Mental health initiative for FIFO workers

Our ongoing research has prompted a new initiative to make clinical psychology services more accessible to fly-in, fly-out workers, writes Libby Brook. Stories abound with the negative impact that fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work arrangements have on communities, workers and their families. Many complaints arise about FIFO workers missing out on family milestones and social events. There have been indications that there may be a negative impact on relationships and mental health as well. Given it is estimated that by 2015, the WA resources industry alone would be employing nearly 65,000 people on FIFO arrangements, the impact on workers and their families’ mental health is of particular concern