. It’s my job to make sure they’re safe and comfortable.
“It isn’t easy to tell someone you’re struggling, so after I have asked if they’re ok once I don’t push it. I just make they know I won’t judge them and, if they need time, the rest of the team can step in.
“No matter your job, role or age, having a listening ear can be a life changer.”
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