Unique demands on energy and resource sector workforce become focus of new support framework
Employers have been equipped with a new practical framework to assist them in navigating the industry’s distinct workforce mental health challenges, including varying rosters, remote isolation and fly-in, fly-out working arrangements.
Released last week, the Resources and Energy Industry Workforce Mental Health Framework is the latest initiative from Australian Resources and Energy Group (AMMA).
The industry-first framework is designed to further build upon the resources and energy industry’s strong motivations to drive continual improvement in workforce mental health policies and initiatives by adding to resources for employers.
Organisations are provided with the theoretical tools to breakdown their workforce mental health and wellness capability from a policy, program and practical perspective. Employers can then benchmark their specific programs and initiatives against the ‘Maturity Scale’, illustrating what actions look like at five different stages from ‘Compliant’ through to ‘Progressive’.
“The maturity scale reflects the varying stages of employers as they continue their mental health and wellness journey – from basic compliance and fundamentals, all the way through to being proactive and progressive,” Steve Knott AM, CEO of AMMA, said.
“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.”
At the heart of this framework is the ‘Organisational Elements’ and ‘Influence Factors’ which outline the sector’s unique challenges and opportunities relating to mental health.
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.
It builds on AMMA last year launching an industry-first online training program for psychological health and safety across resources and energy workplaces.
