The pros and cons of long distance commuting: comments from South Australian mining and resource workers

Abstract

Long Distance Commuting (LDC), also referred to as fly-in-fly-out (FIFO), involves a cycle of working for extended periods away from the family home. The experiences of LDC workers were examined through a study of 104 minerals and resources industry workers and partners in South Australia.

SA workers comment that LDC is satisfying and has positive personal, lifestyle, career and family benefits. Stressors include shift work, long rosters, separation from friends and family, missing family events, isolation, and fatigue. Feelings of anxiety or reports of depression which commonly feature in other literature were not a feature of this study.

Short rosters, a high standard on-site services and amenities coupled with training and career opportunities, local management and peer support, a family friendly organisational culture and regular communication with family, are key factors contributing to sustainability of this workforce model.