Staff dressed in custom-made, bright blue high-vis PPE came together recently for a photoshoot in front of a specially decorated 400 tonne Terex MT6300 (one of the largest haul trucks in the world), as part of the program.
CPM chief executive Chen Zeng said the initiative was focussed on opening a dialogue with CPM employees, to help shift some of the stigma around depression and anxiety in the workplace.
“Right across the community, in one way or another, many of us have been directly or indirectly impacted by mental health issues,” Zeng said.
“It’s a visual reminder to everyone that you’re not alone and there is help available. It’s been a lot of fun as well, boosting morale during an exciting but busy period for our project.”
Throughout the month of November beyondblue speakers and psychologists from the company’s employee assistance program have focused on topics to ensure a healthy work-life balance, such as procedures to manage conflict, deal with anxiety and maintain positivity about change.
Federal Minister for Trade Andrew Robb and WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion have pledged their support for the campaign.
Marmion said the program was a good example of Australia’s world-leading resources industry taking a proactive approach to a community-wide issue.
“Initiatives like this get people talking, sharing and coming together to support each other and this great cause,” Marmion said.
So far, around $A80,000 has been raised, with the primary earner being the purchase of 1400 PPE and polo shirts by CPM employees and contractors.
The cost of each shirt is being matched by CPM, with a direct donation going to beyondblue.
Zeng said the company has been overwhelmed by contractor’s generosity.
“Once they knew what we were trying to achieve, these businesses were very keen to support the initiative.”
According to beyondblue, untreated mental health issues costs Australian employers $10.9 billion a year through absenteeism, reduced productivity and compensation claims.
Other effects can include poor morale and staff engagement, high staff turnover and potential penalties for breaches of work health and safety legislation.
Around 45% of Australians aged from 16-85 will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lifetime, and in a 12-month period, 20% of Australians will experience a mental health condition.
CPM is developing the Sino Iron project, 100km south of Karratha, with the first two processing lines in production.
Construction and commissioning of the remaining four processing lines is underway and concentrate is being exported through Cape Preston.
The project is China’s largest-ever overseas investment in the resources sector to date.
