Various job structures cater to the unique needs of industries and workers alike. One such arrangement that has gained traction, especially in remote areas, is the Drive In Drive Out (DIDO) job model. But what exactly does this entail?

What Is a Drive In Drive Out Job?

A Drive In Drive Out (DIDO) job is a type of employment where workers drive themselves to a remote worksite for a set period, then drive back home for their days off, eliminating the need for them to permanently relocate or fly to the job site.

DIDO jobs are prevalent in industries like mining, construction, and agriculture, especially in regions where the worksites are distant from major cities but still accessible by road. The typical routine of a DIDO worker involves:

• Commute: Workers drive to the site at the beginning of their roster, which could range from a few days to several weeks. The commute can vary from a couple of hours to an entire day, depending on the location of the site.

• On-site Accommodation: Once at the site, workers usually stay in provided accommodations, such as camps or lodges. These accommodations often have facilities like dining halls, recreational areas, and sometimes even gyms, ensuring workers have a comfortable stay.

• Work Schedule: Drive In Drive Out workers typically have long workdays, often 12 hours or more. The intensity and nature of the job depend on the industry, with some roles requiring physical labor, while others might be more administrative or supervisory.

• Days Off: After their roster ends, workers drive back home, where they get several days off to rest and spend time with their families before the cycle begins again.

The Drive In Drive Out model offers a balance, allowing workers to take on jobs in remote areas without uprooting their lives, while also providing industries with the skilled labor they need, even in distant locations.

FIFO and DIDO: Understanding the Differences

In industries that operate in remote locations, ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers can be a challenge. Two popular solutions to this challenge are the FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) and DIDO (Drive In Drive Out) models. While they share similarities in providing flexible work arrangements, they also have distinct differences.

What is FIFO (Fly In Fly Out)?

Fly In Fly Out (FIFO) is an employment model where workers are flown to the remote worksite for a set period and then flown back to their home city for their days off. This model eliminates the need for workers to relocate permanently to the vicinity of the worksite.

FIFO vs DIDO: A Comparison

Transportation

• FIFO: Workers are transported to and from the worksite by plane. This is especially common for extremely remote sites where driving is not feasible due to distance or lack of road infrastructure.
• DIDO: Workers drive themselves to the worksite and back home. This is suitable for sites that, while remote, are still accessible by road.

Industries

• FIFO: Predominantly used in the mining, oil, and gas industries, especially in areas that are very remote or challenging to access by road.
• DIDO: Common in mining, construction, and agriculture, especially in regions where the worksites are distant but still reachable by road.

Worker Experiences

• FIFO: Workers often face longer periods away from home, given the logistics and cost of flying. The accommodations are typically well-equipped camps with various amenities since workers stay for extended periods. The nature of FIFO can be more taxing due to the longer durations away from family and the potential for jet lag.
• DIDO: The commute can be long, but workers have the flexibility of driving and more control over their travel schedule. The periods on-site might be shorter compared to FIFO, allowing for more frequent home visits. However, the repeated long drives can be tiring.

While both FIFO and DIDO offer solutions to the challenges of staffing remote worksites, the choice between them depends on the specific needs of the industry, the location of the site, and the preferences of the workers.

What Does BIBO Mean in Australia?

"BIBO" stands for "Bus-In, Bus-Out." It's a term similar to FIFO (Fly-In, Fly-Out) and DIDO (Drive In Drive Out), but in the context of BIBO, workers are transported to and from remote worksites using buses rather than planes or personal vehicles. 

This mode of transportation is often used for sites that are relatively accessible by road and where it's efficient to transport a larger group of workers together. BIBO is common in industries like mining or construction, especially when the worksite is at a distance that can be covered by a bus journey but is too close or inaccessible for flights.

What is a DIDO Roster?

A DIDO roster refers to the work schedule or arrangement for employees who work in remote locations and drive themselves to and from the worksite. The roster outlines the number of days or weeks an employee is expected to work (on-site) and the number of days or weeks they have off (at home).

For example, a common Drive In Drive Out roster might be "2 weeks on, 1 week off." This means that an employee would work at the remote site for two consecutive weeks and then have one week off at home. Another example could be "8 days on, 6 days off," where the worker spends 8 days at the worksite and then has 6 days off.

The specifics of the roster can vary based on the employer's needs, the nature of the job, and the industry. The goal of such rosters is to provide a balance between work and rest, especially given the challenges of working in remote locations.

How to improve DIDO Worker Safety

Understanding the Risks

Before we dive into the best approach to address safety concerns for DIDO workers, we need to understand which risks we are trying to mitigate.

1. Driving-Related Accidents: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, distractions, and increased chances of accidents, which can be fatal or result in severe injuries.
2. Fatigue Management: DIDO workers often endure extended shifts and irregular work schedules, making them susceptible to fatigue-related incidents both on the road and at work.
3. Weather Hazards: Many DIDO jobs involve traveling through remote and challenging terrains, exposing workers to unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat.
4. Remote Locations: Workers may operate in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities or emergency services, adding complexity to response times in case of emergencies.

How to Mitigate these Risks

Journey Management is a comprehensive approach aimed at mitigating the risks associated with travelling to and from work, specifically tailored to the unique needs of DIDO workers.

Here's how it works:

Route Planning and Risk Assessment:

Before embarking on a journey, journey management involves thoroughly planning the route, taking into account factors like road conditions, weather, and fatigue-prone areas. A risk assessment is conducted to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Scheduled Breaks:

Journey management emphasizes the importance of scheduled breaks to combat driver fatigue. Implementing strict policies regarding rest intervals can help ensure that workers are well-rested during their journeys.

Communication Protocols:

DIDO workers should have reliable means of communication with their employers or colleagues. Satellite phones, two-way radios, or mobile apps can be used to stay connected, particularly in remote areas with limited cell coverage.

Emergency Response Plans:

Having a well-defined emergency response plan is critical. It should include procedures for accidents, medical emergencies, and breakdowns, as well as access to emergency services and evacuation routes.

Training and Education:

Workers should receive comprehensive training on journey management principles, safe driving practices, and how to respond to emergencies. Ongoing education and awareness campaigns can reinforce these practices.

Vehicle Maintenance:

Regular maintenance and inspections of vehicles are essential to prevent breakdowns or accidents due to mechanical failures.

Driver Monitoring:

Implement technologies like GPS tracking and telematics to monitor driver behavior, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and provide real-time support if needed.

Incident Reporting:

Encourage a culture of incident reporting, where workers feel comfortable reporting safety concerns, near misses, or accidents. This information can be invaluable for continuous improvement.

Ensuring the safety of DIDO workers is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility. Journey management is a proactive approach that can significantly reduce the risks associated with driving to and from remote work locations. By prioritizing route planning, fatigue management, communication, and emergency response, organizations can create a safer work environment for their DIDO workers. Implementing these practices not only protects the workforce but also enhances productivity and reputation, making it a win-win for everyone involved.

If you'd like to learn more about Journey Management, we have created a comprehensive guide: