Australian-First FIFO Mental Health Code Released

Australia’s first code of practice concerning the mental health of FIFO workers in the resources and construction sectors has been finalised and released in Western Australia.

Among other things, the code encourages organisations to adopt a risk management process to identify potential psychosocial hazards, establish a positive and supportive workplace culture, and provide suitable accommodation and rosters with sufficient time for rest and recreation.

Developing Mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the resources and construction sectors was one of 30 recommendations put forth by a 2015 parliamentary inquiry, following a number of WA FIFO worker suicides.

Last year, a Curtin University study found one-third of FIFO workers in the resource sector experience high levels of psychological distress, a number double the rate of the general population (see related article).

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the State Government was committed to driving change in mental health and improving the wellbeing of FIFO workers and their families.

“The code identifies a number of potential hazards and risk factors, such as work demands and low levels of control, and it promotes strategies to deal with these issues.”

“A positive, mentally healthy workplace not only benefits employees but also enhances an organisation’s reputation for supporting and respecting its workforce.”

The Code is structured to:

• Highlight the importance of mentally healthy workplaces
• Describe a risk-based approach to prevent and manage harm from psychosocial hazards and risk factors in the workplace
• Raise awareness of the importance of leadership and workplace culture in developing and maintaining mentally healthy workplaces
• Focus on the risk management process
• Outline considerations when responding to reports of psychosocial hazards and risk factors