Transport underwriting agency GT Insurance has signed up as a founding sponsor of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (HHTS), a group which has been formed to implement industry-wide mental health support programs.

Mental health conditions are estimated to cost the Australian economy $180 billion a year, and GT says it has been been looking for a way to make a positive difference within the transport sector for some time.

“GT Insurance is extremely proud to be a founding sponsor and supporter of the new organisation, providing both financial and professional support,” it says. “The whole team at GT is committed to its new partnership with HHTS as we work together to address this crucial initiative.”

HHTS is a not-for-profit collaboration led by leading transport operators including Toll, Woolworths, Linfox, Qube and Ron Finemore Transport. It aims to act as an umbrella body, developing a single, national mental health and wellbeing strategy for truck drivers, distribution centres and warehouse staff.

The organisation plans to introduce standardised mental health policies and regulation across the industry, increase the number of people trained in mental health at transport and logistics facilities and promote tools to improve diet and wellness.