FIFO suicides sound alarm
Mental health advocates have called for more to be done to address suicide among fly-in, fly-out workers after eight deaths within the Pilbara in the past 12 months.
Brian Graetz, acting chief executive of beyondblue, said it was "very concerning".
Dr Graetz said there was a need for managers on every mine site and in accommodation camps to be trained to recognise signs of mental illnesses in employees.
"I think it's a really sad thing, the impact on the community is really large … you can only feel for the families," he said.
"beyondblue requires industry to take the lead and say, 'there's an issue and we want to address that' … it might be a case of trying to find the right vehicle for prevention."
Dr Graetz's comments came after a 37-year-old man was discovered dead in his room by workers at South Hedland's Gateway Village early on Saturday, July 5.
Police were notified shortly after and attended with St John Ambulance but were unable to resuscitate the man.
District Coroner for the Pilbara region Deen Potter has referred the matter to the State Coroner for direction which may include a State inquest.
A spokeswoman for the State Coroner said the matters raised were being reviewed and no further comment would be made until a decision has been made on the best course of action.
Philippa Vojnovic, an Edith Cowan University PhD candidate and author of a study into suicides among mine workers, said the "emerging concern" of FIFO suicide was compounded by limited knowledge of the impact of occupational and individual risks, and the type of support companies and the community could provide.
She said during the period of 2006 to 2010, WA was the only State to report an increase in suicide rates.
Although quick to clarify FIFO lifestyle as not being the direct cause of suicide, Ms Vojnovic said men were seven times more likely to die by work-related suicide than women.
"FIFO employment exposes workers to risk factors of reduced social support, occupational stress, challenges to wellbeing and long work hours which increase the vulnerability of suicide for employees with predisposing risk factors," she said.
"FIFO employees in machine operator, technical, trade, cleaning and management roles are in occupations identified as high risk to suicide which suggests targeted intervention should focus on these employees."
Both Ms Vojnovic and Dr Graetz agreed more needed to be done to address preventable deaths on camps. Ms Vojnovic said effective induction to camp life prior to employment may foster more realistic expectations within workers and contribute to prevention.
"Employee health and assistance programs are underused by FIFO workers possibly due to low awareness of services, stigma towards help-seeking and a fear of job loss," she said. "Therefore, supports provided by mining companies should be designed to suit men's help-seeking styles."
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. Help is also available 24 hours a day from BeyondBlue on 1300 224636 or via Rural Link (1800 552 002) and the Suicide Call Back Line (1300 659 467)
