Welcome to another post from the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST. Our goal is to simplify real research so everyone, including 14-year-olds and 70-year-olds, can understand what the science is really saying.

Today, we bring together findings from multiple Australian studies to give FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) workers and their families a clearer picture of what FIFO life looks like — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

At the end of this blog, you'll find links to original studies and sources. You can double-check what we say or even download the full research if you’re curious to learn more. We aim to spark your curiosity and make real science easy and useful.

📌 HEADLINE FINDING

Up to 70% of FIFO Men Divorced – Nearly Double the National Average
(Source: Murdoch University)

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH

• 2.4% of FIFO workers have attempted suicide in the past 12 months. That’s 8x higher than the general population.
  (Source: Lifeline WA Report)

• FIFO workers are twice as likely to suffer depression and anxiety compared to average workers.

• Common causes: isolation, 12-hour shifts, long roster cycles, family separation.

💔 MARRIAGE & RELATIONSHIPS

• 70% of FIFO men experience relationship breakdown. Divorce rate is nearly double the national average.
  (Source: Murdoch University)

• Some studies and Reddit stories mention trust issues and infidelity, mostly during long on-site swings.

😴 SLEEP PROBLEMS

• Up to 60% of FIFO workers are at risk of sleep disorders like sleep apnoea or shift work disorder.
  (Source: Edith Cowan University, 2023)

• Workers often report only 4 to 5 hours of real sleep per night due to poor camp noise insulation, early starts, or stress.

🧂 OBESITY & DIET

• 79% of FIFO workers are overweight or obese, compared to 64% in the general population.
  (Source: Queensland Parliament Survey, Edith Cowan University)

• FIFO site buffets often serve high-fat, high-carb meals, which combined with fatigue and lack of activity, leads to weight gain.

😣 CHRONIC PAIN & PHYSICAL HEALTH

• FIFO workers often develop musculoskeletal problems (joint/muscle pain):
  • Low back pain affects 81%
  • Neck pain 68%, mid-back 66%
  • Long shifts, driving machines, or standing for hours play a big role.

(Source: AIHS, BMC Public Health, LinkedIn FIFO Injury Reports)

🎯 WHY ORIEMS FIT CARES

At Oriems Fit, we create tools that support better comfort and wellbeing for Australians — whether you’re recovering from hard work or need help managing tired muscles.

We’re proud to be a 🏆 100% Australian Award-Winning Brand, named  Product of the Year 2024 and 2025, selected from 68,000+ products.

Whether you’re young or older, fit or tired, active or recovering — you deserve to feel your best.

🔗 Check our EMS Muscle Recovery Kit here: https://oriems.fit/products/original-oriems-ultimate-kit

✅ Trusted Sources (You Can Fact-Check):

• Murdoch University FIFO Divorce Data
• Lifeline WA FIFO Mental Health Report
• Edith Cowan University Sleep Study
• Queensland Parliament FIFO Health Report
• AIHS – Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
• BMJ Open Study on FIFO Worker Health
• FIFO Injury Reports on LinkedIn

🗣️ Join the Conversation Are you a FIFO worker or know someone who is? Have you faced any of these issues? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts or experience.

ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST

🔗 Original Study Links & Sources

1. Murdoch University – FIFO Divorce Rate (Referenced in Media Reports)

https://www.murdoch.edu.au/news/articles/murdoch-research-into-mental-health-of-fifo-workers

2. Lifeline WA – FIFO/DIDO Mental Health Research Report (2013)

https://apo.org.au/sites/default/files/resource-files/2013-06/apo-nid35836.pdf

3. Edith Cowan University – FIFO Sleep Study (2023)

https://www.myosh.com/news/fifo-workers-at-significant-risk-of-developing-sleep-disorders

4. Queensland Parliament – Inquiry into FIFO and DIDO Work Practices

https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2015/5515T121.pdf

5. Australian Institute of Health & Safety (AIHS) – Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

https://www.aihs.org.au/news-and-publications/news/work-related-musculoskeletal-disorders

6. BMJ Open – Mental Health Impacts of FIFO Employment

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/3/e041223

7. LinkedIn – FIFO Injury Reports (Community Content)

https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/content/?keywords=fifo%20injury%20report