Mentally Healthy and Resilient Workforces

The Mining Innovation Network is bringing together expertise from across UWA and Government to deliver innovative, step-change solutions for the mining industry.

The University of Western Australia’s Mining Innovation Network in collaboration with the School of Psychological Science are delighted to invite you to the Mentally Healthy and Resilient Workforces Event.

More than 20% of the Australian mining industry workforce experiences mental health challenges each year. Research shows that FIFO workers are exposed to sector-specific psycho-social hazards that have implications for their mental health, both positive and negative.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have heightened the mental health issues that workers experience and key new research in this area will be presented at the event. Clarity on the workplace conditions that can support or undermine mental health enables development and implementation of interventions to improve workplace health and safety, and increase resilience in mining workforces.

This event will showcase recent insights and advances in mining workforce mental health from UWA, including impacts of FIFO work, aboriginal perspectives onto mining, and sleep disruptions and disorders. It is geared towards solutions that support a mentally healthy and resilient mining workers that may be of interest to work health and safety practitioners, EAP providers, mining operators and contractors as well as workplace psychologist..

Invited speakers and panel members will reflect on their experiences and the insights that their research has generated on mental health in mining. Following the presentation and panel discussion, you will have an opportunity to network with other attendees and meet the speakers.

Hear from the Department of Mines and UWA’s experts to find out what mining can do to support workers’ mental health and wellbeing in this rapidly changing environment.

Speakers include:

• Dr Melissa Ree, Sleep Scientist, School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia
• Dr Laura Fruhen, Workplace Psychologist, School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia
• Professor Gary Hulse, Psychiatrist, Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia
• Ms Amy Douglas-Martens, Inspector of Mines- Mental Health & Wellbeing, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
• Panel moderated by Professor Romola S. Bucks, Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia

Event details:

• When: Friday 4th September 2020
• Time: Registration and doors open at 3:00pm
• Event: 3:30pm - 5:00pm with networking reception to follow. To register to attend this event in person please CLICK HERE
• Event Location: UWA Campus – Venue TBC in reminder email prior to the event
• Online: This event will also be available on MS Teams. Please indicate if this is your preference when registering and details will be sent to you email.

The event online will commence at 3:30pm - 5:00pm