AUST R A L AS I A N M I N E SA F E T Y J O U R N A L / Summer 2015 / www.amsj.com.au
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what are some of the ways FIFO
workers can reduce stress and anxiety
while on shift?
Most FIFO workers know how to reduce stress
and anxiety and all have their own ways of
doing this. However, some ways are more
effective than others. For example, exercise
is a great way to unwind, ensure a good
night's sleep and stay well. Using alcohol
and drugs may help in the short term but
can create other problems if they are over
used. taking good care of our physical health
by eating healthy food, exercising regularly
and getting enough sleep are essential to
reduce stress. Staying in touch with a partner,
children and other family and friends also
helps reduce stress. If you are not sleeping
well or concerned about your wellbeing, get it
checked out. Visit your GP for a check-up or,
if you're on site and worried, talk to the EMO,
your supervisor or phone someone you trust.
Sometimes workers can worry about problems
at home that can be stressful, especially when
they are not there to help sort them out. It's
important to talk to someone about it. talk to
a mate, a supervisor or someone you trust. If
necessary, ask for some time to sort out the
problem rather than ignoring it or constantly
worrying about it. there is nothing wrong
with having problems. Everyone faces them
sometimes. How we respond to them will
either add or reduce our stress. talking about
our problems is often a simple way to reduce
our stress.
If you notice one of your workmates is
withdrawn, looking worried or not his or her
usual self, ask if he is OK. Looking out for each
other is one of the best things we can do for
mental health in the workplace.
why was This FIFO Life created? what
was the inspiration or catalyst behind the
website?
this FIFO Life was developed to support
the mental health of FIFO workers and
their families, those who work in the
resources sector or live in regional and
remote parts of WA.
the WA Mental Health Commission
recognised that most FIFO workers are
men working in isolated areas away
from family and friends, placing them
at increased risk of suicide. In Australia
suicide is the leading cause of death for
men aged under 44 years.
this FIFO Life is also for women working in the
mining sector.
what kind of information or services
are available on the website for workers
who are struggling to cope with the FIFO
lifestyle?
the website has blogs, which are short articles
with information, tips, links and videos about
a wide range of topics that support mental
health. Some examples include managing
stress, building resilience, getting help with
gambling, managing financial problems and
many more.
On the website there is a directory of
support services and help lines. A shorter
printed version of this directory is also
available, called 'take 5 for mental
health'. Companies have purchased this
booklet to provide to their workers at
induction, in dongas and for them to take
home to their families.
the team that developed this FIFO Life
has experience of FIFO and work in
mental health. their many conversations
and interviews with FIFO workers and
families have shaped this FIFO Life. there
are some great guest bloggers and this
FIFO Life welcomes contributions. Find us
on LinkedIn, Facebook, twitter, Instagram
and Youtube; or visit our website at www.
thisfifolife.com.
P R O F I L E
THIS FIFO LIFE
WWW.THISFIFOlIFe.COM
the this FIFO Life team offers
consultancy to mining and resource
companies to develop Mental Health
Plans and strategies to build mentally
healthy workplaces. Contact Sue Crock
sue@thisfifolife.com or Julie Loveny
Julie@thisfifolife.com
R E S O u R C E S
1] http://www.headsup.org.au:8080/docs/
defaultsource/resources/beyondblue_
workplaceroi_finalreport_may-2014.pdf?sfvrsn=2
UP FRONT
INTERVIEW
"long rosters (eg.four
weeks on and one week
off or even longer) place
a great deal of stress
on workers, especially
with managing
fatigue."
