FLY IN – FLY OUT (FIFO) in australia

1. FLY IN – FLY OUT (FIFO)in australia SURVIVING FIFO

2. Why is FIFO different? • FIFO positions are common for mining, oil & gas and construction projects in remote locations, or areas that are difficult to access. • They often operate around work rotations, with an extended period at site and a period back home. • They normally require workers to stay in camps or towns with limited facilities

3. Why work FIFO? • Above average salaries or hourly rates • Experience on high-risk projects • Work with industry leaders • Career advancement • See parts of Australia that many people don’t get to see. • Extended breaks (depending on rotation) • Plenty of job opportunities

4. Rotations • Rotations can vary with the project requirements. • Examples of rotations are: • 3&1(21/7): Three weeks on site, 7 days off site • 2&1(14/7): Two weeks on site, 7 days off site • 8&6: Eight days on site, 6 days off site • Often you will not have a say on which roster you work. But you will be informed prior to starting.

5. Rotations The work rotations can have good and bad points. Good: You can often have over 6 full days at home to spend time with family & friends. Bad: You spend weeks away from family in an isolated environment, often in an area with limited facilities. It is important to consider the rotation when accepting a FIFO position.

6. Rotations It is important to consider how the rotation will affect other people in your life. • Do you have a partner or children? How will the rotation affect them? • Have you discussed with them how you will keep in touch or what you will do when at home? • Will you be in a different time zone? Will this affect communicating with your family?

7. Location Australia is a vast continent with many remote work locations. Some of the most popular locations are: • Western Australia • South Australia • Queensland • Northern Territory What some of these areas have in common is hot climates, dangerous fauna, and isolated environments.

8. Location Before deciding on a FIFO position do your research. • Where is the project? • How long will the flights and travel take? • Is it camp only or are there local amenities such as hotels, shops, restaurants or clubs? • What amenities are at the camp? • What is the weather like there? • Consider the type of work you have to do there.

9. Working Environment Consider that on many FIFO projects there can be hundreds or even thousands of workers – all away from home, working long hours, in extreme heat, performing high risk work.

10. Working Environment This can be a stressful and potentially unhealthy environment for those who have issues with: • Anxiety • Stress • Anger management • Depression • High Blood Pressure • Heart Conditions • Other physical or mental disorders

11. Working Environment It is for this reason that often you have to undergo a medical before being approved to a project. This, however, may not ensure that you will be able to cope with the additional stress of working in a FIFO environment.

12. Working Environment • Consider carefully before accepting a FIFO position: • How do you cope with stress? • Do you have any medical conditions that can worsen with stress – such as depression, blood pressure etc. • How would you deal with conflicts, issues, and stressful situations in this environment?

13. Surviving FIFO DJH Safety Consulting has been working on FIFO projects for many years. Here are some tips from our consultants on how to not just make it through the rotation, but the months and years you may be on a project.

14. Surviving FIFO • Do your research on the location. • Learn about the project you will be working on. • Make sure the rotation suits your family arrangements. • Note important dates such as birthdaysand anniversaries – it can be easy to forget them while away. • Discuss times in advance for phone or video calls and keep them regular. • Also discuss when it is not a good time to call.

15. Surviving FIFO Take entertainment with you – magazines, DVD’s etc. Have family send you a care package – with things from home you like. Use internet gift sites (for hampers, flowers, presents etc)for special occasions. Plan in advance what you will do during your time off at home. It will take a few days to get from “work” mode to “home” mode. Find out what helps you adjust.

16. Surviving FIFO • Get into a routine at site. • Take advantage of organised social events at camp. • Keep an eye out for co-workers – how are they coping? • Join a frequent flyer program – be rewarded for all your travel. • Make a list of your goals – what do you want to achieve from working FIFO?

17. Surviving FIFO • Keeping your goals in mind will help when missing family. • Make sure that family at home has a good support network. • Have family join “FIFO Families” – a networking and support organisation. • Give FIFO a chance, but if it is not for you, don’t try and stick it out. Remember it is just a job.

18. Links For more information on FIFO you can visit: • http://www.fifofamilies.com.au • http://www.djhsafety.com.au • Twitter:@djhsafety • http://www.facebook.com/SafetyConsulting • http://www.linkedin.com/company/djh-safety-consulting DJH Safety Consulting Pty Ltd, Po Box 327, Patterson Lakes, VIC 3197 T: 03 9772 8886 E: info@djhsafety.com.au W: www.djhsafety.com.au