Over 1000 industry delegates converged on the Gold Coast in August for one of Australia’s largest mining conferences, the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC).

The Innovation Awards are held as part of the conference, recognising creative and practical solutions to safety and occupational health problems within the resources industry.

There are three categories for the awards, the Innovation Award, Health Program Award and the Legend Award. The latter was awarded posthumously this year to Stephen “Woodduck” Woods for his long-term commitment to safety in the resources industry.

QMIHSC 2024 Chair, Larnie Mackay, said the event provides industry with an opportunity to discuss the latest health and safety techniques and initiatives, exchange information on best-practice safety programs and network.

“The health and safety of resources workers always has been, and always will be, a core value in the mining sector and is an area in which the industry seeks continuous improvements.

“When it comes to safety, the mining industry regularly and openly shares experiences, ideas and initiatives to improve worker safety across the whole resources sector.”

LEGENDS AWARD WINNER

STEPHEN “WOODDUCK” WOODS

Known as Woodduck to his mates, Stephen was a fourth generation miner who started his career at the Cook Colliery underground mine as a fitter and turner apprentice.

He then worked at Mount Isa mine as part of one of the first intakes at North Goonyella underground mine where he joined the Mining and Energy Union and became a Deputy.

Stephen played an active role in the union, serving as President for two years, Vice-President for five years as well as holding the role of SSHR at the mine for four years.

In 2012 Stephen was elected to the role of ISHR (District Union Inspector) and he diligently served in that role until earlier this year when he sadly lost his battle with cancer in May.

Woodduck was known for leading from the front when it came to fighting for workers’ rights, health and safety and he was a leading advocate in the fight for justice after the re-emergence of black lung in 2015.

He would spend hours on the phone with those who were affected to make sure no one was neglected. Woodduck’s focus and commitment ensured Queensland workers who suffer from the disease have access to the worlds’ best practice for health screening, prevention, dust monitoring, enforcement and rehabilitation.

In addition to his advocacy in the health and safety space, Stephen also established a retired miner’s group in Mackay.

Larnie Mackay, the Conference Committee Lead said Stephen always took everything in his stride.

“It was with a heavy heart that we lost Stephen “Woodduck” Woods in early May who, whilst a quiet man, he was passionate about safety in our industry and making sure clear messages of safety, health and wellbeing reached the coalface for all to go home to their family and friends at the end of the day.

“I can still remember when we gave Woodduck the colourful Trademutt conference shirt and the look on his face was priceless! But he wore it with pride and made sure the message of mental health was shared among everyone at the conference.”

A poem was written in honour of Stephen’s award and advocacy work and the ending barely left an eye dry.

“Now Steve has sadly left us which just isn’t bloody fair,

The family man with the heart of gold and so much more to share.

And to his mining mates Duck gave everything he could

So as our latest Mining Legend we salute you Stephen Woods.”

HEALTH PROGRAM AWARD

WINNER – SCOTT ANDERSON, BUMA AUSTRALIA

BUMA Australia was founded in 2021 and provides end to end mining and rehabilitation services.

Scott Anderson is a Heavy Diesel Fitter and SSHR at Meandu Mine. He has 28 years of mining experience and has worked across a range of sites in Australia for several employers.

Scott has been at Meandu for 11 years and was elected to the position of SSHR by his peers over two years ago and is a part of the QGN 34 committee.

He won the award at the QMIHSC for his project that “uses live particle detection and monitoring to warn mine workers of respirable particle matter and exposure to hazards” that originated from a BUMA hazard report and resulted in a successful partnership with @BreathSafe.

The team developed a prototype and put the plan into action on site in their equipment operator cabs.

HIGHLY COMMENDED – DR MATT BREARLEY, THERMAL HYPERFORMANCE

Thermal Hyperformance was founded in 2010 by Dr Matt Brearley to support organisations to maximise the health, safety and performance of their heat-exposed workforce.

An important role for Thermal Hyperformance is collecting and applying evidence in field settings to guide industry practice.

The team is led on the ground by Dr Brearley who is Australia’s heat stress consultant and a former Accredited Exercise Scientist of the Year. He might have founded the business, but Dr Brearley doesn’t stay in the office, he spends much of his time working in the field.

INNOVATION AWARD

WINNER – WAYNE GREGORY HERBERTSON, RUSSELL MINERAL EQUIPMENT

The Innovation category was very hotly contested at this year’s QMIHSC Awards, but a winner must be crowned and this year it was Wayne Gregory Herbertson from Russell Mineral Equipment (RME).

Wayne has over 30 years of experience in mining, engineering, electronic, manufacturing and energy sectors. He is a seasoned Group Manager at RME, a leading global supplier of mill relining systems and services.

At RME, he managed the full value stream delivery for the first of its type Robotic Advanced Relining Systems which involves project management of manufacturing, delivery, installation, commissioning and optimisation of this world first type of relining equipment.

Wayne has published a book and several papers on the topic, and holds a Master of Science in Metallurgy, a Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and a Diploma in Theology.

HIGHLY COMMENDED – KYLE HUGHES, STANMORE, POITREL MINE

Kyle is the Maintenance and Engineering Manager at Stanmore Poitrel Mine.

After a serious hand injury, it was identified during the investigation process that there was no fit for purpose tooling to complete the task of idler change outs on the bulldozer fleet.

The current procedure in the OEM manual only identified an appropriate lifting device but nothing specific for the task. After working with the OEM to design, engineer and manufacture a tool, it has now been implemented on site and shared with other mines in the Bowen Basin.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE – PETER GROGAN, GLENCORE, CLERMONT OPEN CUT

Peter has worked at Clermont Open Cut for more than 13 years and has been the Mobile Maintenance Supervisor for more than four-and-a-half years.

Peter is consistently noted across Glencore’s various departments as a highly competent and effective leader. He promotes a culture of teamwork and accountability.

Glencore added that Peter values ideas based on their merit and understands that everyone, no matter their title or position, can lead by example. Peter’s leadership has fostered a team mentality on site that tackles problems collectively and he always makes a point of celebrating everyone’s success.