Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their profession. In the mining industry, employees may face long hours, isolation, and high-pressure situations. These factors can contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a significant impact on an employee’s overall health and well-being.
Safety Manager Eric Reno says that taking care of one’s own mental health keeps everyone safer.
“It’s very easy for people to get mentally drained, not just physically,” Eric said. “If you don’t have your head paying attention to what’s around you, that’s opening the opportunity for possible injuries to yourself and the others around you.”
Another important factor is reducing the stigma around mental health. Employees may feel hesitant to seek support or disclose their struggles due to the stigma that still exists around mental health issues. By promoting open dialogue and educating employees about mental health, companies can help reduce this stigma and create a supportive workplace culture.
Director of Operations Kristin Sweeney wants to continue breaking that stigma.
“It’s important that we recognize that when we show up for work, we can’t be our whole self, or be our safest onsite if we don’t take care of ourselves and our mental health,” Kristin said. “With safety being the most important thing we do at any of our job sites, we want to make sure our employees take care of themselves inside and out.”
Prioritizing mental health in the mining industry benefits both employees and companies. By supporting employee well-being, companies can promote a positive work environment, reduce turnover, and improve productivity. Investing in mental health is a win-win for everyone involved, and it’s an important step towards creating a safer, healthier, and more productive mining industry.
