The Australasian Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health has been working with mining, construction and services contractor Thiess in Western Australia for more than a year. The latest findings from the centre’s lifestyle and wellbeing survey reveal just how well women cope with the pressure of FIFO.

The centre worked with University of Canberra Professor Helen Berry and her colleague, Dr Léan O’Brien, when analysing the survey findings.

Managing director Dr Jennifer Bowers said that in some cases, women were better able to understand how to minimise the risk of mental health problems flowing from the FIFO lifestyle, remote workplaces, and separation from family and friends.

Women generally reported better general health, mental health and more family positives and less family stress than men on the same remote work-sites.

Dr Bowers contributed part of that to the fact women were generally exercising more and consuming less alcohol than men, lifestyle choices that can help prevent and relieve depression, anxiety and workplace stress.

“Overall, our research is showing that women seem to have more lifestyle positives and a greater lifestyle satisfaction,” Dr Bowers said.

“So it’s not a stretch, by any means, to conclude that women in mining, resources and remote construction can be more mentally resilient – and therefore safer and more productive – than men.”

Thiess manager of injury management services WA Tracey Inglis said the survey results validated the company’s commitment to women in mining and construction services.

“Thiess provides real opportunities for women wanting to work in the industry, so we’re not really surprised by the ACRRMH’s findings,” she said.

Together with the centre, Thiess is working to de-stigmatise mental illness and build mental health into its occupational health and safety frameworks.

While culture shifts take a long time, the company is confident that its efforts will pay off.

“We know we’ll have less employee churn, more productive man-hours, fewer accidents and Thiess will be seen as a preferred employer,” Inglis said.

“Yes, we know we’re out in front of the industry but it’s only from out front that you can see the dividends on the horizon.”