Spearheaded by suicide prevention agency Lifeline and physiologists from the Edith Cowan University, the study involves an online study that takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Researchers are calling on about 2000 FIFO workers to outline the benefits and challenges of their lifestyle and ways in which they cope with stress.

Respondents are also encouraged to offer suggestions for services and programs which could assist workers.

Lifeline WA chief executive Fiona Kalaf said the findings would be used to develop strategies to support the mental health of FIFO and drive in, drive out communities.

“We want to understand what FIFO workers find stressful and what their coping strategies are,” Kalaf said. “With the lifestyle they lead we know there are great pros but there can be not so great cons.”

The study, supported by the Australian Institute of Management, has been funded by Pilbara-based vehicle hire company Raw Hire.

According to the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia, the number of FIFO workers in the resources industry went from about 25,000 to 48,000 from 2009-2011.

For further information, visit lifeline.wa.org.au or, to complete the survey, go to tinyurl.com/ecufifo.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide call Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any time.