Healthy Links: A Spotlight on Mental Health in the Logistics Industry

Mental health is finally being taken seriously. It's not that the stigma has been erased, in fact, there is still a lot of work to do. But as a general population, we are far more aware of the pitfalls presented us by poor mental health.

And we have come a long way.

A long way from "you're too sensitive" or "get yourself together".

But we are still a long way from fully understanding the full impact that mental illness can have on a population. And, we are still a far cry from being able to adequately deal with the issues. Mental health is notoriously difficult to manage and maintain. Furthermore, triggers and stressors are as unique as the individual themselves.

There are some industries that are more exposed to poor mental health than others. At least that is the suggestion made by Manchester University back in June 2019. Their article Haulage and logistics among "most exposed" to poor mental health calls for a "best practice guide for employers and employees in the sector", determining the need for such a guide to be "an urgent one - both for the wellbeing of drivers but also the longer-term sustainability of the sector."

It's the problem with male-dominated industries

The logistics industry has become increasingly more accessible to women over the past decade. But it is still an industry that holds more appeal for males. Perhaps it is the physical aspects of the jobs that entice the males in, perhaps there is still a shadow of the old guard hanging over the industry.

Whatever the reason, logistics continues to be dominated by males.

The problem is not that males are more prone to mental health disorders. In fact, according to Men's Health Forum "women are more likely to be diagnosed with common mental disorders". The problem is that men are less likely to discuss their mental health issues. At least, they are less likely to pursue professional help than women.

We can gather more information about women's mental health through discussion and research within professional circles. It's the statistics that are speaking loudest on behalf of mental health:

• 76% of all suicides are men. Moreover, suicide is the biggest cause of death for men under 35 years old
• Men are almost three times more likely to develop alcohol addiction
• Men are more likely to use (and die from) narcotics
• 73% of adults who 'go missing' are men
• A staggering 87% of rough sleepers are men
• 95% of prisoners are men

(Information taken from Men's Health Forum)

It's time to shine that spotlight on the industry

It was in November last year when UMI published a clarion call article: Action Needed to Support Mental Health Within Transport Sector. By backing the Mates in Mind campaign, they joined in "urging transport and logistic organisations to lead the way and prioritise the mental wellbeing of their workforces in light of the above-average suicide rate".

The article, essentially an interview with Martin Lockham (Transport Sector Manager for Mates in Mind), points out the toll that negative mental health has already taken from the transport, shipping and logistics sector:

• Highest level of absenteeism within the private sector
• Depression and anxiety accounting for over 40% of work-related ill health cases
• Drivers of work lift trucks had a suicide rate 86% higher than the national average. Van drivers have a rate 25% higher, and drivers of LGVs 20% higher than the national average.

You can see why Lockham asserts: "The need for industry leaders to take direct action [...] is becoming increasingly obvious."

And it could potentially be more problematic right about now

Although there is no link between COVID-19 and a biological impact on the mental health of the general population, it is well worth mentioning. Because it is a "now" thing. It is the main player in today's zeitgeist.

With all the pressures that are already stacked on workers in the Logistics industries, they have to face a new set of fears and parameters. The coronavirus pandemic has piled on:

• A fear for their personal health and safety
• Potential loss of business and income
• The ambiguity proffered by the government towards reopening the supply chains
• An uncertainty of how the industry will change thanks to COVID-19

Whilst many industries have been able to work from home, or have been able to furlough their staff into the relative safety of their own homes, the logistics drivers and warehouses have had to remain functional. The Logistics industry have been important in keeping the NHS in the vital equipment and pharmaceuticals needed to combat this plague.

They have also been instrumental in making sure all the resources we need for survival were available. Everything from the technology and we have ordered from Amazon to the caviar smoothies we have been buying from supermarkets.

The importance of Logistics cannot be understated. Therefore, neither can the pressure that has been on these companies and drivers to deliver.

So it's time to take the discussion seriously

Of course, mental health awareness week is important for all industries. In fact, it is important anywhere there are people. It is good to see everyone being so mindful and pulling out great supportive content for all of their colleagues and employees. But is the conversation going to continue next week?

With all the best will in the world, it would be sad to see this as a bandwagon moment, only to be ignored for the next twelve months. If this week starts the conversation, then long may it continue.

Martin Lockham has set up a great resource for anyone who is seriously concerned for the health and wellbeing of their workers and coworkers. Both male and female.

Don't let this awareness be a flash-in-the-pan.

It is time to take the mental health discussion seriously.