IS FIFO GOOD OR BAD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

 

New studies show links between FIFO, depression and other forms of mental illness. We talk to beyondblue about their program Heads Up and new research in the field.

 

 

We’ve known for a while that the FIFO gig is a tough one – especially on the individuals and families of people who are living their lives crossing Australia in planes and spending months away from their loved ones to work in mines and on remote construction projects. They are still highly sort after positions, as they usually carry a remuneration package offering a greater level of financial security for young families. Despite the demand, there has recently been a raft of new and desperately needed research on the effects this lifestyle may have on Australian’s working this way, which potentially suggests that FIFO workers experience higher levels of depression than other workers.

 
Only recently, the Australian Medical Association of Queensland has said that the initial influx of mainly unskilled FIFO workers into regional areas during the mining boom could only be described as a ‘health disaster’. The AMAQ’s submission said that the workers suddenly found themselves in a dynamic where, “they had buying power for which they had no experience”. For many of these employees, the sudden influx of cash was not unlike winning the lottery. AMA members reported widespread abuse of alcohol and drugs, along with obesity and many other factors which are “detrimental to health”. Pharmacists have reported that when the practice of FIFO became common there was also a parallel spike in use of medication for depression and anxiety.

 
The submission from the AMAQ also said that people working on an exclusive FIFO roster could experience detrimental impacts to their mental and physical well-being and that of their families, as well as the residents of some of the small communities were also directly affected.

 
On the flip side however, the Queensland Resources Council maintains that studies show there is no greater incidence of mental health problems in mining than in the general community, and the majority of companies run their own mental health programs for employees.
So is FIFO really good or bad for your mental health?

 
NEW STUDY SHOWS DEPRESSION RATES HIGHER FOR FIFO WORKERS.

 
New research has refuted the claims by the QRC, as a study from Edith Cowan University found that FIFO workers have twice the rates of depression compared to other Australians, with 28% of the 629 FIFO workers who participated in the study showing marked symptoms of depression, compared to 13% of the general population.
Along with depression, FIFO workers suffer from higher rates of anxiety and stress than the general Australian population, as do members of the mining industry who are located in remote areas and are not employed under a FIFO contract.

 
The lead researcher of the study, Phillapa Vojnovic said that the figures have vindicated long-standing concerns about FIFO, and the impact on the metal health of employees. “There have been anecdotal reports that the rates of suicide are higher among FIFO workers,” she said, and went on to say that while there are not currently statistics available on suicide rates in the sector, depression is a risk factor for suicide.

 

A lot of iSeekplant’s user work in remote and isolated areas for long rosters.

 
Interestingly, some groups have a heightened susceptibility when it comes to depression and FIFO work, and both education levels and age play a strong role. Younger workers who are between 18 and 29 were 50% more likely to suffer from depression than older workers, and those with a university degree were half as likely to be affected. Those who didn’t have children and partners at home were also more likely to suffer.

 
Vojnovic says her work isn’t about blaming the resource companies. She is instead hoping that her research will help to draw attention to providing greater support for FIFO workers.

 
The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union is also calling for changes to FIFO schedules, and says that they are having a detrimental effect upon FIFO workers’ mental health.

 
Former FIFO worker ‘Scott’ was eventually hospitalised for depression after working in WA mines for six years. He says that being away from his family and the isolation hugely impacted his mental state, as did missing out on important family events like birthdays and school events.

 
The Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health says that while working in the mining and resources sector in remote and rural Australia may be financially rewarding, it’s also emotionally and psychologically demanding. The challenges of living a “split-lifestyle” can lead to substance abuse, relationship breakdowns, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobias.

 
MINING DOWNTURN EXACERBATES MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

 
Unfortunately FIFO workers are currently even more reluctant to seek help for any mental health problems due to job losses, in the current mining downturn. The fear around loss of their jobs has created massive stress and strain for workers, and the “tough guy” culture also makes it less likely for workers to talk about their problems.

 
Julie Loveny is from This FIFO Life (an online community for FIFO workers), and has recently said that the wave of cutbacks have compounded the fears and stigma around mental health, and it’s hard for workers to risk coming forward as they can’t be confident their jobs wouldn’t be put at risk. Ms Loveny said that workers are also reluctant to be honest about mental health issues in job interviews, in the belief that they may be unlikely to be chosen for the job.

 
COMPANY PROGRAMS WORKING TOWARDS A SOLUTION.

 
There are a number of companies working in mining who are taking the lead in terms of addressing mental health concerns amongst their staff, and implementing programs to ensure better health and wellbeing amongst their FIFO workers.

 

• BHP Billiton Iron Ore (WAIO) – have released a “Mental Wellness Standard” which is a document created to guide their strategy in enhancing awareness and pro-active management of mental well-being. It is applicable to WAIO operations, major projects, employees and contractors. The standard is based on beyondblue’s Heads Up initiative’s priority areas for business.
• Rio Tinto Iron Ore – have developed a mental health strategy, delivered a number of mental health education programs and have developed a community based “Resilience Program” to support people beyond the gates of their workplace, helping them to build connections and raise awareness around mental health issues.
• Sodexo – who operates mining community services and infrastructure, launched the “I Hear You Campaign” to raise awareness of mental health and suicide across its workforce and is working with its clients in FIFO camps to include their workers.
• The NSW Minerals Council has released a Blueprint for Mental Health and Wellbeing. This has been developed in conjunction with the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Institute of Mental Health and supported by leading resources research institute NIER (Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources) at the University of Newcastle.

 

SO WHERE TO FROM HERE?

 
Now that there fresh research coming from a range of industry bodies and experts pointing to the fact that FIFO workers are a higher risks of mental health issues, companies have a responsibility to focus on, and invest in good mental health policies and practices.

 
In 2014, a report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers estimated that when employers invest in initiatives that aim for better mental health in the workplace they experience a return of $2.30 for every $1 they spend. In the mining industry it’s even higher, with an average return of $5.70 for each $1 investment, proving sound financial basis for improving worker’s mental health.

 
beyondblue has recently launched a joint initiative with the MHWA (Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance), which is focused on encouraging Australian businesses to promote good mental health practices. The initiative is called Heads Up, and business leaders can easily sign up for an action plan which is then tailored for the size of the organisation.

 
Jeff Kennett, the former Victorian Premier and Chairman of beyondblue recently said that this report provided a compelling case for businesses to reach out to Heads Up, which will give both large and small mining companies practical advice on the importance of implementing mental health programs in the workplace.

 
beyondblue recently visited mining camps, sites and communities in Pilbara, and spoke about where employees could get support and help, the importance of good mental health, and also answered questions about suicide prevention. This allowed beyondblue to engage with FIFO workers and their managers, and learn more about their experience as they listened to their personal stories, giving them a deeper understanding of the risk factors when it comes to developing mental health conditions. This will allow the Heads Up initiative to be even more useful when it comes to providing support to the industry as a whole.

 
If you are a FIFO worker and struggling with mental health issues, we encourage you to reach out to beyondblue or your employer for help.