challenges to disability management from an expanding fly-in fly out workforce herbert c biggs phd...

Challenges to disability management from an

expanding fly-in fly out workforce

Herbert C Biggs PhDRebecca Langdon, Bevan Rowland,

Candice PotterCARRS-Q, Queensland University of

Technology

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Who are they?•75,000 to 250,00 from 2000 to 2013•Majority in WA and Qld•Includes FIFO, DIDO, BIBO, SISO•Commenced in the 1960’s•400% growth in the last 20 years

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Industry profile•2010/2011 Resource Industry contributes to 55% of Export income•Australia. World’s largest economic resources of brown coal, mineral sands, nickel, silver, uranium, zink, lead. •World’s top 6 in bauxite, black coal, industrial diamonds, iron ore, lithium, vanadium, antimony

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Workforce profile•Predominantly male, full time employment•Female participation increased 11% (2001) to 15% (2011)•Average age 40 (National average 37)•Highest average weekly earnings in any industry. Double Australian average of $1056 PW.•Overall general difficulty of compiling accurate FIFO population data

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Impact on Host Communities•Current funding model inadequate. Govt funding should be based on resident and service populations•Economic impact on demand and consumption of LGA services and infrastructure from FIFO workforces not clearly understood•Economic impact on demand and consumption of health services from FIFO workforces not clearly understood

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Workforce concerns• Roster Schedules, Shift Work and Work HoursRoster Schedules, Shift Work and Work Hours• Sleep Disruption Sleep Disruption • FatigueFatigue• Safety PerformanceSafety Performance• Wellbeing (Health and Mental Health)Wellbeing (Health and Mental Health)• TurnoverTurnover

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

Social and Community Impacts• Psychosocial, Relationships and FamilyPsychosocial, Relationships and Family

- At home partner responsibilities- At home partner responsibilities- Relationship issues- Relationship issues- Parenting in non-dyadic relationships- Parenting in non-dyadic relationships

• Home Community Home Community - Integration issues- Integration issues- Belonging issues- Belonging issues

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

DM Challenges•Develop supports that focus on increasing help seeking behaviour in FIFO Populations•Target supports for demographic needs•Develop pre-employment realistic job preview analyses for employee and families•Outline and promote mental health services

DM and the fly-in fly out workforce

DM Challenges•Develop employment linked support services

- Reduce stigma for help-seeking- Promote effective coping and self care- Promote self efficacy

•Address organisational culture- Threat of job loss- More control after working hours- Career planning

CONTACT

Professor Herbert BiggsPrincipal Research FellowCentre for Accident Research and Road Safety Qld (CARRS-Q)Qld University of TechnologyPh: + 61 7 3138 4749Email: h.biggs@qut.edu.au