Government officials in Western Australia have released outlines making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers and others in the resources sector.

According to the office, FIFOs, local workers at mining and resource sites, remote operations employees and those running critical infrastructure – including remote train and port control – must receive their first dose by 12:01 a.m. on 1 December. The deadline for full vaccination status is 1 January 2022.

“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,” the WA government said in its directive.

“The move to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for resources sector workers follows similar mandates in other industries including ports, transport, freight and logistics, healthcare and aged care.”

In Australia, every individual over the age of 12 is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Boosters were not addressed in the guidance.

WA officials did confirm, though, that the Perth Airport clinic is operating in partnership with Rio Tinto to give FIFOs vaccinations and will open 11 October for added convenience to those going to or coming from their work site.

Vaccination appointments can also be booked at Roll Up for WA.

Source: Government of Western Australia