Why FIFO workers need a will

FIFO life is different

Fly-in, fly-out workers face unique circumstances:

• Remote locations — Far from hospitals and emergency services
• Higher-risk work — Mining, construction, oil and gas
• Time away — Weeks away from family at a time
• Higher income — Often more assets to protect
• Life insurance — Usually have significant coverage through work

These factors make estate planning more important, not less.

Higher risk is real

While mining and resource companies prioritise safety, the reality is that FIFO workers face higher occupational risks than average:

• Heavy machinery and equipment
• Remote site accidents
• Fatigue from roster patterns
• Hazardous materials exposure
• Limited emergency medical response

Your family needs access

If something happens while you’re on site, your family needs immediate access to:

• Bank accounts and bills
• Mortgage payments
• Insurance policies
• Super information
• Your employer’s contact details and benefits
• Important documents

A will is part of this — but so is making sure your family knows where everything is before there’s a crisis.

FIFO income and assets

Higher FIFO income often means:

• Significant superannuation balances
• Investment properties
• Share portfolios
• Savings and term deposits
• Valuable vehicles and equipment
• Larger life insurance coverage

All of this needs clear direction in your will.

Super and life insurance through work

Most FIFO workers have substantial life insurance through their employer or super fund. But:

• Is the coverage enough for your family’s needs?
• Who is nominated to receive it?
• Is the nomination binding and current?
• Does your family know the policy exists?

Mortgages and debt

FIFO income often supports significant mortgages. If you die:

• Can your partner keep up repayments?
• Is there life insurance to cover the mortgage?
• What happens if the house needs to be sold?
• Are there other debts to consider?

Your will should work with your insurance to ensure your family isn’t forced to sell the home.

Children and time away

If you have children, your roster already means missing time with them. Make sure:

• Guardians are nominated if both parents die
• Your will provides for their education and care
• There’s a letter of wishes about how you want them raised
• Your family knows your intentions

Partners left managing everything

FIFO partners often manage households solo during swings. They’re capable — but do they have legal authority?

• Power of Attorney — Can they make financial decisions while you’re away and unreachable?
• Access to accounts — Are they authorised on your bank accounts?
• Will executor — Are they named, or someone else?

Consider giving your partner enduring Power of Attorney for practical reasons, not just emergencies.

What happens at work

Check with your employer about:

• Death-in-service benefits
• Workers’ compensation procedures
• How your family would be notified
• What support they provide
• Return of personal belongings

Make sure your emergency contacts at work are current.

What to do now

1. Make a will that covers all your assets
2. Check super binding nominations
3. Review life insurance — is coverage adequate?
4. Give your partner Power of Attorney
5. Create a “where to find everything” document
6. Have conversations with your family about your wishes
7. Use our Preparation Checklist to organise everything
8. Update emergency contacts at work

Related: How to Choose the Right Executor · What Your Will Doesn’t Cover