New Mental Health Framework for Resource Workers

A new practical framework has been launched to help resources and energy employers navigate the industry’s distinct mental health challenges, including varying rosters, remote isolation and FIFO working arrangements.

The Resources and Energy Industry Workforce Mental Health Framework is the latest initiative from The Australian Resources and Energy Group AMMA in their efforts to build and maintain mentally healthy workplaces.

The framework provides organisations with theoretical tools to determine their workforce mental health and wellness capabilities from a policy, program and practical perspective.

Employers can benchmark their initiatives against a five-stage ‘Maturity Scale’, ranging from ‘Compliant’ to ‘Progressive’.

AMMA CEO Steve Knott said the maturity scale reflects the varying stages of employers as they continue their mental health and wellness journey.

“As organisations constantly evolve and adapt to changing mental health pressures on their workforces, the programs, actions and initiatives they undertake will be selected based on what is practical and appropriate for their circumstances.”

The ‘Organisational Elements’ and ‘Influence Factors’ at the heart of the framework provide a model in which employers can assess the unique factors creating mental health pressures on their workforces and understand the three elements for taking action – Promote, Protect and Support.

“This allows employers to seek opportunities for improvement, take action to prevent harm and provide support to improve organisational culture and reducing stigma around mental health,” Knott said.

The framework was developed through consultation with leading mental health authorities and professionals within the resources and energy industry, including the guidance of AMMA’s Resources and Energy Mental Health Advisory Board.