The Western Australian mining industry is set to gain greater support from the Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program by supporting students through PhD scholarships.
The MARS program focuses on supporting mental wellbeing, workplace culture and safety.
The scholarships have been awarded by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), which honour high-quality PhD students whose research will contribute to improving health and psychosocial safety in the minerals sector.
A total of four new recipients will work on key challenges in the industry such as psychological safety and hygiene dust safety.
Edith Cowan University’s Ronald James is researching how psychological capital can be leveraged to enhance psychological safety in WA mining.
His student counterpart Nousheen Fatima is examining the significant impacts of psychosocial risk factors on workforce sustainability and workers’ behaviours in the mining industry.
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said the MARS program and the PhD scholarships are key to positioning the state as a global leader in workplace safety and mental health in the mining sector.
“This research will help drive innovative solutions and support sustainable workforce practices,” he said. “The WA Government is proud to invest in the next generation of researchers whose work will directly contribute to improving safety outcomes and fostering healthier, more inclusive workplace cultures across the mining industry.
“By supporting minerals research through initiatives like the MARS program, we are reinforcing the importance of workplace health and safety in Western Australia’s mining sector.”
WA Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk said the mining industry has come a long way in recent years when it comes to addressing issues around the health and well-being of workers, but there is more to be done.
“These scholarships will be important to advance mental health initiatives and to shape strategies that put the well-being of workers first,” she said.
“This research is another example of our shared commitment to continuous improvement, and I wish each of the recipients the best of luck.”
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