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BMA limits FIFO workers according to criticality

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has tightened its travel restrictions for mining employees following the Queensland Government’s latest measure on border controls.

Queensland has closed its borders since midnight Saturday (April 4) to interstate fly in, fly out (FIFO) workers unless they were critical to a project’s operations.

A traveller who does not have a border pass will not be able to cross the border.

The changes do not affect FIFO or drive in, drive out (DIDO) workers travelling from within Queensland.

These have replaced the requirement of 14-day self-quarantine to those who had crossed the state’s border.

Queensland’s police minister Mark Ryan said now was “not the time to be travelling interstate unnecessarily.”

“Unless you are a Queensland resident or have an exemption such as you work here or are required to travel for medical reasons, or are involved in freight transportation, you will be turned away,” he said.

“We are doing this in the interests of community safety.”

In response, BMA plans to limit FIFO workers only to those who are critical to business operations.

The company could also temporarily relocate workers, amend rosters and increase the use of charter flights and health screening.

Should these measures be implemented, they will be an addition to safety controls that have been adopted across BMA sites, including social distancing practices and increased cleaning and sanitation.

“We are all in this together, and BMA will continue to implement measures to keep our people and communities safe by reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread,” BMA asset president James Palmer said.

“In doing so, we hope to help keep Queensland strong by supporting jobs and local businesses as we work through this difficult period.”

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