Almost 100 per cent of Gold Road Resources’ leaders and 80 per cent of its employees have been certified in mental health first aid.
Gold Road has been recognised with gold accreditation from Mental Health First Aid Australia following this achievement, making it the first organisation in the mining industry to secure the standing.
Each year, one in five Australians will experience a mental illness, and throughout one’s lifetime, mental health illness will impact individuals either directly or indirectly.
Challenges exist where many people feel too uncomfortable, embarrassed or vulnerable to discuss their struggles. These may be negative or suicidal thoughts, helplessness, stress or anxiety.
As a result, much of this personal battle may be internalised.
Gold Road aims to ensure its workforce is confident and able to identify the signs of mental health illness someone else is exhibiting through this training.
The company, which first conducted its mental health first aid training course in December 2017, also provides them with assistance in a secure environment.
Gold Road consultant geologist Rick Berg said the company initiative would have certainly been of great initiative for him when he was first exposed to mental illness in his family.
“I am proud of Gold Road’s effort and commitment to educating the team on mental health issues,” Gold Road general manager – geology John Donaldson said.
“It’s opened my eyes in how to recognise and approach someone you may be concerned about. As an Aussie bloke, this is not an easy thing to do.”
Mental health is an increased area of focus within the resources industry, with BHP launching a program to combat stigma around mental illness and Glencore participating in a suicide prevention training this year.