Rio Tinto : Hunter Valley mines turn ‘blue’ in support of mental health awareness

Rio Tinto's Hunter Valley mines have traded their standard yellow truck trays for vibrant blue to support mental health awareness.

Located at Rio Tinto's Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) and Mount Thorley Warkworth (MTW) sites, the blue trays now serve a dual purpose - to act as a reminder for employees to check in with their workmates on a daily basis and to highlight the increased tonnage capacity of the trays.

Pictured: Rio Tinto Hunter Valley employees support the blue truck tray initiative

As part of a site campaign to generate awareness of mental health and the support available, the MTW Inclusion and Diversity committee identified the opportunity to use the blue trays. By improving access to site-support programmes, such as peer support officers and the Employee Assistance Programme, the sites are now better equipped with mental health strategies to assist employees.

Rio Tinto Mount Thorley Warkworth general manager Colin Mackey said he was pleased to build on the site's existing mental health programmes and welcomed the blue truck tray initiative.

'The health and safety of our workforce is our number one priority and with the blue truck trays now visible around site it is a constant reminder to encourage conversations and remind people to check in on their workmates to achieve better health outcomes,' said Colin.

Colin acknowledged it is also important to partner with local support services to improve access to resources and support networks for employees and their families.

'We recognise the importance of connecting with local organisations that have the expertise, resources and support networks to assist with improving mental health in the workplace and community,' Colin said.

If you or a loved one need help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.