7 FIFO Induction Pack Items Mining Crews Actually Use
FIFO stands for Fly-In Fly-Out, a work arrangement in which employees fly to remote mine sites for rostered shifts, then return home for time off. It’s common in the mining and resources industries, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland. For new FIFO workers, the first swing can take some getting used to. There’s the heat, dust, long shifts, shared camp facilities, and regular flights to and from work. In this blog, we’ll share the seven items we see mining industries order for induction packs.
The 7 Items At A Glance
What Each Item Does for A FIFO Crew
1. Insulated Drink Bottle
When you’re on site, clean water and a container to drink from are a must. Mary Aguirre-Cruz and Regina Mangubat, our account managers, both rank drink bottles among their own top picks from our range because they carry one everywhere. That everyday habit is exactly what you want from a branded item.
- Choose 750 ml to 1 L for long shifts.
- Pick a wide mouth so ice and cleaning are easy.
- Laser engrave the logo so it survives dust, drops, and dishwashers
2. Sun Protection Kit
Outdoor crews burn through sunscreen fast. A small kit with SPF 50+ sunscreen, SPF lip balm, and a cooling towel gets used from day one. Charles Liu, our co-founder, recommends sunscreen and sun-safe items for this reason. Check that the sunscreen is TGA-listed and has a clear expiry date before packing it.
3. Camp Hoodies or Polos
Crews live in their off-shift clothes at camp and on the plane. A quality hoodie or quick-dry polo becomes the thing they grab at 4 am or on a cold flight home. Regina Mangubat, one of our account managers, works on staff uniform programs and notes that comfort and fabric weight determine whether apparel gets worn. Keep it separate from site PPE, which has its own hi-vis and safety standards set by each operation. Here’s what we recommend:
- Choose embroidery over print for durability.
- Order a full-size run, including larger and tall sizes.
- Confirm whether the site allows branded clothing in work areas.
4. Power Bank
Long transit days, shared camp power points and patchy reception all drain phones. Shealeigh Keeney, one of our account managers, calls a power bank a must-have because she is always on her phone, and FIFO workers are the same.
Power banks generally must travel in carry-on luggage, not checked bags, and some airlines now restrict using them in flight. Choose a capacity well under the airline limit and note it on the product so security checks go smoothly.
5. Pocket Notebook and Pen
Induction days, toolbox talks and shift handovers all involve writing things down. A tough pocket notebook with a reliable pen is still faster than a phone with gloves on. Both Mary Aguirre-Cruz and Shealeigh Keeney, our account managers, say they still prefer writing notes by hand because it helps them think. On site, a notebook in a shirt pocket also means critical details don’t sit on a phone left in the crib room.
6. Travel Duffel or Toiletry Bag
Every swing starts and ends with packing. A durable duffel or a hanging toiletry bag makes the routine easier and keeps your logo moving through airports and camps for years. Choose water-resistant fabric, sturdy zips and a size that fits carry-on limits for regional charter flights.
7. Headphones or Earbuds
Downtime matters on a long roster. Headphones get used on flights, in the camp gym and for calls home. Ariane Milarpez, one of our account managers, lists wireless headphones among her favourite items because she uses them for music and work. Make it clear in the pack that these are for leisure only and are not hearing protection.
How to Build a Pack for Your Budget
You don’t need all seven items to make a strong impression. Start with the essentials and add comfort items as budget allows.
Charles Liu, one of our account managers, says sharing your budget upfront lets him find better-value alternatives without dropping quality. A clear per-head budget is the fastest way to a pack that fits.
Getting Packs to Remote Sites on Time
Remote delivery is where induction packs most often go wrong. Freight to site can take longer than metro delivery, and a missed intake date means a new crew starts with nothing. The approach for mining clients comes down to a few habits:
- Lock in artwork early. Changes once items are in print production usually can’t be reversed.
- Pre-kit the packs. Packing each pack before dispatch saves your site admin hours.
- Confirm the delivery point. Head office, a regional depot, or the site gate all have different lead times.
- Order a buffer. Extra units cover late hires and replacement sizes.
- Plan around intake dates. Work back from the induction day, not the order date.
Regina Mangubat and Mary Aguirre-Cruz, two of our account managers, both note that late approvals and changes after sign-off are the main cause of tight timelines. One person signing off artwork keeps the project on track.
FAQs
- Can induction packs include PPE? Only if it meets your site’s safety standards and your HSE team approves it. Most clients keep PPE separate and use the pack for comfort and lifestyle items.
- How far ahead should we order? Allow extra time for decoration and freight to site. Working backward from your next intake date gives the safest buffer.
- Can we brand items with both company and site logos? Yes. Multi-logo branding works well on apparel and bags, and our account managers can advise on placement.
Ready to build your FIFO Induction Pack?
Tell us your crew size, intake dates and per-head budget, and our account managers will put together a pack your crews will actually use. Call 1300 858 288 to order!
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