Promoting the Health of Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) Families: Considerations for the Health Promotion Community

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Family Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) work is common in mining, connecting urban workers to rural sites.
• Existing research focuses on employee wellbeing, neglecting the impact on families.
• FIFO work creates unique challenges for non-travelling family members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To contextualize FIFO work as a family experience.
• To highlight the role of health promotion in supporting FIFO families.
• To advocate for evidence-based health initiatives for FIFO families.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical perspectives on work-life balance and family systems.
• Empirical evidence on the psychosocial impacts of FIFO work.
• Review of current health promotion strategies.

Main Results:

• FIFO work significantly affects family functioning and wellbeing.
• The impact on non-travelling family members is substantial but under-researched.
• Health promotion can play a crucial role in mitigating negative impacts.

Conclusions:

• FIFO work must be viewed as a family experience requiring holistic support.
• Targeted health promotion initiatives are essential for FIFO families.
• Addressing the needs of FIFO families is a priority for Australia's health promotion community.