September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Why Mental Health in Transport and Logistics Cannot Be Ignored
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a vital reminder that conversations about mental health cannot be left for tomorrow. For many industries, and particularly within transport and logistics, the need to address stress, anxiety, and depression is urgent.
The most recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report revealed that in 2023/24, stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 46% of all work-related ill health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to ill health. These figures demonstrate a clear reality: the cost of poor mental health to UK businesses is immense. Not only financially, but also in human impact.
The statistics within transport and logistics paint an even more concerning picture. In 2017, the Office for National Statistics reported that:
- Forklift truck drivers had a suicide rate 85% higher than the national average
- Van drivers were 25% higher
- Large goods vehicle drivers were 20% higher
These figures are more than just numbers; they represent colleagues, friends, and family members who too often suffer in silence.
Why the Sector Is at Risk?
The unique pressures of the industry contribute significantly to these figures. Long and irregular hours, delivery schedules, isolation, limited access to facilities, and extended periods away from home and family all place workers under immense strain. These factors not only affect mental health but can also impact concentration, performance, and safety on the job.
This makes it crucial for organisations to take action not only in crisis but through proactive, ongoing support that creates healthier workplaces.
Creating a Positive Work Environment
At EOS Training, we believe that building a culture of openness and support is essential. Suicide prevention and mental health awareness are not about a tick-box exercise. They require genuine, sustained action to create lasting change.
By fostering environments where people feel safe to talk, reaching out to colleagues who may be struggling, and embedding positive practices in day-to-day work, leaders can make a real difference.
Charities such as Mates in Mind play a key role, working alongside organisations to deliver education, resources, and practical tools that empower teams to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build confidence in supporting one another.
Suicide Prevention – Our Call to Action
This Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we encourage leaders across the transport and logistics sector – and beyond – to reflect on what more can be done to support mental health in the workplace. Every conversation matters, every small step counts, and together we can build safer, healthier, and more positive environments where people thrive.
If you or your organisation would like guidance on how to take meaningful steps toward improving mental health in the workplace, we are here to help. Let’s work together to ensure that no one feels they have to struggle alone.
PHONE A HELPLINE
NHS Call – 111
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) Call – 0800 58 58 58
Samaritans Call – 116 123
Papyrus – prevention of young suicide HOPELINE247 Call – 0800 068 41 41
SOS Silence of Suicide Call – 0808 115 1505
