Promoting the Health of Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) Families: Considerations for the Health Promotion Community

Abstract

Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work is a popular form of rotational work implemented by mining and resource companies to connect employees living in urban areas to operations in rural locations. Research outlining the potential risks that FIFO workplaces pose to employee wellbeing has led to initiatives promoting physical and mental health on-site. However, the potential impact of FIFO work on non-travelling family members, who are also impacted, remains under-researched. This commentary draws upon theoretical and empirical perspectives that compel us to contextualise FIFO work as a family experience. We then highlight the role of the health promotion community in helping to identify how FIFO work intersects with family health and functioning, and in developing evidence-based health promotion initiatives to support FIFO families. As FIFO work will continue to be a common form of employment for many families, ensuring that these families have access to tailored and targeted support is an essential target for Australia’s health promotion community.

DOI: 10.1002/hpja.70118