Mental health interventions in the mining industry: a narrative review

Abstract

Purpose Previous research has suggested high levels of unaddressed mental health needs among male-dominated work settings. The mining industry has been a recent focus internationally. This paper aims to critically examine research regarding organizational mental health interventions for people working in mining industries. Design/methodology/approach The narrative review used a systematic standardized search strategy in six databases and grey literature from 1990 to 2019. Findings Of the 418 studies identified, seven studies (five quantitative and two qualitative studies) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of these studies revealed the organisational interventions available to address mental health needs of miners. Interventions were categorised into organisational and individual-focused approaches. Evidence shows there is great potential in conducting workplace mental health programs, yet further research is required to create a strong evidence base for substantiated policy and practice implications. Practical implications Mental health interventions and programs should be available in mining industry to enhance mental health. Organisations can also improve mental health by implementing significant changes in the work environment and identifying workplace factors that induce strain and contribute to psychological distress in employees. Attempt can be made at restructuring safety policies and practices to include mental health, addressing organisational structures such as work schedules and providing training for managers and supervisors. Originality/value This review focuses on the unique characteristics pertaining to male-dominated mining industries and workplace mental health interventions which are aimed at supporting employee mental health.

Reducing Work-Related Stress Through Soft-Skills Training Intervention in the Mining Industry

“…The intervention group completed the psychological questionnaires a third time 3 months later. The 3-month follow-up for the intervention group was established of the basis of the analysis of other psychological interventions ( Asare-Doku et al, 2020 ; King et al, 2005 ), as well as methodological recommendations ( Guidi et al, 2018 ).…”

Health conditions among male workers in mining and other industries reliant on manual labor occupations: National Health Interview Survey, 2007–2018

“…Job stressors such as high noise exposure, shift work, and production occupations (all highly prevalent in the mining industry) have all been linked to hypertension. 2,[21][22][23][24] Further study is needed to determine if miners have a higher prevalence of hypertension than other workers in the early working years, and, if so, the contributing factors.…”

A Narrative Review of Health Status and Healthcare Delivery in the Oil and Gas Industry: Impacts on Employees, Employers, and Local Communities

“…Furthermore, a broad study of resource workers found that one-third reported moderate-severe depression [15]. Of further concern is that there remains a stigma surrounding mental health in the resource sector, which makes workers less likely to seek support [16]. In mining and construction workers in remote areas of Australia, 40% perceived there was a stigma surrounding mental health and 39% reported that help was unavailable when needed.…”

“…What is recommended within the framework, however, is that, at times where healthcare needs are lower, other activities may be conducted such as health promotion and occupational health services [26]. This recommendation aligns with a significant volume of published evidence which has demonstrated that preventative healthcare strategies such as interventions targeting behaviour change and employee well-being at the organisation level can have significant benefits to employee wellness and health status [16,27,28].…”