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Concurrent 19. Presentation for: Mental health and the resources sector: findings from a research program to promote effective mental health solutions

Brian Kelly A *
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A The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

* Correspondence to: Brian.Kelly@newcastle.edu.au

The APPEA Journal 62 - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ21368
Published: 3 June 2022

Abstract

Presented on Wednesday 18 May: Session 19

This paper outlines a multifaceted national workplace mental health research program that incorporated assessment of individual level, work characteristics and organisational factors on mental health among workers in the resources sector within Australia and internationally. This multistep program included: identification of level of mental health and substance use problems in an Australian national study; examination of risk and protective factors (work roles, social networks and location); attitudes to seeking mental health assistance; organisational policies regarding mental health within a workplace health and safety framework; piloting a resources-specific workplace mental health program for team leaders and supervisors and a workplace suicide prevention program; and application of digital mental health interventions to this sector. Additional linked studies in New South Wales and Queensland in the resources sector assessed personal factors influencing perception of workplace physical risks and hazards, risk behaviours and opportunities for risk mitigation; and links between mental and physical health factors. A summary of the key findings are presented within the context of a program of research addressing mental health within remote settings in the resources sector. Mental health-related problems are highly prevalent among workers in remote resource settings, which has significant implications for workplace health and safety. Strategies to address prevention and effective intervention need to be tailored to the industry and employee characteristics, and address models of mental health care that are feasible and accessible in often remote and challenging environments.

To access the presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here

Keywords: alcohol, health and safety, mental health, occupational health, remote work, resources sector, worker wellbeing, workplace health.

Professor Brian Kelly is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Newcastle, supporting the needs of the institution’s research community and collaborators in partnership with our colleges and external partners. Professor Kelly has clinical and research expertise in psychiatry including industry collaboration in mental health research and has been Director of the Centre for Resources Health and Safety within the University’s Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER).