Rio Tinto’s Perth Airport vaccination clinics opens for mining industry

Rhea-AI Summary

Rio Tinto has opened a vaccination hub at Perth Airport to facilitate COVID-19 vaccinations for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining industry. In collaboration with the Western Australia Department of Health, this hub is designed to be accessible for all FIFO workers, regardless of their employer. Vaccination is now mandatory for FIFO and other resources sector employees. The clinic operates weekdays from 10 AM to 8 PM and requires appointments to ensure efficiency. This initiative aims to enhance vaccination rates in Western Australia.

Positive

• Opening of a vaccination hub at Perth Airport to support FIFO workers.
• Collaboration with Western Australia Department of Health to boost vaccination rates.
• Vaccination requirement for all of Rio Tinto's WA workforce ensures compliance with government mandates.

Negative

• Mandatory vaccination policy may lead to workforce challenges if employees refuse.

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto’s vaccination hub at Perth Airport has opened today, enabling fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining industry to easily access COVID-19 vaccination when they touch down in Perth.

Rio Tinto and Western Australia’s Department of Health partnered to establish the new hub, which will operate at Perth Airport T2 and T3 and is specifically designed to be accessible for FIFO workers from the resources sector travelling through Perth Airport.

The hubs are part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to help boost vaccination rates across the State. Rio Tinto has made the facility available to vaccinate workers in the mining FIFO community, regardless of the company they work for.

The opening of the clinic follows the WA Government’s announcement that vaccination would be mandatory for FIFO and other resources sector employees.

In addition, Rio Tinto announced that vaccination will be a requirement for its entire WA workforce, including those who work in offices and other facilities in Perth.

The Perth Airport vaccination clinics will operate on weekdays from 10am to 8pm with appointment times aligned to flight arrival times. Bookings are essential to avoid delays. Walk-in opportunities are limited based on daily vaccine availability.

In September, Rio Tinto opened vaccination clinics in Tom Price and Paraburdoo and is working with the WA Government to establish similar clinics in Pannawonica, Cape Lambert and Dampier to assist with the vaccination rollout.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, urged all eligible FIFO workers from across the sector returning to Perth book an appointment as soon as possible.

“We encourage workers in our sector to take advantage of the Perth Airport clinics, which are open to all FIFO workers. We know how critically important it is to boost vaccination rates in WA and are pleased to be able to welcome workers to the clinic.

“Following the WA Government’s announcement that vaccination will be mandatory for FIFO and other workers in WA’s resources sector, it’s important that workers in the sector book an appointment as soon as possible, and the Perth Airport clinic makes the process easy.

“Rio Tinto is proud to work with the WA Government to deliver these clinics and will continue to assist with boosting vaccination rates across WA.”

Further information and bookings can be made via rollup.wa.gov.au.

Category: Pilbara

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Source: Rio Tinto

FAQ

What is the purpose of the new vaccination hub at Perth Airport launched by Rio Tinto?

The hub is designed to provide easy access to COVID-19 vaccinations for FIFO workers in the mining industry.

When does the vaccination clinic at Perth Airport operate?

The clinic operates on weekdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, with appointments essential.

Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for Rio Tinto employees in Western Australia?

Yes, vaccination is now a requirement for all of Rio Tinto's workforce in WA, including FIFO and office workers.

How does Rio Tinto's vaccination initiative impact FIFO workers?

The initiative provides convenient access to vaccinations, aiming to increase vaccination rates among FIFO workers.