What are FIFO and DIDO jobs in Australia?

DIDO, FIFO, skilled migrants,

August 28, 2024

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FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive-In, Drive-Out) are types of employment in Australia where workers fly or drive to a remote work site and stay there for a period of time.

Australia’s vast and resource-rich landscapes have given rise to unique employment arrangements, particularly in the mining, construction, and energy sectors.

FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) jobs are among the most prevalent of these arrangements, allowing workers to travel from their home locations to remote worksites.

As of recent data, there are approximately 60,000 to 100,000 FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) workers in Australia. These numbers can fluctuate based on the state of the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries, as well as changes in project demands.

The majority of FIFO workers are employed in Western Australia, particularly in the Pilbara region, where large-scale mining operations are concentrated. This region alone accounts for a significant portion of the FIFO workforce. The construction industry, particularly in remote infrastructure projects, also relies heavily on FIFO arrangements.

What Are FIFO and DIDO Jobs?

FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) jobs involve workers flying from their home location to a remote job site. This arrangement is common in locations that are too far from major cities for daily commuting. Workers typically spend several weeks on-site, working long shifts, before flying back home for a period of rest. The cycle then repeats.

DIDO (Drive-In Drive-Out) jobs are similar, but instead of flying, workers drive to the remote worksite. This arrangement is more common in locations that, while remote, are still accessible by road. DIDO jobs are often seen in regions closer to urban areas, where workers can drive to the site within a few hours.

How Do FIFO and DIDO Jobs Work?

The operation of FIFO and DIDO jobs revolves around a rotational work schedule. Workers typically work for several weeks straight, followed by a period of leave. Common schedules might include two weeks on-site followed by one week off, or even four weeks on followed by one or two weeks off. During their time on-site, workers often work long hours, sometimes up to 12 hours a day, to maximize productivity while they are away from home.

On-site accommodations are usually provided by the employer, including meals, recreational facilities, and living quarters. These accommodations are often designed to offer a degree of comfort to compensate for the isolation of the worksite. In the case of FIFO, companies often arrange flights for the workers, ensuring that they can travel between their home and the worksite with minimal hassle.

Are These Jobs Paid Well?

One of the key attractions of FIFO and DIDO jobs is the competitive pay. Due to the demanding nature of the work and the remote locations, employers typically offer higher-than-average wages to attract and retain workers. In industries like mining, workers can earn significantly more than they would in similar roles located closer to urban centers. Additionally, the opportunity to work substantial overtime during long shifts further boosts earnings.

However, the high pay is often balanced by the challenging nature of the work environment and the lifestyle demands of being away from home for extended periods. The pay structure often includes allowances for working in remote areas, compensation for travel time, and bonuses for completing work cycles.

Which Industries Use FIFO and DIDO?

FIFO and DIDO arrangements are most common in the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries. The mining industry, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland, is heavily dependent on FIFO workers to operate its remote sites. The oil and gas sector, with offshore rigs and remote processing plants, also relies on these arrangements to maintain operations.

Large-scale construction projects, especially those in remote areas such as dam constructions, highway developments, and rail infrastructure projects, frequently employ DIDO workers. The renewable energy sector, particularly in the construction and maintenance of wind farms and solar plants, is another growing industry where these work arrangements are becoming more common.

Advantages of FIFO and DIDO Jobs

One of the primary advantages of FIFO and DIDO jobs is the high earning potential. Workers are often compensated at a higher rate than their urban counterparts, reflecting the challenges and demands of the work. Additionally, the rotational nature of the job allows workers to have extended periods of time off, which can provide a better work-life balance during the off periods.

For employers, these arrangements allow access to a broader pool of skilled labor, as they are not limited to hiring workers who live near the worksite. This is particularly important in specialized industries like mining, where the demand for skilled labor can outstrip local supply.

Disadvantages of FIFO and DIDO Jobs

However, FIFO and DIDO jobs also come with significant drawbacks. One of the most cited challenges is the impact on personal and family life. Being away from home for weeks at a time can strain relationships and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This lifestyle can also be particularly challenging for workers with young families.

The physical and mental demands of the work can also take a toll. Long hours, harsh working conditions, and the isolation of remote worksites can contribute to stress, fatigue, and burnout. In some cases, workers may struggle with the transition between the intense work environment and the downtime during their off periods.

Moreover, the remote nature of these jobs can also lead to logistical challenges. For FIFO workers, reliance on flights means that delays or cancellations can disrupt schedules, leading to additional stress. DIDO workers face long drives, which can be tiring and increase the risk of road accidents.

According to a 2018 report “Impact of fly-in, fly-out work arrangements on the mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers” produced for the WA Mental Health Commission: …”even when taking account of associated risk factors such as age and education, there is a greater risk of mental ill health amongst those workers operating under FIFO work arrangements. Indeed, one third of the 3000 FIFO workers surveyed experience high or very high levels of psychological distress, as measured on an extensively validated scale.”

“Sleep quality for FIFO workers was significantly worse when compared to the benchmark group. In interviews, FIFO workers also reported being particularly fatigued when transitioning from work to home.” “FIFO workers on even-time and shorter rosters (i.e. 2 weeks on/2weeks off, 8 days on/6 days off, 5 days on/2 days off) reported significantly better outcomes on all mental health and wellbeing measures compared to FIFO workers on longer rosters with less time for recovery (e.g., 4 weeks on and 1 week off, 3 weeks on/1 week off, 2 weeks on/1 week off).”

Conclusion

FIFO and DIDO jobs are integral to the functioning of key industries in Australia, providing the manpower needed to operate in remote and challenging environments. While these jobs offer significant financial rewards, they also come with considerable lifestyle challenges. For those considering a FIFO or DIDO role, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the potential impacts on personal well-being and family life. Understanding these factors can help workers and their families make informed decisions about whether this type of work arrangement is the right fit for them.

For more information on FIFO and DIDO work arrangements, including support services and resources, you can visit the Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman website or industry-specific platforms like the Mining Industry Human Resources Council.

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