FIFO workers are exempt under the ‘essential worker’ exemption provided their employer has a plan approved by the Chief Health Officer on how it proposes to manage transmission amongst its employees and prevent transmission to the wider community. Further information relating to travel restrictions in the Northern Territory can be found here.
Full Answer
What are the benefits of being a FIFO worker?
One of the benefits of being a FIFO worker is being invited into a rich community of other workers sharing the same shift patterns. Get involved with the sociable activities after work, create long-lasting friendships with your colleagues and enjoy the time you have with each other.
What is the definition of an essential worker under FIFO?
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies said in relation to FIFO, the definition of essential workers had been significantly narrowed to "mining for the purpose of critical maintenance and to avoid significant losses". "This is described as a limitation on FIFO mobilisation from the affected (Perth and Peel) area," AMEC said.
Are Western Australia's FIFO workers essential workers?
Posted Mon 1 Feb 2021 at 7:10amMonday 1 Feb 2021 at 7:10amMon 1 Feb 2021 at 7:10am, updated Mon 1 Feb 2021 at 1:41pmMonday 1 Feb 2021 at 1:41pmMon 1 Feb 2021 at 1:41pm Western Australia's FIFO workers have been declared essential workers.
Are FIFO worker movements being halted?
The Chamber of Mines and Energy's director of policy and advocacy Rob Carruthers said FIFO worker movements had been halted but that might change as information came to hand. "The focus is on continuing operations as normal," Mr Carruthers said.
Who is considered to be essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Essential (critical infrastructure) workers include health care personnel and employees in other essential workplaces (e.g., first responders and grocery store workers).
What are some things I can do at home if I have COVID-19?
Rest and Drink Fluids. Get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to significant dehydration, which can make you feel worse. Keep a big bottle of water by your bed and drink from it frequently. Broth soups, tea with honey, and fruit juice are also good choices.
What can you take to lessen the mild COVID-19 symptoms at home?
Using over-the-counter medications when necessary. If you have a high fever, you can take a fever reducer, such as acetaminophen, to help bring it down. If you have body aches, a sore throat or cough, a pain reliever can help lessen the discomfort these symptoms can bring.
How can I speed up the healing time of the COVID-19?
Some of the things you can do to speed your healing are similar to how you might take care of the flu or a bad cold. Eat healthy foods. If you feel like eating, fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to get better. Limit sugary or highly processed foods like cookies and sodas.
What is a FIFO?
FIFO or otherwise “Fly-in-fly-out” is the term used to describe someone who flies to a job site to complete work (usually over the course of a week or two) before flying home when the job is done. Typically, the role is reserved for people who have to complete jobs in rural towns or when they are not within driving distance.
How many hours do FIFO workers work?
The pay is also significant to make up for the inconveniences. FIFO workers also work long hours – usually 12-hour shifts – and seven days a week on site with very little downtime.
How many FIFO workers are there in Australia?
There are approximately 60,000 FIFO workers in Australia and this is fuelled by the large resource sector in the country. With a strong demand for our exports, many mining companies require a huge workforce in remote areas. In the country, because most FIFO work is done in the mines, the biggest opportunities are in Western Australia.
Why do FIFO workers struggle with mental health?
Despite the benefits, plenty of FIFO workers struggle with their mental health due to the long periods of time spent away from family and friends. It’s harder to make social engagements and attend important milestones for your kids. With locations in rural areas, workers also have to deal with extreme conditions.
What is the most common form of FIFO?
Although mining opportunities are the most common form of FIFO work, a lot of other industries are prepared to fly you in and out. From cleaners to kitchen staff, there is a huge variety of options available.
FIFO Travel Update (July 2020)
Keeping fly-in fly-out workers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a key focus for the Australian Workers’ Union.
Prohibition of Travel Directions for FIFO workers
The Australian government has imposed travel restrictions on airfreight and passenger flights in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. State and Territory governments have also put in place restrictions on cross-border travel.
Summary impact on FIFO workers
Queensland – only certain FIFO workers will be allowed to enter QLD without having to self-quarantine. South Australia – only certain FIFO workers will be allowed to enter SA without having to self-quarantine. Western Australia – FIFO workers will not be allowed into WA without strict mandatory quarantine arrangements, and some intra-state travel between regions also contains restrictions. Tasmania – only certain FIFO workers will be allowed to enter TAS without having to self-quarantine. Northern Territory – most FIFO workers will be allowed to enter NT without having to self-quarantine, providing their employer has an approved health management plan..
Queensland
From 10 July 2020, any person travelling from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory may enter Queensland subject to completing and signing a border declaration and undertaking to present for a COVID-19 test if they develop symptoms.
South Australia
All people arriving in South Australia from outside the state will be required to self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their arrival in South Australia.
Tasmania
If you are a Tasmanian resident returning to Tasmania for a period of leave from work interstate, other than from Victoria, you must quarantine at your residence as per the home quarantine conditions.
Northern Territory
Any ‘non-essential’ traveler arriving in The Northern Territory will be required to enter self-isolation for 14 days.
What are the benefits of being a FIFO?
One of the benefits of being a FIFO worker is being invited into a rich community of other workers sharing the same shift patterns. Get involved with the sociable activities after work, create long-lasting friendships with your colleagues and enjoy the time you have with each other.
Where do FIFO workers live?
Many FIFO workers live in growing cities like Perth , and there is no shortage of things to do in these places. Partly due to the rising number of wealthy people living in the city, Perth is quickly becoming one of the most advanced, cosmopolitan urban sprawls in the Southern Hemisphere.
How long does a FIFO work?
Expect to work long hours as a FIFO worker. It is not uncommon to work a 12-hour shift or longer on most days. A typical “swing”, as they say in the industry, can be 14 days on and 7 days off. When they’re off, most workers return to their real homes in major metropolitan areas.
Why do employers offer 7/7 shifts?
However, this varies between sectors and some employers offer 7/7 shift patterns to boost career satisfaction or recruit people to niche roles. 3. Stick to a routine. Shift workers can often suffer from fatigue due to the long working hours and obscure shift patterns that the job entails.
Is FIFO a stressful job?
Like every job, being a FIFO worker comes with its own stresses. A lot of people find that the remote location combined with the time spent away from family can be difficult to deal with, so finding what helps you to manage stress is essential for any FIFO worker.
Health consultations go online
Health services in remote parts of the country, like Mount Isa, are also reliant on FIFO workers to bring in specialist skills.
Mayor looking to find a balance
Cloncurry Mayor Greg Campbell believed the FIFO workforce is definitely a risk for the area, but had no intention to block their entry.
Prohibition of Travel Directions For FIFO Workers
Summary Impact on FIFO Workers
Queensland
South Australia
Western Australia
Tasmania
Northern Territory
- Any ‘non-essential’ traveler arriving in The Northern Territory will be required to enter self-isolation for 14 days. FIFO workers are exempt under the ‘essential worker’ exemption provided their employer has a plan approved by the Chief Health Officer on how it proposes to manage transmission amongst its employees and prevent transmission to the w...
Victoria
New South Wales
Act