Health exposure

During 2001, WMC initiated a company-wide baseline health study to identify potential risks to its people and its business from exposure to workplace materials and other agents. This included an Exposure Monitoring Program targeting aspects of our operations with the potential for workplace conditions to exceed company standards. The objective of the program was to identify and statistically quantify the risks associated with the various hazards at sites.

At Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and Kambalda Concentrator the main levels of concern are exposures to nickel dusts at the smelter and the concentrator, sulphur dioxide and silica exposures at the smelter and asbestos potential at the concentrator, (see case study).

All exposure monitoring is undertaken in accordance with relevant state legislation. Accordingly, exposure measurements are taken and interpreted as if no personal protective equipment is being worn. In the majority of cases, however, people working where exposure monitoring is conducted wear personal protective equipment. Therefore, the measured level of workplace agents does not relate to actual exposures to people.

During the 2004 test period, more than 1000 (to be confirmed) workplace samples were taken for a range of agents including various metals dusts, mists and gases. The presence of such agents in the workplace were within the recommended limits of the company standards for around 99% of the test results.

Fitness for work

The smelter and concentrator run a site-wide program of drug and alcohol testing of our people and contract workforce. This involves random testing of up to ten people daily, and intermittent blanket testing. Test results for 2004 deviated from past performance, with a measured increase in the number of positive test results for non-medical drugs. View 2004 Fitness for Work test results.

WMC employees recording positive tests were managed in accordance with the WMC Fitness for Work Policy. Because a significant proportion of the positive test results involved contractors, relevant contractor managers were brought to the site for discussion with smelter and concentrator representatives. Subsequently, some individuals who tested positive had their employment terminated by their employer, while others may return to site after completing a Fitness for Work program and undertaking counselling. Contractors' Fitness for Work policies and practices are to be reviewed to ensure compliance with WMC Standards.

The results of the drug and alcohol tests were communicated to the smelter and concentrator's workforce, and drug and alcohol awareness was included as a toolbox topic during October. Clear guidelines are included in inductions for new starters and education on drug and alcohol use is an ongoing component of the smelter and concentrator training plan.

Healthy Lifestyles

KNSC runs various programs with employees and contractors to raise their awareness of general health issues. During 2004, the key health awareness programs were quit smoking, blood pressure, stress reduction, cholesterol and health lifestyle assessments.

KNSC actively encourage employees to quit smoking. During Quit Month, all enrolled employees were provided with free quit patches and counselling to support their endeavours to quit smoking.

Blood pressure awareness posters were placed around the site, advising people of the causes of elevated blood pressure and ways to reduce it. All employees and contractors were provided with an opportunity to have their blood pressure checked by the site occupational health nurse and were advised to see their doctor if elevated blood pressure was detected. As part of this program, employees were also encouraged to participate in the Heart Foundation's Climb to the Top initiative.

The stress reduction program focused on reducing stress in the work and home environment. Posters outlining potential causes of stress, effects of stress and ways to deal with and reduce stress were displayed across the site. Self-assessment questionnaires were also placed in site crib rooms for people to complete.

Free cholesterol testing was made available to all employees and contractors. Fliers were distributed encouraging people to have their cholesterol levels checked. Information sheets about cholesterol were made available during testing and depending on the results, health advice was given accordingly. A total of 63 people participated in the testing program.

Healthy Lifestyle Assessment was the final program for the year, with 26 participants. It involved a review of cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index (height to weight ratio), family history, alcohol intake, exercise levels, life stresses and cholesterol levels. Each individual's cardiovascular risk factor was classified as high, medium or low. Where requested, the site occupational health nurse assisted individuals with the development of a personalised action plan to reduce their risk factor.

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