How can FIFO jobs support workers’ mental health?
When designing FIFO jobs, job security and adequate workloads are key to protecting worker mental health. Giving employees’ autonomy (or agency) as to how they carry out their work (e.g. task scheduling, choosing work methods) protects their mental health and helps them to thrive in their work.
What is FIFO work?
What is FIFO work? 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.
Are FIFO rosters a health and safety risk?
The fatigue caused by working what can sometimes be punishing FIFO rosters is a known health and safety risk. A recent matter we were involved in showed how employers can (sometimes inadvertently) worsen an employee’s stress levels. A FIFO worker on a demanding roster had attempted suicide.
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.
What is the risk of FIFO?
It found FIFO workers were "clearly at risk" from mental health issues and 33 per cent of them experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress, compared to 17 per cent among non-FIFO workers. They also suffered more incidents of bullying and higher levels of burnout than non-FIFO workers.
Who is the managing director of Rio Tinto?
Rio Tinto's managing director for Australia, Joanne Farrell, who is also the company's group executive for health, safety and the environment, welcomed the report. Ms Farrell said Rio Tinto already facilitated access to counselling and peer support programs, and was training leaders in mental health.
How do FIFO workers benefit from supervisors?
FIFO workers benefit from supervisors and team mates that offer are supportive and understanding. Being knowledgeable and being practiced in offering the kind of emotional support that FIFO workers need can be key.
What are the recommendations for FIFO?
Recommendation 1: Develop a culture that prioritises mental health. Recommendation 2: Assess psychosocial risks and monitor the mental health of FIFO workers and the factors that affect their mental health. Recommendation 3: Provide mental health training for direct line managers.
Why is mental health important in FIFO?
Focusing on mental health is not only good for workers and their families, but also for productivity and business outcomes.
How does loneliness affect FIFO?
Loneliness on site affects FIFO workers’ mental health . From an array of amenities and activities (such as gyms), we found recreational activities with a clear social element such as barbecues and social sports were linked to better mental health in FIFO workers
Why is job security important in FIFO?
When designing FIFO jobs, job security and adequate workloads are key to protecting worker mental health. Giving employees’ autonomy (or agency) as to how they carry out their work (e.g. task scheduling, choosing work methods) protects their mental health and helps them to thrive in their work.
Do FIFO workers drink alcohol?
Alcohol and Other Drug Use. FIFO workers on average drink more alcohol, and more of them drink at risky levels, compared to norm data and the benchmark group. Those who experience more autonomy (sense of choice and control) during time off work at camp also report less alcohol consumption.
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 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.
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.
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.
Where It Hits Home
Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work is an integral and ever-expanding part of the mining, and oil and gas industries throughout Australia.
What are the unique circumstances that FIFO workers face?
Individual employees in mining, oil, and gas operations are highly susceptible to fatigue. It is specifically working hours, shift work, health, and performance that has piqued the interest of those studying the mental health of these employees.
Support for First Responders
More than half of first responders are estimated to feel like they do not have enough time to recover after experiencing traumatic events – and this leads to an alarming phenomenon called ‘ compassion fatigue ’ where first responders, as well as FIFO workers, could start showing signs of no empathy towards others, being negative, having heightened sadness and grief and showing detachment..
Sleep, Stress, and Isolation
Rest has been identified as one of the major areas where FIFO workers struggle, with 50% of participants in one study reporting mild disturbances.
Anxiety Symptoms
While FIFO workers are in a specific class, general anxiety symptoms and signs are also present when taking a holistic approach to determine their wellbeing.
Easier access to help for FIFO Workers
A strong internet connection can be integral to FIFO workers’ mental health. Not onlydoes it allow access to family and friends, but also therapeutic activities that can lessen the strain of remote work.
Success in Addressing the Needs FIFO Workers Face
One paper, Managing suicide risk for fly-in fly-out resource industry employees, that was part of a project to look at the mental health of FIFO workers already showed favorable research that gives guidance for employers to ensure workers can cope with the unique environment of FIFO work.
Health and safety risk
In January, the ABC reported a spate of suicides in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Anecdotally, we know employers are seeing increasing numbers of stress claims, including more extreme claims involving attempted suicide and sexual assault, some of which have the potential to be regarded as work-related.
Key issues to consider
Such approaches make it difficult for employers to prove they’ve taken reasonable steps to accommodate stressed workers.