Zinfra partners to prevent suicide in the energy industry

The partnership will see MATES in Energy deliver evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention training to employees from Zinfra’s Queensland Operations.

Preventing suicide requires broad industry participation and support according to Suzanne Desailly,
MATES in Energy General Manager. “Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15-44 in Australia, with males consistently accounting for approximately three-quarters of suicide deaths.

“Having companies such as Zinfra commit to training their workforce to look out for each other and confidently engage with a workmate who is struggling and connect them to help, is such a vital part of reducing suicide within the industry”.

MATES in Energy delivers an integrated program of workforce capacity building and support, utilising various levels of onsite education and training as a tool to raise awareness about suicide and mental health in the energy industry. The program is adapted to mirror safety structures onsite and engages the entire workforce in providing a mentally safer and healthier workplace.

“The key to preventing suicide is to change the overall culture of the industry, from the belief that suicide is just an individual problem, to something we all have a responsibility to look out for and prevent, which is why partnerships like this are so vital”, says Suzanne Desailly.

“This type of collaboration really serves to strengthen the energy industry as a whole – and one life saved is one less family grieving, one less workplace impacted and one less community heartbroken”.

“Having worked in the electrical industry for over 40 years, I know first-hand the devastating effects suicide has on families and friends, work mates and the community as a whole”, Kevin Moloney Zinfra Queensland Operations Manager reflects. “MATES educates all our staff as well as providing additional training to become ‘connectors’, which I believe will give our workforce the additional capacity to better identify changes in behaviour for early intervention and support’.
“For me, partnering with MATES complements our existing employee assistance program by providing additional support, education, training and tools to not only raise awareness about suicide and mental health and wellbeing but provides the confidence and capacity to have that conversation that may save a life. I know by partnering with MATES, we will not only make a difference to the Zinfra Queensland workforce, but have real and positive impact on the broader community in which we operate, which is something I am very passionate about.

For further information contact:

MATES in Energy - Suzanne Desailly, General Manager, sdesailly@mates.org.au or call (07) 3063 7055.

Zinfra media contact: 1300 331 239