So you’ve proven that you’re tough enough to be a Drillers Offsider. The next stage is giving you the tools you need to survive on-site.
Don’t worry! We have a checklist for everything you need, so you’ll be ready for anything.
Things to Remember Before You Leave
Before you leave home, here are some things you should take care of:
- Discuss with family and friends what you will be doing (explain the job), the great opportunity this provides, and the career you are embarking on.
- If you have any animals, who is going to look after them?
- Once you get to the site, you will work out how to stay in contact with them.
- Provide details of the Aston consultant so they can call them if they have any concerns.
- Organise who will complete any jobs that need to be done whilst you are away.
Shopping List
Once that’s done, it’s time to shop for the things you’ll bring to the site. These items are essential when you’re on site.
- Bamboo work socks (These are an absolute lifesaver. If you’re U/G or in wet conditions, you can double-bag.)
- Spare set of toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
- Towel & Thongs (showers are usually communal)
- Power board
- Cash ($150) as most sites don’t have ATMs close by.
- Laptop (to complete any relevant paperwork or inductions required). The site usually only has one computer, so you will be waiting for others to complete it if you don’t have your own.
- If you are taking any medication, ensure that you have a 3-month supply in case you are stuck on a site for an extended period of time.
- Watch (all sites require you to have a watch) — no Rolex or fancy watch, just a basic one.
- Headphones
- 2x phone chargers (if one stops working, you will not find anywhere to buy another)
- 2x pens
- Sunglasses
- If you wear prescription glasses, you will need to look at getting prescription safety glasses.
What to Pack
If you’re done with your shopping, it’s time to pack your bags! Here’s a list of the basic items you should have in your bags:
- Lace-up safety boots
- Pants x3 (preferably with reflective stripes)
- Shirts x3 (double layer bamboo preferred)
- Phone charger
- Preferably Telstra SIM card
- Casual clothing/extra warm clothing
- Warm jacket
- Panadol
- BCCAs & Hydrolyte | Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAAs) – These assist with endurance and recovery. Take them as directed and buy them from any supplement store, especially ones with Glutamine (don’t forget to buy a shaker or bottle for this).
Things to Remember When You’re on Site
Now that you’re packed and ready to go, here are some things to remember when you’re on site.
- Don’t be a know-it-all on site.
- Listen to instructions fully.
- If you are not sure, ask.
- Remember: Early = On Time
- Your team is relying on you.
- Make sure you follow the tag board procedures on site.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re having any dramas at home or on-site. Speak with us, your driller, or your supervisor if need be.* They’ve all been there too.
Recover! If you need to book a massage, acupuncture, or physio appointment to assist, then do it. You can’t put a price on your health.
*If you need support for mental health problems, please reach out to these national mental health helplines & support groups.
And you’re all set! As long as you always keep these reminders with you and get all the stuff you need, you’ll be ready for your new adventure as a Drillers Offsider. Remember to embrace challenges, stay focused on safety, and enjoy the ride.
If you have any questions about anything on the list, we’d love to hear from you. If you want more tips about FIFO or mining, check out other articles here.
