Mining companies ready to trim fly-in, fly-out trips
The resources industry will continue operating, but all non-essential work to be reduced and fly-in-fly-out to be examined.
Mining and gas companies are considering scaling back interstate fly-in, fly-out workers, will implement longer shifts to minimise travel and impose tough health restrictions on employees under new COVID-19 management plans.
The mining and gas sectors have released coronavirus protocols, focusing on education, communication, mental health, travel and accommodation, safety, incident responses, rules for critical suppliers and protection measures for indigenous communities.
As part of the new regime, which would see the resources industry continue operating through the pandemic crisis, all non-essential work will be reduced and companies will undertake to “examine reduction of interstate FIFO”.
“Longer shift cycles will be used to minimise travel frequency and to stagger arrival and departure of different teams,” the protocols released by the Minerals Council of Australia say.
“Within camps movement of workers will be staggered – such as meal times (and) access to facilities to minimise contact.”
Mining companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore, will work with health authorities to establish a “care point” for rapid screening processes and will examine pooling resources at critical transfer points, including airports and regional centres.
“This includes access to nurses, para-medical staff, equipment for measuring temperature and, as technology improves, infection testing facilities.”
“Companies will continue discussions with airlines on establishment for resources employee/contractor only commercial flights (i.e. no other travellers) as well as examining increased charter flights in the medium term.”
FIFO workers travelling on planes will be forced to adhere to social distancing “in line with medical recommendations for both ground and air transport.
The National Coordination Mechanism, in addition to federal and state Resources Ministers, this week endorsed the tough new protocols, which prioritise the health and safety of workers, regional and indigenous communities.
In the event of an incident, companies will support the provision of self-isolation or quarantine medical facilities and look to develop protocols with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and charter operators for “safe removal of staff”.
Non-essential face-to-face contact with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from remote communities will cease until further notice.
MCA chief executive Tania Constable said the protocols, implemented in partnership with federal, state and territory governments, would keep workforces and communities safe and mine sites operating.
“The MCA, state resources chambers and APPEA will continue the implementation of national COVID-19 resources industry protocols to protect the workforce and jobs by ensuring the highest levels of health and safety,” Ms Constable said.
“With Australian mining declared an essential industry, the industry acknowledges the strong and united support of federal and state governments and their health advisers and will continue to work together on the movement of people across state borders and other priority issues.”
Ms Constable said mining companies were working closely with health officials, resources regulators, law enforcement agencies and local governments to “ensure that all official advice and restrictions are observed across the supply chain”.
“A safe, healthy and resilient residential, fly in fly out (FIFO) and drive in drive out (DIDO) resources workforce which is able to live in and move in and out of regional and remote areas while observing strict health protocols will help the sector support all Australians and our national economy during and after the global COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
