1
|
Fox JL, Gurney T, Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan S, Pols TAH, Tuffaha H, Pak A, McGrail M. A Narrative Review of Health Status and Healthcare Delivery in the Oil and Gas Industry: Impacts on Employees, Employers, and Local Communities. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2888. [PMID: 37958032 PMCID: PMC10647413 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Workers in the oil and gas industry are exposed to numerous health risks, ranging from poor health behaviours to the possibility of life-threatening injuries. Determining the most appropriate models of healthcare for the oil and gas industry is difficult, as strategies must be acceptable to multiple stakeholders, including employees, employers, and local communities. The purpose of this review was to broadly explore the health status and needs of workers in the oil and gas industry and healthcare delivery models relating to primary care and emergency responses. Database searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were conducted, as well as grey literature searches of Google, Google Scholar, and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers website. Resource-sector workers, particularly those in 'fly-in fly-out' roles, are susceptible to poor health behaviours and a higher prevalence of mental health concerns than the general population. Evidence is generally supportive of organisation-led behaviour change and mental health-related interventions. Deficiencies in primary care received while on-site may lead workers to inappropriately use local health services. For the provision of emergency medical care, telehealth and telemedicine lead to favourable outcomes by improving patient health status and satisfaction and reducing the frequency of medical evacuations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L. Fox
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Rockhampton 4700, Australia;
| | - Tiana Gurney
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Australia; (T.G.); (S.K.-C.)
| | | | | | - Haitham Tuffaha
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia; (H.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Anton Pak
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia; (H.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Matthew McGrail
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Rockhampton 4700, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Asare BYA, Powell D, Robinson S, Kwasnicka D. Rotation work in the resources sector: a systematic review of the impact on workers' families. Psychol Health 2023:1-30. [PMID: 36939187 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2190348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rotation work involves travelling to work in remote areas for a block of time and alternate with spending another block of time at home; such work arrangements have become common in the resources sector. The intermittent absence of workers from the home may adversely affect the health of the workers' families. This study synthesises research on mental and physical health outcomes in partners and children of rotation workers in the resources sector. DESIGN A systematic review was conducted. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Nineteen studies were included and findings were summarised narratively. RESULTS The impact of rotation work on the mental health and well-being of partners and children of rotation workers remains unclear. However, on days where workers are away, partners may experience greater loneliness and poorer sleep quality. CONCLUSION Partners may benefit from support, particularly when they have younger children and/or their spouses first begin rotation work. Research is limited, particularly regarding the impact on health-related behaviours and physical health outcomes. REGISTRATION This review was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42020167649).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland.,NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asare BYA, Robinson S, Kwasnicka D, Powell D. Application of Ecological Momentary Assessment in Studies with Rotation Workers in the Resources and Related Construction Sectors: A Systematic Review. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:10-16. [PMID: 36941930 PMCID: PMC10024174 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) can provide important insights over time and across contexts among rotation workers whose work periods alternate with leave at home, it can also be challenging to implement in the resources and construction sectors. This review aimed to provide a summary of the methodological characteristics of EMA studies assessing health outcomes and related behaviors in rotation workers. Systematic searches in PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were done to include 23 studies using EMA methods in assessing health-related outcomes and behaviors. EMA designs included daily diary: assessments once per day typically fixed at the end of day (47.8%), within day fixed interval time-based design: assessments on multiple times per day at certain times of day (17.4%) and combination of both designs (34.8%). Studies employed paper and pencil diaries (73.9%) and one or more electronic methods (60.9%): wrist-worn actigraphy device (52.2%) and online-based diaries (26.1%) for data collection. Most of the studies (91.3%) did not report prompting -EMAs by schedule alerts or compliance. Daily diary and within day fixed interval dairies designs are common, with the increasing use of electronic EMA delivery techniques. It is unclear how well participants adhere to assessment schedules, as these are inadequately reported. Researchers should report compliance-related information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author. Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland
- NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Asare BYA, Robinson S, Powell D, Kwasnicka D. Health and related behaviours of fly-in fly-out workers in the mining industry in Australia: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:105-120. [PMID: 35879565 PMCID: PMC9312312 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01908-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO), which entails travelling mostly from the urban areas to stay and work in remote areas for designated periods and travel back home to spend designated days of leave, has become a common work arrangement in the mining sector globally. This study examined the mental and physical health of FIFO workers and described their health-related behaviours during on-and off-shift periods. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with FIFO workers (N = 216) in the mining industry in Australia who completed an online survey. Paired t-test and McNemer's analysis examined the differences in health-related behaviours during workers' on-and off-shift days. Logistic regression examined the predictors of physical health and psychological distress status of FIFO workers. RESULTS Workers reported longer sleep duration (7.5 ± 1.5 h vs 6.3 ± 1.2 h, p < 0.001) and better sleep quality (78.2% vs 46.3%, p < 0.001) during off-shift nights than on on-shift nights. Smoking prevalence was 26.4%, and workers reported smoking a similar number of cigarettes per day during on-and off-shift days. Most workers reported drinking alcohol (86.1%) and more often at risky levels during off-shift than on-shift days (57.9% vs 34.3%, p < 0.001). Fruits and vegetable consumption was low but with higher vegetable intake during off-shift days (2.8 ± 1.4 vs 2.3 ± 1.3 serves, p < 0.001). Workers had good physical health status (91.2%), but 71.4% were overweight/obese and 33.4% indicated high levels of psychological distress. Working on long shifts (OR 6.63, 95% CI 1.84-23.91) and smoking (OR 7.17, 95% CI 2.67-19.26) were linked to high psychological distress. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of psychological distress and risky health behaviours was high. Interventions should aim to reduce psychological distress and support multiple behaviour changes, considering FIFO work-related characteristics including long shift hours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia. .,Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA 6102 Australia ,grid.1021.20000 0001 0526 7079Deakin Health Economics, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- grid.7107.10000 0004 1936 7291Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK ,grid.7107.10000 0004 1936 7291Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- grid.433893.60000 0001 2184 0541Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XNHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Asare BYA, Thomas E, Affandi JS, Schammer M, Harris C, Kwasnicka D, Powell D, Reid CM, Robinson S. Multiple health-related behaviours among Fly-In Fly-Out workers in the mining industry in Australia: A cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275008. [PMID: 36301801 PMCID: PMC9612538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fly-In-Fly-Out (FIFO) workers travel to work at isolated locations, and rotate continuous workdays with leave periods at home, and such work practice is common in the offshore oil and gas and onshore mining industry worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying public health actions appear to have had a negative impact on several health-related behaviours among the general population. However, little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health behaviours of FIFO workers, who have shown higher pre-pandemic rates of risky behaviours than the general population in Australia. This study examined the health-related behaviours of FIFO workers in the mining industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. FIFO workers from an Australian mining company who underwent COVID-19 screening between May and November 2020 completed an online survey about their regular health-related behaviours. The independent sample t-test and Pearson's chi-square test where appropriate were conducted to examine the differences between males and females for the behavioural outcomes. RESULTS A total of 768 FIFO workers (633 males and 135 females) participated in the study. Prevalence of smoking was high (32%). Males smoked more cigarettes per day than females (15.2±7.0 vs 13.1±7.1, p = .174). Most participants (74.7%) drank alcohol on more than two days per week. Compared to females, more males (20.2% vs 8.0%) consumed alcohol at short-term harmful levels (p = .010). About a third (34.4%) of the workers (33.5% of males and 38.5% of females, p = .264) engaged in inadequate moderate-vigorous exercises/physical activity. About a third (33.1%) of workers (33.7% of males and 30.4% of females; p = .699) had multiple risk behaviours. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of multiple risk behaviours was high. Interventions aimed at the prevention of risky health-related behaviours should target the different behavioural patterns and may require emphasis on gender-informed techniques particularly when addressing alcohol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Health Psychology Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom,Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia,* E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia,Division of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
| | | | | | - Chris Harris
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross, Australia
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Wroclaw, Poland,NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- Health Psychology Group, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom,Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Asare BYA, Makate M, Powell D, Kwasnicka D, Robinson S. Cost of Health-Related Work Productivity Loss among Fly-In Fly-Out Mining Workers in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10056. [PMID: 36011689 PMCID: PMC9408090 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sufficient knowledge on the work productivity impact of the health of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining sector in Australia is lacking. This study examined the impact of health and lifestyle behaviours on the work productivity of FIFO workers in the mining industry in Australia. FIFO workers completed an online questionnaire on health and work productivity loss measures. Linear regressions were used to model annual work productivity losses through absenteeism, presenteeism and total productivity loss. Workers with a high risk for health conditions were, on average, associated with 3.87% more productivity loss (absenteeism: 1.27% and presenteeism: 2.88%) than those with low risk. Workers who had multiple health risks classified as medium (3-4 health conditions) and high (5 or more health conditions) reported 1.75% and 7.46% more total productivity loss, respectively, than those with fewer multiple health risks (0-2 health conditions). Health conditions were estimated to account for an annual additional productivity cost due to absenteeism of AUD 8.82 million, presenteeism of AUD 14.08 million and a total productivity loss of AUD 20.96 million per 1000 workers. FIFO workers with high health risks experience more absenteeism, presenteeism and overall productivity loss. These measures provide strong economic justifications that could support the need for targeted workplace health interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth 6102, Australia
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Marshall Makate
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth 6102, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- Health Psychology, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra Ostrowskiego 30b, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland
- NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 333 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth 6102, Australia
- Deakin Health Economics, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood 3125, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Turner R, Rubin M. Issues affecting mental health at a fly‐in‐fly‐out mine site: A subjective impact ratings approach. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Turner
- School of Psychology The University of Newcastle Callaghan Australia
| | - Mark Rubin
- School of Psychology The University of Newcastle Callaghan Australia
- Department of Psychology Durham University Durham UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
This study explores the factors affecting workplace well-being in building construction projects. The objectives of this study are (1) to investigate the critical factors for workplace well-being in building construction projects, (2) to compare the critical factors between large enterprises (LEs) and small-medium enterprises (SMEs), and (3) to compare the critical factors between high-rise building construction projects and non-high-rise building construction projects. Data from 21 semi-structured interviews with construction industry professionals in Malaysia and a systematic literature review were used to develop a potential list of factors. Then, the factors were used to create a survey that was distributed to industry professionals. Data from 205 valid responses were analyzed using mean score ranking, normalization, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and overlap analysis. Fourteen critical factors were determined, including salary package, working hours, project progress, planning of the project, workers’ welfare, relationship between top management and employees, timeline of salary payment, working environment, employee work monitoring, communication between workers, insurance for construction worker, general safety and health monitoring, collaboration between top management and employee, and project leadership. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying the critical factors for improving workplace well-being. The study findings allow researchers and practitioners to develop strategies to promote workplace well-being in building construction projects.
Collapse
|
9
|
Asare BYA, Thomas E, Affandi JS, Schammer M, Brown P, Pilbeam M, Harris C, Ellison C, Kwasnicka D, Powell D, Reid CM, Robinson S. Mental Well-Being during COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Fly-In Fly-Out Workers in the Mining Industry in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212264. [PMID: 34832023 PMCID: PMC8620700 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has devastated the world, and its mental health impact has been recognized in the general population. However, little is known about the mental health impact of COVID-19 on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, who are flown to temporarily stay and work in remote areas, during this pandemic. This study examined the mental well-being of FIFO workers in the mining industry during COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia. An online survey was conducted between May to November 2020 among (N = 842) FIFO workers who underwent COVID-19 screening at a large mining company in Western Australia. The mental well-being score among workers was higher than population norms. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc tests showed significant differences in mental well-being by age, being placed under travel quarantine, undertaking self-isolation, impact of social distance guidelines, and experience of COVID-19 related symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis showed workers who were younger, placed under travel quarantine and experienced two or more COVID-19 related symptoms were more likely to have worse mental well-being. Acknowledging the negative emotions and distress experiences among the vulnerable groups could help in providing suitable support to help lessen these negative experiences in FIFO workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah Asare
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Australia; (E.T.); (J.S.A.); (C.M.R.); (S.R.)
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-450-307-768
| | - Elizabeth Thomas
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Australia; (E.T.); (J.S.A.); (C.M.R.); (S.R.)
| | - Jacquita S. Affandi
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Australia; (E.T.); (J.S.A.); (C.M.R.); (S.R.)
| | - Myles Schammer
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross 6153, Australia; (M.S.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (C.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Paul Brown
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross 6153, Australia; (M.S.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (C.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Matthew Pilbeam
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross 6153, Australia; (M.S.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (C.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Chris Harris
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross 6153, Australia; (M.S.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (C.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Chris Ellison
- Mineral Resources Limited, Applecross 6153, Australia; (M.S.); (P.B.); (M.P.); (C.H.); (C.E.)
| | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aleksandra Ostrowskiego, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland;
- NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Daniel Powell
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Christopher M. Reid
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Australia; (E.T.); (J.S.A.); (C.M.R.); (S.R.)
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley 6102, Australia; (E.T.); (J.S.A.); (C.M.R.); (S.R.)
| |
Collapse
|