Suicide Prevention

Heavy truck drivers (truckies) are the second most at-risk occupational group (after the construction industry) for suicide. Truckies are also at high risk of chronic disease and experience disproportionately high personal relationship stressors and other psychosocial issues which are also important risk factors for suicidality.

Following a number of suicide-related deaths amongst Western Queensland truckies, WQPHN commissioned OzHelp to deliver a trial of its already developed evidence-based and truck driver-specific ‘Health in Gear’ (HiG) program at three key truck stop locations in Cloncurry, Winton and Morven over September 2002.

Aside from the opportunistic place-based offer of ‘Tune Ups’ the truckies were also offered resources to support access to ongoing counselling and other support through the HiG Support Line and referral to local primary, mental health and alcohol and other drug services. In Cloncurry 24 drivers engaged in a brief intervention “conversation” and four consented to a Tune Up health screening. While numbers were lower for Tune Ups in Winton and Morven truck stop locations, many drivers reported that they would be more willing to engage and to be screened having now understood who the ‘Health in Gear’ team was and if they returned to Western Queensland.

The trial of the acceptance of Health in Gear by truckies was positive and highlights the importance of development of a trusting relationship and/or recognised service ‘brand’ in Western Queensland.