FIFO stands for “Fly In Fly Out”. It refers to a workforce that only lives at their work location part time. They are flown to and from the work site at regular intervals. Those intervals could be 2&1 (2 weeks on, 1 week off), 8&6(8 days on, 6 days off), 9&5 (9 days on, 5 days off) or even 5&2,4&3 (5 days on, 2 days off then 4 days on, 3 days off). There are many combinations that usually add up to some combination equalling a two week roster. Usually this kind of arrangement is created because a work site is in a remote, difficult to access or uncomfortable location. Or, it might be supported by a tiny community that lacks the infrastructure necessary to support a rapid increase in population (often temporary too).
These sorts of rosters are also created to encourage people to choose to work in what can be a very harsh environment – the ‘payoff’ being the regular ‘holidays’ between site stays. And trust me – those of us that live this lifestyle sure do appreciate the ‘out’ time!
So who does FIFO?
Well, they’re pretty much everyone! all kinds of people are doing it. Truck drivers, cleaners, mechanics, engineers, electricians, accountants, chefs, planners, office clerks, medics and physios.
The majority of sites are mines or construction projects related to the mining industry and each and every one is a mini community with all the needs of a small town. The difference is that there are no children, no unemployed, no elderly and everyone works a 12hr shift every single day they’re on site. It’s also pretty masculine. there are women living this sort of life but they’re a clear minority.
Generally people work on ‘teams’ if they’re construction or production – ABC or 1,2,3. They do half day shifts and half night shift and count the milestones (or shifts) by all sorts of means. Eg: for a 2×1 worker there’s 2 fish’n'chip nights to count, 1 ’shift change’ rest day and a ‘church service’ (Sunday morning drinks after a night shift).
FIFO is a weird way to live but it does have its advantages. It can be isolating and tiring but it also builds strong friendships and cameraderie between teams.
Filed under: Admin | Tagged: FIFO, flyinflyout, flying, purpose, welcome
FIFO is a good way for young people to get a good financial start to life. Putting in a few solid years working for a mining company can give them money for their first house and job experience that will serve them well in years to come. Although the hardships experienced can be a “culture shock” at first, many people starting out swiftly adjust and make the most of it. Although I no longer qualify as as younger person and I am working FIFO (I have worked FIFO on and off in the past) I am here to make money with a goal in mind. I put in the long hours with hot, dusty work conditions because I simply cannot hope to save and invest at my current rate if I was pursuing my profession in the traditional sector. In fact, I actually make between 70-100% more (it varies) per fortnight now than I did in my last job as a Perth based roadtrain driver running to northwest Western Australia. Pretty hard to knock back!