Mine site accommodation standards are slipping, leaving FIFO workers isolated
Basic housing standards on remote mine sites are dropping. This leaves FIFO workers at risk from isolation and harassment.
FIFO workers face more isolation, harassment, and mental health struggles. Poor living conditions are the cause.
A draft code of practice sets out best practices. These include deadbolts, better outdoor lighting, good beds and reliable internet.
The WA government will back the code next year. But mining companies won't have to follow it by law.
Not following it could hurt them in court though. Research shows simple room and common area changes help.
These could improve worker wellbeing significantly. The changes could create about $1.6 billion each year.
- 6 years
- Pellowe's FIFO experience
- 12 hours
- Standard shift length
- 50
- Organisations consulted
- extravagant camps to donga demountables
- Accommodation options
Why it mattersPoor housing leads to mental health crises and harassment claims. It can also cause industrial action. Better standards keep workers safe. They also create clear business gains.
AustraliaFIFO work is widespread across Australian mining regions, especially WA and Queensland. Improved standards could affect tens of thousands of workers and reshape mine site conditions nationally.
