Health Monitoring

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

The baseline survey was completed at Leinster Nickel Operation in November 2001. The main issues identified in the survey were:

• diesel particulate in underground mining;
• process gases in the concentrator; and
• noise in the underground mining environment.

The ongoing exposure monitoring program consists of personal and static monitoring of inspirable and respirable dusts. This includes monitoring for diesel particulate, process gases in the concentrator and noise are continuing, in order to further assess potential health risks. In addition, available noise control options such as silencers and sound insulation continue to be used on ventilation fans, along with a strict hearing protection requirement underground.

The program was expanded in 2004 to include testing to measure levels of nickel present in urine. This program aims to identify baseline levels of nickel in urine and is complemented by an education program for employees and contractors.

Fitness for Work

Leinster Nickel Operation ran a site-wide program of drug and alcohol testing of our employee and contract workforce in 2004. This included random and blanket alcohol and drug testing. Two blanket alcohol and drug tests were completed in 2004. Test results for 2004 indicate that there was no substantial change in the frequency of positive alcohol tests, while there was an increase in the frequency of positive non-medical drug tests. View 2004 Fitness for Work test results.

WMC employees and contractors recording positive tests were managed in accordance with the WMC Fitness for Work Policy. This included the development of employee assistance programs for individuals, which are supported by a counseling service and the development of case management plans.

The hot weather at Leinster Nickel Operation is considered a health risk to employees. Hydration monitoring has been conducted and a heat stress awareness presentation has been introduced, to increase employees' awareness of the risks of heat stress. The awareness presentation covers heat stress signs, symptoms and management. The presentation was delivered to all work groups during 2004.

Leinster Nickel Operation continues to support a Health Start Program to raise awareness among employees of key factors influencing their health. The program focuses on weight, cholesterol, blood sugar level and other health risk factors. If required, personnel with health risks are referred to a doctor.

Crisis and Emergency Preparedness

Emergency and Crisis Management at Leinster Nickel Operation is based on a three-tiered structure, including the Emergency Response Teams and Emergency Management Team at the site, supported by a corporate Crisis Management Team.

The Emergency Response Team conducts life-saving first aid, fire fighting and undertakes mine repairs and recovery in response to an incident. There were 32 Emergency Response Team members during 2004. Five core skills training modules have been developed to ensure the members of the Emergency Response Team have the appropriate skills. These include Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus, Open Circuit Breathing Apparatus, Fire Fighting, Rope Rescue and Occupational First Aid. Members of the Emergency Response Team must undertake all core modules annually. A number of emergency evacuation drills were conducted to test the effectiveness of the team for surface and underground departments. Site-wide emergency drills, are scheduled for 2005.

The Emergency Management Team is responsible for co-ordinating and providing adequate resources and logistical support to emergency response activities. In 2004, several senior managers and/or their alternates undertook desktop training in Emergency Response and Crisis Management.

Leinster Nickel Operation has an informal mutual aid agreement with nearby mines operated by Cosmos Nickel and Gold Fields Australia. As part of the agreement, members supply additional support for emergencies when an incident is beyond the capability of an individual site. To improve the skills of emergency response personnel at each site, the companies entered a combined team in the Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy Underground Mine Rescue Competition held in Kalgoorlie at the Black Swan Nickel Mine. The team of seven included three Leinster Nickel Operation representatives and was awarded the Best New Team trophy.

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