Chevron renewed its Gold recognition in June 2017 while Inpex was recognised for the first time last October.

 

Research by the Western Australia Parliament's Education and Health Standing Committee on the impact of FIFO work practices on mental health found that the typical FIFO resource worker comes from the highest risk demographic: 18-44 for mental illness and suicide.

 

"FIFO takes such an individual away from home, puts him in isolation from his family and other social supports, subjects him to fatigue and then controls his life within the camp environment," the committee's 2015 report said.

 

Chevron has "wellness initiatives" both within its Perth CBD head office and on its sites at the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects that target the mitigation of chronic health risks, encourage the adoption of healthy lifestyle choices and promote positive psychological health and wellbeing among its employees.

 

Chevron said it was achieving its vision of delivering "measurable, user-friendly and popular wellness program", and for the past two years has sponsored WA's largest community event, the City to Surf for Activ, where the LNG producer has fielded the largest corporate team.

 

Inpex offered a more detailed and extensive list of physical and mental health initiatives including monthly ‘Tuckerbox talks' on a range of health topics including healthy eating, physical activity, diet and nutrition, mindfulness, sleep and fatigue and resilience.

 

It also has team challenges to encourage physical activity, including the Get on Track Challenge and Push Up challenge during November.

 

The company also has free activities for personnel to participate in such as healthy cooking demonstrations, tai chi classes and meditation classes.

 

It also has an online Health and Wellbeing Hub which enables employees and family members to access information/services regarding health and wellbeing, including health information, videos and research articles, a monthly theme and includes specific information on team challenges and workplace activities.

 

The company also has a dedicated health team with ‘Wellbeing Champions' across the business; a formal champions group which meets regularly to plan and implement program strategies throughout the year; a detailed calendar of health events for personnel; and conducts a Wellbeing 360 survey and evaluates program strategies to continually improve the program

 

Inpex also provides ‘end of journey' facilities to encourage physical activity and active transport, including showers, secure bike storage, bike racks and lockers; free gym memberships for all personnel to access Goodlife in Perth CBD with unrestricted access. 

 

‘Stand up' meeting rooms and a range of sit-stand workstations for personnel to use are also provided, along with regular standing/stretching breaks to encourage less sitting and more moving throughout the day.

 

At Inpex, nothing is more important than our people going home safe and healthy at the end of each day," Inpex health, safety, environment and quality director Craig Haymes said.

 

Healthier Workplace WA manager Emily Davey told Energy News there was a growing enthusiasm and commitment to workplace health in WA.

 

"Recognition brings direct benefits to employees and can also enhance business reputation, make businesses an employer of choice and assist to grow workplace culture by demonstrating a commitment to health and wellbeing," she said.