For many Muslims, Ramadan is a time to pray, connect with community and share meals at sunrise and sunset.
But for FIFO worker Nuhu Sumailo, the Holy month looks very different.
“Before my fly in, fly out role, Ramadan meant praying with family and volunteering, but on-site you work, eat alone and that’s it,” he says.
Mr Sumailo works 12-hour shifts as a driller in Western Australia, spending two weeks away at a time.
He says being away from home during Ramadan can feel lonely and “spiritually heavy”.
“After a stressful shift, you want to go home and at least share a meal with your family, but you go back to an empty room and there’s no-one there but you,” he says.
Mr Sumailo says his current company is supportive, even adjusting his shifts so he can have something to eat and drink briefly.
But there are still significant challenges and much depends on colleagues being flexible.
“The cafeteria isn’t open early enough for Suhoor [the morning meal],” he says.
“If I miss the window to get in there, I don’t eat.”
Many people also volunteer during Ramadan; Mr Sumailo fulfills his responsibilty by looking for opportunities to help colleagues on site.
Mental health clinicians say Mr Sumailo’s experience is far from unique.
Registered psychologist Maryam Qureshi says separation from family during Ramadan often heightens emotional strain.
“Ramadan is community focused, so missing that can intensify stress,” she says.
Ms Qureshi knows of one FIFO worker who resorted to buying a portable stove because the cafeteria wasn’t open during the times he needed to eat.
“Breaking the fast late can cause guilt for some, it defeats the purpose,” she says.
Fasting while working long, physically demanding shifts adds another layer of difficulty.
“Food fuels your brain, so when routines are disrupted, you can see anxiety, fatigue or hopelessness creep in,” says.
Perth counsellor Sadia Safi has treated many Muslim workers, who feel colleagues who don’t understand their needs.
“FIFO roles are already high stress – if you don’t communicate your needs, you risk suffering in silence,” she says.
She encourages workplaces to recognise the significance of Ramadan and help workers to develop predictable routines.
FIFO worker Nuhu Sumailo hopes more mine sites will consider introducing simple changes like early morning access to mess halls for food, spaces to pray and microwaves in rooms.
Categories: General