The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says more needs to be done to protect Britain's truckers from work-related stress.
The HSE Working Minds campaign will now target HGV drivers and their bosses, to promote good mental health whilst at work.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) joined as a campaign partner on 10 August.
Long hours away from home, demanding delivery times, and limited access to toilets and showers are common causes of stress for drivers.
A service provided by Working Minds campaign partner, Mates in Mind, lets drivers text "BeAMate" for free confidential health support 24/7, when safe for them to do so.
Elizabeth Goodwill, from the HSE's Stress and Mental Health Policy Team, said: "HGV drivers keep the country and our economy moving. It’s therefore vital employers meet their legal duty to ensure risks of stress and mental ill health are factored into risk assessments".
"Initiatives such as ‘BeAMate’ are helpful for people needing individual help, but we would like to see more focus on preventing work-related stress at an organisational level, to stop it developing into poor mental health. We look forward to working with the Road Haulage Association and Mates in Mind to provide employers with the help they need to protect and support drivers".
Laura Taylor, HR Director at the RHA, said: "We are delighted to be supporting HSE’s Working Minds campaign. At the RHA we recognise that our employees’ mental health wellbeing is not just a personal concern to them but a vital component of our collective success as an organisation".
"Therefore, supporting mental health is not just a token initiative for us but a commitment to nurturing an environment where all employees feel valued, understood and empowered".
If you or someone you know needs help or support, you can use our "BeAMate" text support service. To use the service, text "BeAMate" to 85258 and trained volunteers can help with issues including anxiety, stress, loneliness, or depression, and are available 24/7.
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