In the water industry, there is a significant focus on the physical wellbeing of water operators in the field. However, more attention must be paid to the industry’s mental and emotional health.
The water industry in Australia encompasses a diverse range of roles, from utility management to agricultural irrigation. Workers in this sector face unique challenges impacting their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s most well-known, trusted and visited mental health organisations. It never takes this role for granted, as it comes with a deep responsibility to listen, understand people’s needs and aspirations, and ensure they are at the heart of everything Beyond Blue does.
It is a big blue door for many in the community. It is a safe and reliable place for millions of people to access information, advice, and support—whether they’re well and want to stay that way, unsettled or struggling and need support, or in recovery and want to reconnect.
Dr Luke Martin is Beyond Blue’s clinical spokesperson. He has worked in the mental health field for nearly twenty years and understands the importance of speaking up about mental health.
“Many people spend a third of their lives at work, so it’s important that we have mentally healthy workplaces,” Dr Martin said. “When we talk about mental health in the workplace, we are talking about how our working environment affects us—either positively or negatively—how it impacts our ability to do our jobs, and how it influences our wellbeing.”
Recognising these challenges, organisations such as Yarra Valley Water (YVW) have implemented programs focusing on psychological safety and mental fitness. Initiatives include establishing “Safe and Well” committees and conducting pilot programs to assess and manage workload-related stress. Similarly, Water Corporation in Western Australia has developed a mental health plan emphasising awareness, leadership, capability building, and support systems. Their Mental Health Champions program aims to promote wellbeing and prevent illness by fostering a positive workplace culture.
Common stressors
The most common stressors for mental health are caused by poor working conditions and poor work design, known as psychosocial hazards. They are called this because these stressors can create job stress and can cause psychological harm.
“Workplaces where people face high demands but have low control over their work and feel unsupported by their manager and colleagues can be a recipe for workplace stress, burnout and other mental health concerns,” Dr Martin said.
Other common stress factors include a lack of role clarity, conflict with colleagues, micromanagement, remote or isolated work, exposure to distressing or traumatic incidents, bullying or harassment, and inadequate recognition for doing good work.
Stressors in the water industry
Australia’s inherently dry and variable climate, exacerbated by climate change, leads to frequent droughts and water shortages. These conditions pressure water professionals who manage limited resources to meet agricultural, industrial and urban demands. According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the stress of ensuring water security amidst declining supplies can be overwhelming.
Ageing infrastructure and the necessity for continuous maintenance and upgrades demand constant vigilance from water industry workers. Ensuring the reliability and safety of water supply systems can lead to physical fatigue and mental strain. This can be a significant issue during extreme weather events, when water utilities are often the last to go offline and are expected to be the first to come back online once the emergency has passed.
Water utilities often operate under the watchful eye of the public and media. High expectations for uninterrupted water services and swift responses to water quality concerns or supply disruptions can significantly pressure staff.
Helping Australian water industry workers
The Productivity Commission’s Mental Health Inquiry of 2020 found that workplace mental ill-health can cost Australia up to $39 billion in lost participation and productivity. Workers’ claims over the past two decades show injuries attributed to mental health conditions have risen when most other claims have decreased.
A survey of over 10,000 workers by Superfriend in 2021 found mental health conditions are on the rise for workers in Australia. More than 60 per cent of Australian workers experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, and nearly a quarter of workers believe they have a mental health condition that their workplace caused or made worse.
“Since 2021, regulatory frameworks for psychosocial hazards are tightening across Australia,” Dr Martin said. “This is driving more employers to act.”
Evidence shows that an integrated approach to creating a mentally healthy workplace leads to the greatest benefits. An integrated approach requires more than providing an EAP support service. It requires workplaces to protect mental health by reducing risks, promote mental health by enhancing the positive aspects of work, and respond to and support those experiencing poor mental health to help them stay engaged at work.
How Beyond Blue can help
Beyond Blue provides mental health support through its tailored program for medium-to large-sized workplace employees. It also offers NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO), a program for small business owners with fewer than 20 employees or who are sole traders.
Both programs offer up to eight personalised one-on-one sessions with a trained mental health coach, undertaking low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy. These programs build on the decade-long success of Beyond Blue’s NewAccess program.
For more information, visit beyondblue.org.au
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