EDL powering mental health awareness and introducing systems of support

EDL takes mental health very seriously. According to Beyond Blue, around 1 in 2 Australians will experience a struggle with their mental health during their lifetime. We believe that a conversation can change a life. That’s why, in the lead up to “R U OK? Day” in Australia, EDL is starting conversations, checking on teammates and finding more ways to support its people.

EDL’s National Maintenance Facility Manager Neil King worked to transform a Caterpillar 3516 engine into a symbol of mental health awareness. Neil had the idea to paint the engine in a bright Ford Blue hue, and engrave it with messages like “You really do matter”. As a champion of diverse communities and a passionate advocate for local and school-based apprenticeships, Neil hoped the engine would become a talking point, starting conversations where they are most needed. It now stands as a reminder to EDL’s New South Wales workshop operators and visitors that support is always close.

“While the engine was being built, the team would talk and check in on each other,” said Neil.

“This daily interaction was a reminder that mental health is an everyday challenge.”

Built by Madison Callaway, Alkira Lazaro and Danica Thomas—graduates of EDL’s Women in Trades Program—the blue engine isn’t just symbolic, it’s a serious piece of equipment. With 1149kilowatts (1541break horsepower) of energy, twin turbos running at 33PSI, and the capacity to power 638 homes, it’s built to perform.

The blue engine initiative has now progressed into a movement and hundreds of cylinder heads with engraved plaques have been sent out to remote EDL sites all over Australia.

“I hope this helps to remind our teams and visitors to our sites that you are not alone,” Neil said.

“We are here to talk and offer support.”

Behind the scenes, EDL has some robust systems in place to ensure teams feel safe and supported.

• EDL’s Health & Safety Policy includes mental health related risks.
• A recent safety and culture survey included mental health and wellbeing questions.
• A register has been created to track psychosocial risks across EDL’s business.
• EDL’s reporting tools allow logging of mental health-related hazards and incidents as part of an upgraded safety system.

In addition, EDL is strengthening its approach to mental health and wellbeing through the development of a new procedure and reporting guideline to help identify and manage psychosocial risks such as stress, fatigue and bullying. This will be rolled out across the business before the end of the year.

EDL would like to thank Neil for his initiative and leadership in bringing this project to life, and for keeping safety—both physical and mental—front of mind in every aspect of his work. His efforts have sparked important conversations and will continue to inspire our teams across the business.

This week for “R U OK Day”, and every week of the year, EDL encourages you to check on your teammates, ask a simple question, start a conversation. Because when we look out for each other, we protect more than performance—we protect people. And that’s the result that matters most.

If you or someone you know needs support in Australia, you can contact Lifeline by calling 13 11 14, texting 0477 13 11 14, or using the online chat feature on the Lifeline website. Call Beyond Blue 24/7 on 1300 22 4636 for advice, referral and support from a trained mental health professional.