Some fly-in fly-out workers are reluctant to use employer-provided counselling services, according to the founder of men’s group, New Roots Perth.

Tony Morgan, who has worked as a wellness advisor to mining companies, said he had observed this in many of the FIFO staff he dealt with.

“What isn’t expressed is that the councillors are actually a third party, and nothing to do with the company, so the company doesn’t know who accesses it,” he said.

“There’s a lack of knowledge there.”

Mr Morgan now works for a men’s mental health charity, Mens Talk.

The organisation recently launched it’s ‘new roots’ program to connect men through running, cycling and social gatherings.

Up to 20 men regularly attend the events, held every few weeks.

“What I do find is the FIFO guys tend to be the ones that message me the most to see if it lines up with their week off,” Mr Morgan said.

A 2018 WA Mental Health Commission report revealed 33 per cent of onsite FIFO workers reported experiencing a high or very high level of psychological distress.

According to the report, 26 per cent of onsite workers were not aware of available counselling services, with loneliness and a lack of meaningful connection identified as major contributors to poor mental health onsite.

Workers who engaged in social connectivity through recreation, such as sports games or social barbecues, reported having better mental wellbeing.

FIFO underground diesel fitter James Meier has never used onsite counselling services.

“Companies I worked for previously, I didn’t know it was anonymous,” he said.

Mr Meier prefers to look after his mental health by connecting through the men’s group.

“It’s not formal and there’s more opportunity to meet with other lads who’ve had similar experiences, so they can share what’s worked for them,” he said.

Mr Meier said in his experience, some workers only become aware of the support services available after an incident occurs.

“They’ll wait for an incident to happen before hand, so it’s a reactive environment,” he said.