Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific has announced it has joined the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation (HHTS).
The commercial vehicle manufacturer will partner with the mental health initiative as a National Highway Sponsor contributing to the training and education stream.
HHTS is an initiative between road transport, warehousing and logistics operators to support drivers and logistics workers with issues relating to mental health and physical wellbeing.
The aim of the foundation is to help make thriving workplaces for everyone in the industry as part of a national strategy across this critically important sector.
Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said mental health issues affect society as a whole and recognised the transport industry, by its very nature, has very specific challenges.
“Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds is a fantastic initiative developed by transport industry people for transport industry people,” he said.
“We think this approach will be particularly effective and are extremely pleased to be involved,” Whitehead added.
The overarching objective of HHTS is the creation of a single national mental health plan for truck drivers, distribution and warehouse staff with the participation of smaller operators funded by the larger founding industry members.
HHTS is being guided by some of the most experienced road transport and logistics figures in Australia including Lindsay Fox AC, as Patron, Woolworths Group Managing Director, Primary Connect and Chief Supply Chain Officer, Paul Graham, as Chair, and members from founding partner companies including Qube, Coles, Linfox, Ron Finemore Transport and Australia Post.
Whitehead will represent Daimler Truck and Bus Australia as an observer on the HHTS Advisory Board.