Fly-In Fly-Out >> What does it all mean ?
FIFO Mining Rosters, Work Camps, What to Pack, Mental Health and is FIFO Life right for you.
What "FIFO" Actually Means
FIFO is the Abbreviation for — Fly-In Fly-Out — it means you Live in a Major City (usually Perth) and the Employer Flys you to and from a Remote Mine such at the Pilbara Region for each Swing. Accommodation, Meals and On-Site Transport are provided while "On-Swing" (Means Scheduled Work Time) .. Depending on the Mining Company and Workplace Agreement you are sometimes on the clock the moment you check in at the Airport terminal or some Companies only Pay when you commence the work when arrive On-Site, Rostered on and Clocked in
Accommodation at The Camp Site
Modern Campsites are Basically Motels. Single Donga (room) with Ensuite, TV WIFI and Air-Conditioning (A Must in the Pilbara Because its Very Hot 40*C or more in the Summer Months. There will often also be a Communal Wet Mess (AKA BAR) and Dry Mess the termed phrase for Dinner, Lunch and Dining room. More Upmarket Mine Sites will also provide Gym and Exercise Area sometimes even a pool. Meals are Unlimited and FREE while On-swing. Rooms are typically Hot-Bedded meaning you don't keep the same room or Sleeping Quarters between swings.
Live-in vs. FIFO
Residential (live-in) roles are based in towns like Karratha, Port Hedland, Newman, Paraburdoo, Kalgoorlie or Kambalda. This means some Mine-Site Workers actually live in or Near to the Town with Housing Subsidies provided by the Employer and District Allowances are also common. You lose the "Week Off" but gain a Normal Life in the regard you don't have to Fly in and Out to be "At Home". More Recently since Technological Advancements and Super Fast Internet and WIFI some Roles are able to be Operated Remotely, such as Autonomous Vehicle Driving, Loading and Unloading Machine Operations and various other Roles which can be operated in the Main Cities like Perth and not have to attend site.
Packing list
- ✓ Steel-cap boots (broken in!)
- ✓ Long sleeve high-vis (site supplies but bring spares)
- ✓ Prescription safety glasses if you wear them
- ✓ Sunglasses (cat 3+)
- ✓ Torch / headlamp
- ✓ Sunscreen SPF 50+
- ✓ Insect repellent
- ✓ Prescriptions in original packaging
- ✓ Power bank & charger
- ✓ Book / laptop / good headphones
Common rosters
- 8:6 — 8 Days on, 6 Days off. Popular with Production Crews. Great time off but High Fatigue.
- 2:1 — 2 Weeks on, 1 Week off. The classic Pilbara Operator Roster.
- 4:1 — 4 Weeks on, 1 Week off. Common in Construction / Shutdowns. Higher earnings, Hard on Relationships.
- Even time (1:1, 2:2) — Best Lifestyle Rosters. Rare and Prized.
- DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) — For Roles within a 3–4 Hour Drive like Kalgoorlie Goldfields.
Mental health on swing
FIFO Life isn't a Holiday. Often times Long Shifts with little Privacy Communal Living, Time away from Family and Friends and in some Locations Dry Camps which means No Alcohol. So if you value those items then going without for the 2-3 Weeks you are away may be a Struggle. Especially in the beginning! But many seasoned Vetrans to the FIFO Life have figured out the Best Solution is to Set a Routine. Use the Gym, Pool (if Provided) Basketball Court or anything you can do to have some Exercise and Enjoyment from the Mine-Life rather than only focusing on work and how draining that can be, Physically and Mentally. Simple things such as Calling Home to talk with your Family at the same time each day, or Call a Friend to have a Laugh and Plan Drinks when back in the City can all help to keep Mentally Strong and Motivated to Complete your Swing and enjoy life when back at Home in the City. This is an Important Factor in the FIFO Life so Employers now offer EAPs. If a Swing is Difficult for you, Chat and Talk to your Supervisor. Mining companies invest more in Mental Health than they used to.