A Chevron FIFO worker harmed himself during a flight to Perth on Friday.
The man, who works at Chevron’s Gorgon Project on Barrow Island, is now “stable”, according to a site notice sent by operations production manager Andrew Black.
“On Friday there was an incident on a Cobham flight to Perth. Sadly, a work mate harmed himself during the flight,” the site notice, obtained by PerthNow, said.
“The person involved is now stable and continues to receive medical support, I ask we respect their privacy. That’s important.”
The notice commended the efforts of flight crew and passengers who witnessed the “tough situation”.
“Mental health is something we take very seriously,” the notice said.
“Looking out for our mates extends beyond safety and PPE. It can also be about helping a friend get professional support.”
The site notice was posted on FIFO Construction Workers 3/1 Forum – a Facebook group often discussing conditions at Chevron and other operations with the three weeks on, one week off roster.
“Its very suprising that Chevron actually keep posting nonsense regarding taking mental health seriously……… Every single FIFO worker knows, especially the ones doing 28/7 that this roster has absolutely evetything to do with all the mental health issues…… Not to mention the probability of accidents on site due to mental fatigue……. But Chevron dont care because its an expense they do not want to deal with because they dont have to…..[sic],” one worker wrote.
“How many lives were lost on the Gorgon project before they did something???? Only reluctantly did chevron do anything after the workers and unions stood up against them. How many lives lost and injuries have to happen before chevron do something at wheatstone??? Gorgon will always be remembered as the project that was built on the blood and lives of its workers [sic],” another wrote.
“If they took mental health seriously they’d have qualified psychologists on site round the clock – none of this “helpline” crap with people who aren’t qualified to assist in anyway…. Fucks sake ! How many more people need to take their lives or attempt it before these companies ACTUALLY do something [sic],” a third wrote.
In September last year, Chevron came under fire for it’s lack of compassion or regard for mental health after the widow of a FIFO worker who took his own life before flying back to start his next shift spoke out on social media, outraged at the treatment she received from the company.
If you are feeling depressed or need support call SANE Helpline 1800 18 7263; Lifeline 131 114; Salvo Crisis Line (02) 8736 3295; beyondblue 1300 22 46 36; Working Away Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 721 997.
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