“The vast majority of mining families recognise that they have a personal responsibility to make the lifestyle work and to create a sustainable work-life balance,” Mining Family Matters director Alicia Ranford told the Mining and Engineering WA 2011 conference in Perth on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, though, lots of couples just don’t know how to cope with the pressures that naturally arise when one partner flies away for work.
“Companies play a vital role because they are in the perfect position to provide information and support en masse to new employees and their families.”
Ranford also highlighted statistics that suggested an annual 20% turnover among FIFO miners.
“Happy, supported families are much more likely to become loyal ambassadors of the company and this ultimately will lead to a more stable workforce,” she said.
Ranford started the Mining Family Matters website just over a year ago. It provides free information to families dealing with FIFO pressures and has received valuable feedback from those in the industry.
Ranford said based on the feedback, the mining company’s support could be as simple as providing a website address for FIFO support groups online or sending a welcome letter straight to the family’s home address during the first roster, as well as pictures of the site.
“The majority of companies actually have great employee assistance programs, however from feedback off our website and lots of personal experience we know that the information provided doesn’t always get through from workers to families at home,” she said.
Another of Ranford’s suggestions for easing FIFO pressures was based on feedback the website had received about Mount Gibson Iron’s family donga at the Tallering Peak site.
“A few companies have family dongas where partners and kids can stay for a few days or for a special occasion on the mine site,” she said.
Ranford acknowledged the idea might not always be practical and could be expensive, but it would help the family gain a better understanding about what a working day was like for the FIFO worker.
“Many companies also have family days so kids get to see where dad or mum works – that can really help children to cope when they’re separated so regularly from a parent,” she said.
Since launching its handbook The Survival Guide for Mining Families back in March, Ranford said Mining Family Matters had received strong support from mining companies right across Australia.
“The guide includes professional advice from our psychologist and really practical tips for surviving and thriving despite the pressures of FIFO rosters and living in isolated mining communities,” she said.
“We’ve sold more than 16,000 copies to companies around Australia, including HWE Mining, Catalpa Resources, Saracen Gold, Sedgman Coal and BIS Industrial Logistics, to use as part of their staff induction.”
