06 May 2020 – DETECT program extended to target fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining and resources workers

Type of Intervention: New Tool / Service / Body
Sectors Involved: Mining and Resources
Intervention Categories: Surveillance and response measures; Detecting and isolating cases
Level of Jurisdiction: Western Australia
Lead People/Agency: It is a joint initiative of the Department of Health and WA researchers at Curtin University and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
The $500,000 FIFO study will see Curtin University and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research analyse testing data sent in from major WA resources companies such as Chevron, Woodside, Mineral Resources, BHP and Rio Tinto
McGowan said “The research being undertaken through Curtin University has been carefully considered by the Chief Health Officer and it is hoped that the findings will benefit others in the mining and broader community.”

Overview: The McGowan Government is partnering with major resources companies and Western Australia’s leading researchers to roll out COVID-19 testing among fly-in fly-out (FIFO) mining and resources workers who do not have symptoms. The testing among FIFO workers is the second pillar of the DETECT program, a joint initiative of the Department of Health and the WA research community. Today’s announcement is the start of the DETECT FIFO project led by Curtin University and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. It will engage with mining companies who are supporting the screening of workers for COVID-19.
Full details here: https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/05/Research-expanded-to-FIFO-workers-to-track-possible-COVID-19.aspx

Other links: 1 2
Type of Justification: No justification given