Minimising the impacts of fly in/fly out (FIFO) and remote work site environments on the health and welfare of Decmil’s workforce.
Decmil relies on a FIFO workforce for the majority of its project works and understands the challenges its people can experience in managing working and living on remote sites.
The SHIELD Program provides a range of health and welfare services geared towards building awareness, identifying and assisting people who might be showing signs of mental and emotional distress. It also includes health and welfare programs aimed at providing services that are not normally available on remote work sites.
DECMIL EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
Every 12 weeks presentations by the Decmil EAP providers address common issues which can be affecting a FIFO workforce. Items include fitness for work, relationships, substance abuse and stress management.
These presentations are managed to coincide with seasonal and calendar events such as Christmas and other Seasonal holidays when people may experience feelings of isolation or have a lack of workplace focus which can lead to injury or incident.
Program sessions are reviewed and revised in accordance with trending identified from reports provided by the EAP Provider every six months.
Working closely with the EAP provider, Decmil also provides Elected Employee Safety Representatives with education and skills in providing support and assistance to their workmates.
This peer support training provides skills in identifying signs within workmates of possible mental health
issues and the process to intervene and elevate if required.
Training is also available to Managers, Supervisors, HSE Personnel and other interested staff onsite.
HEALTH CLINICS, TRAINING & EDUCATION
Decmil runs an annual, seasonally appropriate series of clinics and education sessions aimed towards prevention and early identification of possible health issues amongst its workforce.
Typically, clinics are facilitated by appropriately qualified health professionals who engage with our people in areas including:
- Sun safety (skin cancer checks);
- Hydration testing and management;
- Fatigue testing and management;
- Health checks;
- ‘Quit’ smoking campaigns, and
- Flu vaccinations.
In addition to the health clinics specific training and education is also provided to improve individual’s management of risks associated with each of these identified hazards.
MANUAL HANDLING
Decmil has adopted the Safe Spine Program to manage its manual handling risks which includes:
- Pre-placement physical assessments in accordance with the occupational requirements of each job role to ensure the correct fit of person to job role prior to engagement onsite.
- Monthly training sessions for all work site personnel and specific training for nominated program leaders.
- Field assessments and documented management plans for manual handling risks.
- Early intervention consultations with qualified occupational therapists are available to all personnel to assist in the management of any physical complaint whether work related or not. Individuals attending consultations are monitored and followed up to ensure improvements are made to their condition, or alternatively, requirements of their jobs are modified.
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE ACTIVITIES
All personnel are encouraged to enrol in Decmil health and lifestyle activities conducted either during or after work hours. Activities include group exercise/fitness sessions, sporting team events and competitions as well as weight loss challenges and team building events. In addition to the physical benefits, these sessions and challenges create a social and team atmosphere.
