FIFO workers want freedom

MANY fly-in fly-out mine workers want a cap on rostered stints away from home, more support to maintain family obligations and a slackening of accommodation rules.

According to new research by suicide prevention agency Lifeline Western Australia, FIFO workers say their No.1 stress is being away from family, with many believing capping rosters to a maximum of three weeks away from home would reduce separation pain.

Another significant stress was overly onerous on-site rules that for some FIFO workers created a distinct sense of entrapment.

‘‘They were not free to move around, drink in their room, or have meals at a preferred time,’’ Lifeline WA said.

Alcohol was about more than recreation and was used by a significant number of FIFO workers – often along with illicit drugs and sedatives – to manage the sleep disruption that came with long shifts.

And they reported a general reluctance to seek counselling for fear of appearing ‘‘soft’’.

Lifeline WA said there was a clear need for mining companies to actively address the ‘‘suck it up, princess’’ culture, and build support policies and services from the ‘‘ground up’’ to address the mental health needs of FIFO workers.

One in five workers claimed their employers did not have on-site mental health or on- site counselling facilities, while one in 10 said there was no Employee Assistance Program.