The OzHelp Foundation’s (OzHelp) Health in Gear program will receive crucial funding from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), supported by the Australian Government.

Bruce Papps, OzHelp Deputy Chief Executive Officer said the project will be delivered in the next 12 months.

“The funding is an incredible boost to our Health in Gear program as we prepare to deliver Phase Three,” Mr Papps said.

“Nationally, truck drivers represent the second highest occupational group, after construction workers, at risk of suicide and our approach takes health and wellbeing support on-the-road to the drivers, when and where they need it.

“Over the next 12-months, we are focused on increasing the reach of our roadside health checks further into New South Wales and Victoria.”

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said OzHelp is one of 12 grantees that will receive funding as part of a $4 million investment towards HVSI projects.

“As part of the HVSI, industry will be driving its own safety initiatives to contribute to safer roads, drivers, and vehicles,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“Round 8 projects include roadside health and wellness screening, driver training, and increased safety of vulnerable road users by using artificial intelligence-based video analytics to improve the design of intersections.

“These new initiatives provide solutions to key issues in the transport and logistics sector, ultimately helping reduce road trauma and save lives.

“I am excited to see how OzHelp’s Health in Gear program will make an impact, to deliver improved safety outcomes for all road users.”

For more information visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi