A discussion paper released yesterday by the Education and Health Standing Committee conducting the WA parliamentary inquiry into mental health within the FIFO workforce said there was a surprising lack of independent research into the topic.

The paper acknowledged the submissions from the resources sector, which pointed out many FIFO workers fit a profile in terms of age, gender, occupation and educational attainment that left them at heightened risk of mental health problems and suicide.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith supported calls that more evidence would be needed before a link between the lifestyle and mental health could be proved.

"To date, the parliamentary inquiry has yet to find evidence or substantiate claims that FIFO workforce has a higher prevalence of mental health issues," he said.

"This should not diminish the tragic impact suicides have in the community. Every suicide is a tragic loss, and with 366 suicides in WA in 2012, no one disagrees we have a problem in the community."

The CME pointed to more variety in rostering, accommodation and facility improvements and the implementation of support groups and employee assistance programs as signs the industry was working to ensure the wellbeing of its employees.

"The majority of resources companies also provide counselling services and promote awareness of wellbeing issues via their fit for work and health promotion programs," Howard-Smith said.

He said the inquiry had the opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues in the community and promote it as a shared issue for individuals, government, community and industry.

The WA parliamentary inquiry has so far received 70 submissions, with its findings to be delivered in 2015.

It follows a Commonwealth parliamentary inquiry in 2013, which received no evidence to support the claim that mental health issues were higher among FIFO workers than the wider workforce.