The FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator is one of the most important figures on any remote FIFO site in Australia. These professionals ensure that the work environment remains safe, compliant, and productive across mines, oil and gas operations, and large construction projects.
In 2026, Australian industry continues to grow across regions like the Pilbara, Bowen Basin, and the Northern Territory. As projects become larger and more complex, employers are placing greater emphasis on strong safety systems and skilled coordinators who can manage compliance, lead investigations, and influence positive site culture.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the role, from daily routines and qualifications to salary expectations and future opportunities — and how to position yourself as a standout candidate in Australia’s FIFO safety market.
2. What a FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator Does
A Health and Safety Coordinator oversees the day-to-day management of work health and safety (WHS) systems. They ensure that employees, contractors, and visitors follow procedures that protect both people and assets.
Core Responsibilities
- Conduct daily safety inspections across all departments “`
- Review Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), permits, and risk assessments
- Lead incident investigations and identify root causes (often using methods such as ICAM or TapRoot)
- Manage safety inductions and toolbox meetings for new and existing FIFO crews
- Track corrective actions and maintain risk registers
- Advise supervisors on WHS legislation and compliance standards “`
The Coordinator’s Purpose
This position is about leadership through example. A coordinator not only enforces standards but also builds relationships with teams, helping everyone understand that safety is an investment, not an obstacle — a message that’s central to any successful FIFO career.
3. Where the Jobs Are
Health and Safety Coordinators are employed across several major FIFO industries and regions in Australia.
Mining and Resources
BHP, Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Roy Hill, Northern Star, and Evolution Mining
Oil and Gas
Woodside, Chevron, INPEX, Santos, and Shell Australia
Construction and Infrastructure
CPB Contractors, Monadelphous, Thiess, and John Holland
Renewable Energy and Critical Minerals
Wind, solar, hydrogen, and lithium projects expanding across Western Australia and Queensland
The role is vital across construction phases, maintenance shutdowns, and production cycles — wherever there are high-risk activities and rotating FIFO crews on site.
4. Qualifications and Training
Mandatory
-
- White Card (Construction Induction)
- First Aid and CPR certification (often bundled with FIFO-ready entry-level tickets)
- Incident Investigation Training (ICAM or TapRoot)
- Internal Auditor course aligned with ISO 45001
- Working at Heights and Confined Space Entry
Highly Valued
- Diploma of Work Health and Safety (BSB51319) for senior coordination and superintendent roles “`
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122) for delivering inductions and internal training
- Fire Safety, Risk Management, and Emergency Response training (useful if you’re moving from or into emergency response and medical roles)
- Previous trade or operations background to understand site activities — for example as a FIFO electrician, diesel fitter, or production operator “`
Practical experience is as important as education. Many coordinators come from trades, emergency services, or frontline supervisory roles before moving into safety management, often after completing their WHS Certificate IV while still working on the tools.
5. Rosters and Working Conditions
Most FIFO Health and Safety Coordinators work the same rosters as operational crews. The most common schedules include:
-
- Eight days on, six days off (8:6)
-
- Fourteen days on, seven days off (14:7)
- Two weeks on, two weeks off (2:2), especially on remote gas and offshore projects
Each shift is typically twelve hours long, combining office work with extensive time in the field. Camps are well-equipped with private ensuite rooms, gyms, recreation areas, catering services, and reliable communication access — similar to what you’ll find in most WA mining camps or LNG projects.
The role is active and people-oriented, involving both administrative reporting and direct engagement with teams during inspections, walkthroughs, and pre-start meetings.
6. Pay and Benefits
Based on 2026 job ads across Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory, FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator salaries are highly competitive compared to many other site roles.
| Role | Typical Annual Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Junior HSE Coordinator | 120,000 – 150,000 |
| Experienced HSE Coordinator | 150,000 – 190,000 |
| Senior Site HSE Coordinator | 190,000 – 230,000 |
| Project HSE Superintendent | 230,000 – 280,000 |
Benefits
-
- Balancing production demands with safety expectations and legal obligations
- Managing fatigue during long rosters and shift work
- Navigating complex reporting, documentation, and audit requirements
- Working in extreme temperatures and physically demanding environments
- Maintaining focus when managing multiple projects, contracts, or shutdowns at once
While challenging, the role provides a strong sense of achievement. Coordinators play a key part in reducing risk and improving the daily wellbeing of entire site teams — a contribution that’s recognised across mining, oil and gas, and remote healthcare and emergency services.
10. Career Progression
This position is a stepping stone to many higher-level safety and leadership roles, especially if you combine site experience with formal WHS and leadership training.
Possible Career Pathways
Safety Advisor → HSE Coordinator → HSE Superintendent → HSE Manager → HSE Director
Tradesperson → Safety Representative → HSE Coordinator → Training and Compliance Manager
Emergency Response Officer → Safety Coordinator → Risk and Compliance Specialist
Professionals can also transition into areas such as sustainability, environment, or corporate risk management, especially when paired with further study in WHS, environmental science, or business.
11. Future Outlook
The outlook for FIFO Health and Safety Coordinators remains very strong. The growth of renewable energy projects and critical minerals operations, along with automation across mining, means that new risks are emerging and experienced safety professionals are essential to manage them.
Companies are also expanding their focus beyond physical safety to include psychological health and fatigue management. Coordinators who understand mental wellbeing, ergonomics, and human factors will have an advantage in upcoming years.
As Australia continues to invest in major resource and infrastructure projects, qualified safety leaders will remain in constant demand through 2026 and beyond.
12. Final Thoughts
Working as a FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator is more than just a career; it is a responsibility that directly impacts lives. It suits people who are disciplined, practical, and committed to high standards — and who are prepared to back that up with the right tickets, licences, and WHS training.
Every inspection, conversation, and report contributes to a safer site. It is a role that requires confidence, empathy, and professionalism in equal measure.
For those who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and working closely with teams in high-performance environments, this career provides long-term growth, stability, and a sense of purpose that few other FIFO roles can match — especially when combined with a clear FIFO career plan and ongoing WHS upskilling.
-
- Deep understanding of WHS legislation, company systems, and site procedures
- Ability to influence others with confidence and respect, even under pressure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and toolbox talks
- Calm decision-making during incidents and emergencies
- Attention to detail during field inspections and document reviews
- Dedication to continuous improvement, coaching, and mentoring others
The best coordinators are approachable, consistent, and trusted by the workforce. They gain influence not through authority alone but by setting the standard for professionalism and integrity — the kind of reputation that unlocks long-term FIFO career growth.
9. Common Challenges
-
- Balancing production demands with safety expectations and legal obligations
- Managing fatigue during long rosters and shift work
- Navigating complex reporting, documentation, and audit requirements
- Working in extreme temperatures and physically demanding environments
- Maintaining focus when managing multiple projects, contracts, or shutdowns at once
While challenging, the role provides a strong sense of achievement. Coordinators play a key part in reducing risk and improving the daily wellbeing of entire site teams — a contribution that’s recognised across mining, oil and gas, and remote healthcare and emergency services.
10. Career Progression
This position is a stepping stone to many higher-level safety and leadership roles, especially if you combine site experience with formal WHS and leadership training.
Possible Career Pathways
Safety Advisor → HSE Coordinator → HSE Superintendent → HSE Manager → HSE Director
Tradesperson → Safety Representative → HSE Coordinator → Training and Compliance Manager
Emergency Response Officer → Safety Coordinator → Risk and Compliance Specialist
Professionals can also transition into areas such as sustainability, environment, or corporate risk management, especially when paired with further study in WHS, environmental science, or business.
11. Future Outlook
The outlook for FIFO Health and Safety Coordinators remains very strong. The growth of renewable energy projects and critical minerals operations, along with automation across mining, means that new risks are emerging and experienced safety professionals are essential to manage them.
Companies are also expanding their focus beyond physical safety to include psychological health and fatigue management. Coordinators who understand mental wellbeing, ergonomics, and human factors will have an advantage in upcoming years.
As Australia continues to invest in major resource and infrastructure projects, qualified safety leaders will remain in constant demand through 2026 and beyond.
12. Final Thoughts
Working as a FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator is more than just a career; it is a responsibility that directly impacts lives. It suits people who are disciplined, practical, and committed to high standards — and who are prepared to back that up with the right tickets, licences, and WHS training.
Every inspection, conversation, and report contributes to a safer site. It is a role that requires confidence, empathy, and professionalism in equal measure.
For those who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and working closely with teams in high-performance environments, this career provides long-term growth, stability, and a sense of purpose that few other FIFO roles can match — especially when combined with a clear FIFO career plan and ongoing WHS upskilling.
-
- Paid travel, accommodation, and meals for FIFO workers on most major projects
- Funded professional development, WHS upgrades, and refresher training
- Annual bonuses linked to safety performance and project outcomes
- Health insurance and wellbeing programs, including mental health support on many sites
- Clear pathways to management, superintendent, and specialist advisory positions
If you’re comparing this role to other options, it’s worth reading broader FIFO training and salary information before you commit to a pathway.
7. A Typical Day on Site
A coordinator’s day starts early, often before sunrise.
Morning: Attend the pre-start meeting, deliver safety messages, and review the day’s high-risk activities. Conduct field inspections to ensure teams follow permit requirements and controls, especially for activities like working at heights, confined space entry, lifting operations, and hot work.
Midday: Check documentation, complete audits, and assist supervisors with risk management. Conduct behavioural safety observations and coach workers on safe practices, reinforcing lessons from recent incidents and safety campaigns.
Afternoon: Review incident reports, finalise action items, and prepare updates for the site manager. Some days include emergency drills, mock evacuations, or safety leadership training sessions for supervisors and leading hands.
No two days are identical, but every shift revolves around maintaining standards and preventing incidents — the core purpose of any FIFO safety role.
8. Skills and Personal Qualities
-
- Deep understanding of WHS legislation, company systems, and site procedures
- Ability to influence others with confidence and respect, even under pressure
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations, and toolbox talks
- Calm decision-making during incidents and emergencies
- Attention to detail during field inspections and document reviews
- Dedication to continuous improvement, coaching, and mentoring others
The best coordinators are approachable, consistent, and trusted by the workforce. They gain influence not through authority alone but by setting the standard for professionalism and integrity — the kind of reputation that unlocks long-term FIFO career growth.
9. Common Challenges
-
- Balancing production demands with safety expectations and legal obligations
- Managing fatigue during long rosters and shift work
- Navigating complex reporting, documentation, and audit requirements
- Working in extreme temperatures and physically demanding environments
- Maintaining focus when managing multiple projects, contracts, or shutdowns at once
While challenging, the role provides a strong sense of achievement. Coordinators play a key part in reducing risk and improving the daily wellbeing of entire site teams — a contribution that’s recognised across mining, oil and gas, and remote healthcare and emergency services.
10. Career Progression
This position is a stepping stone to many higher-level safety and leadership roles, especially if you combine site experience with formal WHS and leadership training.
Possible Career Pathways
Safety Advisor → HSE Coordinator → HSE Superintendent → HSE Manager → HSE Director
Tradesperson → Safety Representative → HSE Coordinator → Training and Compliance Manager
Emergency Response Officer → Safety Coordinator → Risk and Compliance Specialist
Professionals can also transition into areas such as sustainability, environment, or corporate risk management, especially when paired with further study in WHS, environmental science, or business.
11. Future Outlook
The outlook for FIFO Health and Safety Coordinators remains very strong. The growth of renewable energy projects and critical minerals operations, along with automation across mining, means that new risks are emerging and experienced safety professionals are essential to manage them.
Companies are also expanding their focus beyond physical safety to include psychological health and fatigue management. Coordinators who understand mental wellbeing, ergonomics, and human factors will have an advantage in upcoming years.
As Australia continues to invest in major resource and infrastructure projects, qualified safety leaders will remain in constant demand through 2026 and beyond.
12. Final Thoughts
Working as a FIFO Health and Safety Coordinator is more than just a career; it is a responsibility that directly impacts lives. It suits people who are disciplined, practical, and committed to high standards — and who are prepared to back that up with the right tickets, licences, and WHS training.
Every inspection, conversation, and report contributes to a safer site. It is a role that requires confidence, empathy, and professionalism in equal measure.
For those who enjoy leadership, problem-solving, and working closely with teams in high-performance environments, this career provides long-term growth, stability, and a sense of purpose that few other FIFO roles can match — especially when combined with a clear FIFO career plan and ongoing WHS upskilling.
