Roster patterns
4/2 FIFO roster — 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off
The 4/2 roster is one of the most common FIFO rotation patterns in Australian mining. Workers spend 28 consecutive days on swing at site, then return home for 14 days of R&R before the cycle repeats. The full 42-day cycle means approximately two-thirds of the year is spent on site, with longer uninterrupted breaks compared to shorter rotations.
How the 4/2 cycle works
On swing
28 days
4 weeks at site
R&R
14 days
2 weeks at home
Full cycle
42 days
repeating
42-day roster preview
Days 1–28 on swing, days 29–42 R&R. Cycle repeats continuously.
Planning a 4/2 roster with FIFO Planner
FIFO Planner includes a built-in 4/2 Mining template. Set your swing start date and the planner calculates every future 28-day swing and 14-day R&R period automatically. Export your full schedule as an ICS file to Apple, Google, or Outlook Calendar, and enable Australian public holiday overlays for your home state. The app works fully offline at remote mine sites where reception is unavailable.
Who uses the 4/2 FIFO roster?
The 4/2 pattern is favoured in operations where extended site presence reduces the cost and disruption of frequent travel. Common industries and regions include:
- Large-scale open-cut mining — Particularly in WA's Pilbara iron ore operations and Queensland's Bowen Basin coal mines, where a 4-week swing reduces charter flight frequency.
- Underground hard-rock mining — Gold and nickel operations in WA's Goldfields and Kalgoorlie Belt often run 4/2 schedules for experienced tradespeople.
- Remote civil infrastructure — Road and pipeline construction in the NT and remote WA where the haul to site makes short rotations impractical.
- LNG and gas processing — Onshore plants in WA and the NT, particularly during operational phases requiring skilled maintenance crews on-site for extended periods.
The 4/2 is the second most common FIFO pattern in Australia after the 2/1. Its popularity in large mining operations means it is well-supported by most enterprise agreements and site-specific EBAs.
Pros and cons of the 4/2 roster
Advantages
- 14-day R&R gives time for meaningful travel, holidays, and extended family time
- Lower travel frequency — flying in and out 8–9 times per year instead of 17
- Earnings potential equivalent to the 2/1 (same ratio of on-site time)
- Widely used in large mining operations — strong job market for this pattern
Disadvantages
- 28 consecutive days away from home is a significant stretch, especially for families with young children
- Mental health challenges increase with longer uninterrupted site time
- Returning from a 28-day swing takes adjustment — fatigue is common in the first days home
Common questions about the 4/2 roster
Is 4/2 the same as "28 days on, 14 days off"?
Yes. The 4/2 FIFO roster runs on a 42-day cycle: 28 consecutive days on site (4 weeks), followed by 14 days at home (2 weeks). This is sometimes written as 28/14 in job advertisements.
How does the 4/2 compare to the 2/1 roster for family life?
The 4/2 gives you longer breaks (14 days) but fewer of them — you are home roughly 8 times per year instead of 17. The 2/1 gives shorter (7-day) but more frequent breaks. Workers with children at school often find the 14-day R&R on a 4/2 roster better for family events and school commitments.
What industries commonly use the 4/2 FIFO pattern?
The 4/2 pattern is most common in large-scale open-cut mining (WA Pilbara iron ore, QLD Bowen Basin coal), underground hard-rock mining, remote LNG and gas processing, and large civil infrastructure projects where the cost of frequent charter flights makes shorter rotations uneconomical.
Can I export my 4/2 roster to Google Calendar or Apple Calendar?
Yes. FIFO Planner generates an ICS file for your entire 4/2 schedule — every swing and R&R period. Import it into Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or Outlook with one click. Your roster stays synced across devices and can be shared with your family.
How many days per year is a 4/2 FIFO worker on site?
On a 4/2 roster, each 42-day cycle contains 28 days on site and 14 days at home. Over a full year (365 days), this works out to approximately 243 days on site and 122 days at home — the same ratio as the 2/1 roster.