The association commissioned the report through TMS Consulting, which had the study’s design and research outcomes academically assessed.

The study found that FIFO roster schedules, often blamed as the main culprit for worker fatigue, needed to be taken into account among other primary factors.

“Most companies in the sector provide a healthy and safe workplace for employees,” APIA CEO Cheryl Cartwright said.

“What the study found was that it is not enough to focus on the length of a FIFO roster as the major contributor to a FIFO worker’s health issues but that there are a range of factors.

“Trying to define one factor, such as roster scheduling, as a main culprit behind poor health and fatigue is too simplistic.

“Importantly, the TMS study highlighted that a holistic view should be taken of the factors that contribute to fatigue among FIFO workers.

“TMS found that it was not the length of the FIFO shift that directly contributed to fatigue levels but rather a combination of factors within the work environment, such that education about healthy eating and sleeping habits should now be of primary concern in mitigating health and fatigue risks.”

APIA intends to use the outcomes of the study to form the basis for its new guidelines around FIFO worker health and fatigue.

Workers are being encouraged to personally consider health choices and aim to achieve appropriate sleep in order to work efficiently.