The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is seeking feedback on a draft code of practice for mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out workers in WA.
Development of the code follows recommendations and findings of a report on the impact of FIFO work practices on mental health.
The inquiry, undertaken by the Legislative Assembly Education and Health Standing Committee, estimated the prevalence of mental health issues among WA FIFO workers at about 30 per cent – 10 per cent higher than the national average.
The code is designed for those who have functions or responsibilities to manage exposure, as far as practicable, to psychosocial hazards and factors at workplaces through:
- implementation of appropriate controls
- strategies and programs for intervention, recovery and promotion of wellbeing and
- monitoring and review.
Although specifically covering FIFO work arrangements, the code may also be a useful source of information for residential and other long-distance commuting arrangements.
Submissions on the draft code close April 19. For a copy of the draft code of practice as well as details on making a submission, please visit the DMIRS website.
►Need help understanding your obligations when it comes to the mental health of your staff? Talk to one of our ER advisers now — CCI’s Employee Relations Advice Centre is a free service in most CCI membership packages.
