PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian government was working to implement some of the recommendations made in a June Parliamentary report into the impact of fly-in, fly-out (Fifo) on the mental health of workers in the resources industry.

The Education and Health Standing Committee’s report, which was prompted by a string of suicides among Fifo workers over the past five years, had made 42 findings and 30 recommendations.

The committee has recommended that a code of practice on Fifo work arrangements be developed to ensure the main factors that impact negatively on workers’ health were addressed.

“The committee would like to see action that modifies the system of work to take into account the mental health of workers, rather than attempting to profile or screen workers who are ‘tough enough’ to withstand the challenges of Fifo,” the report stated.

It also noted that better integration of Fifo accommodation camps into local communities and improved occupational safety and health coverage of the camps would improve mental health and wellbeing, productivity and ultimately the sustainability of the system.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said this week the government had carefully considered the report by the Education and Health Standing Committee.

“The health and safety of workers in the resources industry is one of the government's highest priorities.

“Mental health is a community-wide concern and any information highlighting factors influencing the incidence of mental health issues among vulnerable sections of the community is welcomed.

“We will now work with the Mining Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC) and the Mental Health Commission to address the report's recommendations.”

Marmion said the government supported 14, noted 15 and partially supported one of the report's 30 recommendations.

“Many of the aims and objectives of the recommendations can be achieved by reviewing and strengthening existing codes of practice,” he said.

“Planning is under way on a Work Health and Safety (Resources) Bill, which will provide an opportunity to address other recommendations in the report.”

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has welcomed the state government’s response to the final report, with acting CEO Nicole Roocke saying she was pleased the government had endorsed current structures and processes, including the MIAC, the Mental Health Commission and development of the Work Health and Safety (Resources) Bill, to continue to tackle important employee wellbeing and mental health issues.

“Using the existing structures in place to address issues, evidence-based research and consultation will support the mental health and wellbeing of employees and avoid unnecessary duplication,” she said.

“Industry supports further research to be carried out related to employee wellbeing by the appropriate government agencies, developed with input from all stakeholders to address areas where there are gaps in knowledge.”