Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Asks: R U OK? No qualifications needed
In today’s workplace, especially within the road transport, warehousing and logistics sectors, addressing psychosocial hazards is not just an option — it’s a necessity. These industries face unique, high-pressure challenges that can take a toll on mental health. Long hours, isolation on the road, tight deadlines, and physical demands are just a few factors that can contribute to increased stress, burnout, and declining mental wellbeing.
A sobering insight from Superfriend’s 2023 ‘Indicators of a Thriving Workplace’ report shows the transport and logistics industry ranked last (19 out of 19) in workplace mental health and wellbeing across Australian industries. With a thriving index score of just 65 out of 100, it’s clear this sector urgently needs focused, proactive support.
This is where Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds comes in. HHTS offers solutions that are both accessible and tailored to the realities of this sector. From educational programs and on-the-go support resources to wellbeing toolkits and workplace initiatives, they’re delivering the practical tools our workforce needs. This is why, for the third year in a row, we have partnered with Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) and R U OK? to ensure everyone working in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask, “Are R U OK?”
At Pickles, we believe real change comes from leadership, conversation, and collaboration. This means putting wellbeing on the agenda at every level — from the warehouse floor to the boardroom. It means checking in with our workmates and normalising mental health conversations, before things reach crisis point.
R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds National Day of Action is 6th May 2025 and this year's recurring theme is “Ask R U OK? – No qualifications needed”. This is so important because it breaks through this stigma that you don’t need to be a qualified counsellor to check in on a friend or workmate.
With men making up the majority of the workforce in the transport industry, a “tough it out” culture often prevails, discouraging open conversations about mental health, vulnerability, or seeking help. This stigma can result in mental health issues going unrecognised and unspoken. Poor mental wellbeing negatively impacts concentration, decision-making, and reaction time, all of which are crucial when operating vehicles, machinery, or managing logistics, increasing the risk of errors or serious accidents. Men in this sector often face unique barriers to support, making targeted initiatives like R U OK? in Trucks & Sheds, especially vital in promoting awareness, connection, and early intervention.
This year, to continue encouraging wellness and connection, we’ve curated a special playlist Refuelling your mindset filled with tracks to inspire, motivate and help unwind. Whether you're behind the wheel or on the warehouse floor, we hope it brings a little lift to your day.
Together, we can transform our sector into one where individuals feel supported and valued — a place where people don’t just work, but thrive.
To explore more wellbeing initiatives or to access support on the go, check out the Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds website and download the Healthy Heads App on GooglePlay or Apple. Let’s keep the wheels turning toward a healthier, more resilient industry.
If you or someone you know needs extra support, contact information for national support and services is available at ruok.org.au/findhelp.
Lifeline Australia provides free and confidential crisis support any time, day or night. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14, or chat online at lifeline.org.au.
13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).
MensLine Australia is a free 24/7 service offering support for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78 or chat online at mensline.org.au.
05 May