The report found FIFO workers experienced significantly higher levels of psychological distress than the broader community, and made 18 recommendations.

Lifeline WA Chief Executive Officer Lorna MacGregor said she was proud to be a member of the research reference group and congratulated the State Government for commissioning the report.

Ms MacGregor said the results were a compelling case for action.

“It is a positive and important step to acknowledge that FIFO workers are an at-risk group in terms of psychological distress and thoughts of suicide,” she said.

“While our crisis support service takes many calls from FIFO workers, we know that there are many others who never pick up the phone, as the research showed only 28% of respondents were aware of mental health helplines.

“This highlights the need for a collaborative approach on how best to reach out to these workers and their families.”

Lifeline WA had a longstanding commitment to improving mental health for FIFO workers, and was committed to collaborating with the mining industry to help it build work sites that promoted positive mental health and wellbeing.

“We are delighted to be working with the CME on research into what services are needed by FIFO workers and how best to deliver those,” Ms MacGregor said.

“Once we determine what is required, we will co-design training and tools specifically tailored to the needs of FIFO workers and their families.

“We aim to deliver a program that is relevant and engaging to the FIFO community, which will be delivered in the most appropriate way for their particular circumstances.”

The project will be undertaken in two phases, with the first phase expected to commence in January 2019 and take two months to complete.