FIFO and local workers on Western Australian mining and resources sites must have received their first COVID-19 vaccination dose by 1 December 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 1 January 2022.
This will address the risks posed by movement of resources sector workers, including mining and oil and petroleum operations, to and from regional and remote locations in WA, with many sites and operations located at or near remote Aboriginal communities.
The mandate applies to any FIFO worker in WA, in mining, oil and gas and exploration, visitors to these operations, as well as all resources sector employees who work at regional and remote mine sites. It will also include workers at other mission critical operational locations including remote operations, for example, a Perth-based remote operator of a Hedland mining train.
Resources sector workers potentially come into contact with Aboriginal people from remote communities, which means there is a risk that COVID-19 could enter a community from an infected worker. The sector is also the largest employer of Aboriginal people in the regions.
Factors which increase Aboriginal people’s susceptibility to serious disease from COVID-19 include higher rates of other chronic health issues, difficulties in accessing health care and high levels of mobility.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said the new directions mean that if workers have not received the COVID-19 vaccine they will need to do so now to be allowed to attend or work in rural or remote mine sites and operations.
“Under the directions, individuals that choose not to will have to work in another area of the organisation or seek other employment.”
It will be the responsibility of employers to collect and maintain records of vaccinated workers, and aligned with other mandatory vaccination directions, there are provisions for exemptions for approved medical reasons.
BHP has announced it will introduce vaccination as a condition of entry to its Australian sites and offices.
BHP Minerals Australia President Edgar Basto said the company believes it is the right path forward to protect the health of workers, their families and the communities – including remote indigenous communities.
“We know this will raise questions for some, and we will work closely with our workforce as we go through the process of implementing these controls at our workplaces.”
BHP workplaces in NSW will introduce these controls sooner considering local risk factors and the company will also comply with recently announced public health orders in WA and Victoria relevant to the resources sector.
The State Government has put measures in place to make it easier for workers to get vaccinated, including pop-up vaccination clinics in Pilbara towns and at Perth Airport.
The Perth Airport clinic, operating in partnership with Rio Tinto for FIFOs, is opening on 11 October to provide added convenience for people who can easily access the COVID-19 vaccine on their way to and from work.