CONFLICT RESOLUTION

USING TRUST TO HELP

NAVIGATE CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Certified professional coach Mike Cameron outlines a helpful approach to difficult conversations and conflict resolution.

According to famed management consultant, educator and author Peter F. Drucker, “trust is congruence between what you say and what you do”.

Given the practical application of emotional intelligence – through effective communication, a well-honed intrapersonal skillset, interpersonal awareness and a willingness to resolve potential issues of conflict –congruent people tend to evoke more trust from others, since they don’t show a side different from the one that they are currently feeling.

Definition of conflict Conflict is best defined as the state in a relationship or interaction where two or more people are attempting to have differing needs met in a way that creates discomfort and results in negative reactions.

It can also be called a process where one person is perceived as trying to prevent another from reaching their goals.

The PALMS memory aid can be applied to assist in the process of conflict resolution.

Possible causes of conflict: • Misunderstanding the issue(s) involved • Different perceptions of the importance of the issue(s) to the other person • Poor communication skills • Lack of training • Clashes of personality • Differences in values; goals, wants, needs, expectations; emotional, state of mind, personal issues, general health; role or job pressure, competition for resources; levels of authority policies and procedures

How to resolve potential conflict in a difficult situation: • Listen and be open-minded • Empathise and apologise • Respond and show understanding

• Decide on action moving forward • Take agreed action • Follow-up on each action ASAP • Thank the other person for their response

Effective body language techniques Here is a memory aid that can be applied to assist in the process – and help to avoid stress.

PALMS: P POSITION – Do not block yourself in A ATTITUDE – Display a positive and helpful approach L LOOK and LISTEN – Keep normal eye contact and body language M MAKE SPACE – Stay a comfortable distance apart S STANCE – Keep your shoulders relaxed and turn slightly to the side “Integrity is congruence between what you know, what you profess, and what you do.” – Nathaniel Branden

The path to conflict resolution is not always a straightforward one.

Finally, the conflict resolution process does not automatically offer you the option to vent your spleen with regard to the other person’s views or insensitivity – or your personal interpretation of what had been expressed.

However, it does gives you the opportunity to apply the competencies associated with effective communication and emotional intelligence, while staying true to your feelings and values.

In every interaction there are three levels that influence its effect and meaning: What – the content, ie the words I say How – the process, ie how I say it (the nonverbal communication) Why – the intention, ie the meaning (what am I trying to accomplish with this interaction?)•

This column is a slightly edited extract from Mike Cameron’s book, ‘The Emerging Leader: 7 core characteristics of effective leadership’.

THE IMPORTANCE

OF MENTAL SAFETY

Speaking at the recent National Conference, IQA President Shane Braddy examined why mental health is as vital to a business as physical safety, and what his organisation is doing to help ensure people are supported.

With decades of industry experience and as the president of an organisation as large and influential as the Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA), Shane Braddy is no stranger to the pressures that come with a busy work life.

And he’s not alone.

Feedback from IQA members and others in the quarrying industry has made something very clear.

“Our members are telling us they want us to provide more information around mental health,” Braddy told the audience during a presentation at the recent IQA National Conference in Newcastle.

While we’re living in a time when asking for help doesn’t carry the same negative connotation as it did in days gone by, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy for people to take that first step.

“We want to make a difference by reducing the stigma around talking about mental health,” Braddy said. “It used to be a ‘toughen up’ environment, but now we can talk about these things – and we must.

“If we are ever to improve our mental health, we need to be able to be looking after one another.”

Braddy pointed to the positive fact that organisations throughout Australia, including in quarrying, are making an effort to address issues of mental health and provide their employees with the help they need.

As the national organisation for Australia’s quarrying industry, Braddy sees the IQA playing a vital role in this process.

“We want to work to integrate and support existing strategies that industry and organisations already have in place, because all the organisations are doing something in some part,” he said. “We want to bring all that together.

“We want to be heavy on promotion to elevate the discussion so that it’s okay to be talking about it. And, importantly, we must sustain the effort over the longer term.

“We’ve been doing some work with our New Zealand colleagues to promote the mental health of our members and provide the right service.”

Perhaps the most important part of the process of people trying to maintain their mental health, or address something they are already experiencing, is to take the first step

and start a conversation about their issues.

And once that conversation is started, Braddy said, people need access to the right resources.

“(It’s important for) people to talk about it and that leads him to go and seek to do something about it themselves,” he said.

“We want to make sure that the right professionals are easily contactable, so there’s this support there for you whenever you need it.”

But to get the best systems and resources in place to help people address their mental health, Braddy believes industry – and government – input is vital.

“We need your help, we need your input, and we need your support,” he told colleagues at the IQA National Conference.

“We want we aim to get some funding in this area from the government and we want to attract our district funders as well.

“We need to be talking about this all the time.

“So we will be coming to speak to you … (but) it’d be easier for you to come to us. You can and you will make a difference.”

No one in the quarrying industry really works alone, and physical safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is the same with their mental health – and the IQA wants to ensure people understand that reality.

“It’s not about ourselves, it’s about others,” Braddy said. “It’s about our team members and their teammates.

“And it does start with that conversation.” •

IQA President Shane Braddy wants to ensure people throughout the quarrying industry have the resources they need to address issue of mental health.

IQA NEWS

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE IQA BRANCHES

POST-REGULATOR ROADSHOW CATCH-UPS

The IQA Central West and Northern Region branches are following up the NSW regulator roadshow with informal networking meetings. These IQA meetings provided a networking opportunity for our members and are a great way for people in the industry to make new connections.

The IQA provided a brief presentation on education and professional development opportunities available to members and associated industries. These opportunities focused on the mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) required in NSW for Tier 1 and 2 quarry managers. The IQA offers CPD hours, a log book and support to meet the competency requirements.

ANZ Research Senior Economist Catherine Birch provided an insightful economic update at the Victoria branch Autumn Breakfast.

Brett Holley, Acting Regional Inspector of Mines – North-West, Royal Safety and Health Queensland, presented at the Far North Queensland sub-branch dinner meeting.

VICTORIA BRANCH AUTUMN BREAKFAST

The Victoria branch’s Autumn Breakfast was held on Thursday March 10 at one of the branch’s major sponsors, William Adams, at its Clayton facility south-east of Melbourne.

Sixty guests from a variety of Victorian quarries, including industry service and suppliers, attended the breakfast.

Everyone at the event enjoyed a networking breakfast buffet and barista-made coffee from the classic restored Citroen VY van.

Attendees were updated on the William Adams product range and heard from guest presenter Catherine Birch, Senior Economist from ANZ Research, who provided an insightful economic update, sharing a projected 2–3% increase on inflation and confirming that, despite the worst of our supply-chain pressures having past, delays are likely to continue in the short term.

But the good news for the quarrying industry is that the flow-on effect from housing construction is set to grow and major project activity will rise over the next three years.

ANNUAL MINING AND QUARRYING SAFETY AND HEALTH CONFERENCES

Co-hosted by the IQA and the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA), in collaboration with the state regulators the annual health and safety conferences, this one-day interactive program addresses current safety and health issues relevant to the quarrying and mining industries. Dates and locations: • Brisbane – Friday June 10, Brisbane

Convention and Exhibition Centre • Townsville – Friday June 17, The Oaks • Sydney – Wednesday October 19, West HQ

Rooty Hill

FNQ CAIRNS SUB-BRANCH DINNER MEETING

The Far North Queensland sub-branch held a dinner meeting with 38 members and associates in attendance on March 16.

The Institute of Quarrying

Australia

IQA JOB NOTICE BOARD

The IQA Jobs Board is a great way to reach people in the industry who may be looking for a new opportunity. IQA members can advertise vacancies for free. The advertisement will be published for three weeks and, if the role is not filled in that time, you will be able to request the advertisement stay live for a further three weeks.

Email admin@quarry.com.au to advertise a job and follow the IQA on LinkedIn for industry updates.

Guests were treated to very topical and important presentations by Brett Holley, Acting Regional Inspector of Mines – NorthWest, Royal Safety and Health Queensland, and Mike Pickering, Director, Pavements, Research and Innovation from the Department of Transport and Main Road. Attendees also heard from sponsor Hitachi Construction Machinery Australia.

Thanks to everyone who came along, as well as event supporter Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

How time flies. Your IQA membership will be due for renewal in June 2022. The team will be sending out your renewal notice via email, so please make sure your contact details are up to date by logging onto your member profile or

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Face-to-face training is back. Following a very disrupted schedule, the IQA has scheduled a number of new courses that are being offered in-person.

The Plant and Equipment Workshop in Brisbane on April 28 helped to address the safety issues associated with supervising the operation of plant and equipment in quarries.

The course is presented in a series of modules: • Legislation • Safety systems • Guarding and isolation • Mobile plant • Conveyors • Maintenance • Environmental impact

Visit quarry.com.au for up-to-date scheduling of courses in your state. If a course is not listed, please contact the IQA at admin@quarry.com.au and we can discuss your training needs.

IQA membership will be due for renewal in June 2022.

emailing any changes to admin@quarry.com.au IQA member numbers grew in 2021 and we have a lot of new initiatives and education planned for the future. So now is the time to stay connected and encourage younger people to get involved. Let’s keep building the IQA and its support of the industry.

NSW REGULATOR ROADSHOW CATCH-UP

The IQA Northern Region sub-branch was pleased to host networking gathering immediately after the conclusion of the NSW Resources Regulator Roadshow on 17 March.

Roadshows provide valuable information and resources to the small mines and quarry sectors and help our industry to maintain safe practices while providing face-to-face engagement with the regulator.

The networking meetings are a great opportunity for IQA members to make industry connections. Visit quarry.com.au/events for more details on IQA events.

MEMBERSHIP REVIEW COMMITTEE NOMINATION

The IQA is seeking an expression of interest (EOI) for up to five additional representatives from industry, branches and sub-branches, and suppliers to join the Membership Review Committee (MRC). The MRC’s role will be to: • determine applications for member status, where applicants do not have a formal or exempting qualification • determine applications for membership that are referred to it by the National Office staff or

Chair of the Committee • determine applications for membership that are referred to it by applicants that are not happy with the decision of the National Office staff or Chair of the Committee • review and provide recommendations to the Board via the Chief Executive Officer on all nominations for Fellowship • review and provide recommendations to the Board via the CEO on all nominations for Honorary

Fellowship • review and provide advice to the CEO on all membership matters • review and provide advice to the CEO on strategies to sustain and grow membership • refer matters of Committee composition, membership guideline amendments, membership grades and annual membership fees to the Board via the CEO.

IQA NEWS WOMEN IN QUARRYING

Groundwork Plus Data Systems Manager Catherine Young loves bringing her science background and creative spirit to the quarrying industry.

What does your current quarrying role involve? I’m currently working to develop and implement an online system to assist in management of sites, including environmental compliance, health and safety, employee and contractor management, plant and equipment management, and site document management and auditing.

How long have you been in the industry? Nearly 14 years. I have worked in various roles, from administrative assistant, environmental scientist and now data systems manager.

What do you enjoy about your role? The challenge and the new skills I’m learning along the way. I also love that I can bring my science background and creative spirit together for a useful purpose.

How do you juggle and balance the demands of your home life/hobbies/ social time and your role? I’ve recently returned from maternity leave after having my first child. It’s not easy and I haven’t yet figured out the balance. I try to turn off work at home and turn on my brain at work.

Not much time left for the other stuff, but it’s a work in progress.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give yourself in your first week in the industry? I think I would tell younger me to enjoy it and reap the benefits of working in an industry like this. It is so wide-ranging and there are so many training courses, seminars, functions, on-site learnings, etc. to broaden your knowledge in so many varied areas.

Can you share a challenging moment and how you worked through it? So many challenging moments, most include mud (and cars stuck in it), can’t find bores, heat, snakes, cattle on the loose, malfunctioning equipment and rain events (where every site in Queensland needs you there yesterday).

You’ve just got to take a breath and work through it step by step.

Any regrets? No, no time in life for regrets.

Catherine Young loves the challenge and new skills she learns in the quarrying industry.

What advice would you give women who may never have thought about the extractive industry? It’s just like any other industry so why not work in it? It’s varied and it’s productive and has a very important place in our communities. •

ONLINE EDUCATION AND VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS

Even with face-to-face events back on the calendar, online education remains a vital part of the professional development. March saw some excellent educational opportunities.

Electrical Awareness Online Workshop This four-hour online workshop on April 6 provided participants with an understanding of basic electrical principles and the identification of hazards. It covered relationships between legislation, standards, guidelines; competencies; supervision of electrical workers; contractor management; risk management relating to electrical installations; identification of electrical hazards; protective devices for electrical circuits; and areas of high concern.

OQ NZ Introduction to pumping webinar Held on April 13, topics at this webinar included generators, pumps, specialist pumps, specialist dredging, collecting information on type of pump required, selecting the right gear, setting them up right, transport, understanding submersible pump curves, suction hoses and fittings, and field examples, including innovative solutions. Plant and Equipment Face-to-Face Workshop This workshop, held in Brisbane on April 28, was designed to address the safety issues associated with supervising the operation of plant and equipment in quarries. The course was presented in modules covering legislation, safety systems, guarding and isolation, mobile plant, conveyors, maintenance and environmental impact.

Quarry Roads & Onsite Vehicles Safety Webinar Targeted at quarry managers, supervisors, and others responsible for traffic and transport management within quarries, attendees for this April 7 event learnt about safety, efficiency and productivity with managing haul roads and transport in quarries. It covered the hazards and risks associated with operation of vehicles, and mobile plant and equipment in quarries; an overview of quarry legislative requirements; and strategies for management of traffic and haul routes.

Visit quarry.com.au for up-to-date scheduling of courses in your state. If a course is not listed, please contact the IQA admin@quarry.com. au and we can discuss your training needs.

The Institute of Quarrying

Australia

NSW GRADUATE PRESENTATION DINNER

Education is a critical part of improving ourselves, our teams and our industry, and the IQA takes great pride in acknowledging the commitment and achievement of industry graduates. The NSW branch will celebrate graduates who have achieved a Certificate III up to an Advanced Diploma from 2018–21 at the graduate presentation night on Friday May 27. Guest speaker for the evening is Kurt Fearnley AO. Kurt is a three-time Paralympic gold medallist with a can-do attitude that makes the impossible possible. He won gold and silver medals at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and was chosen as Australian flag bearer for the closing ceremony. Kurt’s determination and never-say-die attitude have rewarded him with the highest accolades in disability sport. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations and achievements of our industries graduate students at this prestigious event.

Visit quarry.com.au/events for further details and to register.

The IQA takes great pride in acknowledging the commitment and achievement of industry graduates

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GEOLOGY TALK

METEOR MINING UNLOCKS SOLAR SYSTEM SECRETS: CURTIN

The find at Kybo Station, WA, was described as a successful demonstration of the drone technology, which collects footage of the landscape that is then scanned using AI.

Curtin University researchers have used drone technology to study the potential of mining asteroids as a source of rare elements following the successful discovery of a meteorite in Western Australia.

The researchers recovered a freshly fallen meteorite after pinpointing its exact location on the Nullarbor Plain in WA with a new technique that uses a drone to collect footage of the landscape that is then scanned using artificial intelligence (AI).

Curtin University’s Space Science and Technology Centre (SSTC) lead researcher and graduate student, Seamus Anderson, said the find at Kybo Station was a successful demonstration of the new method, which had the potential to greatly increase the number of recovered meteorites, particularly those observed as they fall through the atmosphere.

Anderson said such meteorites, which are tracked by the Desert Fireball Network (DFN), were special because they gave a geologic sample of the particular region of the solar system from which they originated, contributing to an overall understanding of the geology of the solar system.

“New solutions such as our drone technique help make investments in space science and the study of meteorites more cost-effective and impactful,” Anderson said.

“Beyond increasing our understanding of the solar system, the study of meteorites is useful for many reasons. For example, meteorites often contain a higher concentration of rare and valuable elements such as cobalt, which is crucial to the construction of modern batteries.

“Also, by gaining a better understanding of how extra-terrestrial material is distributed throughout the solar system, we may one day mine asteroids for precious resources, instead of scrounging for the finite amounts of them on Earth and perhaps harming precious ecosystems in the process.”

Anderson said the recovery involves a camera-fitted drone collecting images of the fall zone, which are transferred to field computer where an algorithm scans each image for meteorites and features that resemble them.

“Although our algorithm was ‘trained’ on data collected from past meteorite searches, we brought with us previously recovered meteorites and imaged them on the ground at the fall site to create local data with which to further train the algorithm,” Anderson said.

“Meteorite searches usually involve a group of people walking over a large predicted impact area, but our new method requires only about one tenth the amount of labour and time and has a much higher likely success rate, which is evident in the fact we located and recovered the meteorite within four days of being on site at Kybo Station.”

Anderson said other potential applications for the new approach using drones and AI include wildlife management and conservation.

“Our model could be easily retrained to detect objects other than meteorites, such as plants and animals,” he said.

The research paper was titled ‘Successful Recovery of an Observed Meteorite Fall Using Drones and Machine Learning’. •

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