Mental illness in fly-in fly-out workers

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work practices in Australia occur amongst various professions primarily associated within the resources industry as well as medical and related health services. Following the recession of the 1980s, Australia has experienced a resources boom that has seen thousands of families impacted by FIFO work.

The FIFO lifestyle often sees workers on a scheduled roster flying to remote locations with hundreds of other men and women in fundamental. Workers are to stay in plenarily serviced accommodation, working long hour days.

While working in the mining and resource sector is financially rewarding, the type of lifestyle it leads is far different than the life workers have at home. As a result of this type of work, there is an impact on individuals, couples and family units that can account for the emotional health and wellbeing seen in workers.

Australia is one of the leading mining nations in the world. A country that is abundant in natural resources such as mineral sands, brown coal, nickel, zinc, lead, and uranium. World economic growth has intensified in recent years, predominately in China and India, this has incremented demand for mineral products ecumenical.Together with reinforced methods of derivation, processing and transportation, have influenced this increase significantly.

As a result, Australia’s total annual mining production has more than doubled in the 20 years up to 2008. There are approximately 365 operating mines in Australia, and as for the employment of up to 269,000 people, the mining and resource industry contributes 121.5 billion dollars to the economy. Thus plays a significant role to Australia’s wealth.

Mental health has been described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (2014). It is acknowledged that people working in rural and remote mining and resource operations confront psychological and emotional demands that will create unique challenges for both men and women.

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