Health Monitoring Programs

In 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 the operations where there is potential for workplace conditions to exceed exposure limits set down in company standards. The objective of the program was to identify and statistically quantify the risks associated with the various hazards at sites.

The baseline exposure-monitoring program at Mt Keith was carried out over a 13-month period to September 2003 and involved the taking of 727 samples. In 2004, this program was increased and a total of 1026 samples were taken. The main health exposures targeted in 2004 were noise, asbestos and dust - particularly nickel and silica dust. Management programs have been implemented to minimise exposure to each of these agents. Exceedences above statutory exposure levels are sometimes recorded and when this occurs, investigations are conducted. During 2004, 16 exceedences were recorded. The vast majority were associated with noise exposures and, in all but two of these cases, the employees being monitored were wearing approved PPE at the time.

Naturally occurring chrysotile asbestos is sometimes found within geological faults in the pit. A number of controls have been introduced to ensure the effective management of fibre in-pit material. In addition, the ongoing exposure-monitoring program includes personal airborne fibre monitoring for asbestos. Monitoring in 2004 found no instances of exposure above acceptable levels.

Personal and static monitoring of inspirable and respirable dusts are routinely conducted as part of MKO's ongoing exposure-monitoring program. 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.

Following a workplace noise survey in May 2003 as part of our obligations under the Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations, a noise action plan was developed and a number of follow-up actions undertaken included relocation of mining and light vehicle maintenance areas away from boilermaking activities, development of a maintenance plan to improve noise insulation for heavy equipment driver cabins, sound proofing work around plant dust-extraction fans and the development of a noisy tool register to identify and progressively replace high noise tools.

Fitness for Work

MKO's Fitness for Work (FFW) program is based on an integrated testing regime, with drug and alcohol testing of employee and contract workgroups, coupled with effective case management. Aggregate results of random and blanket testing in 2004 indicate that, as in 2003, the incidence of positive alcohol or non-medical drug tests has remained low. View 2004 Fitness for Work test results.

WMC employees and contractors recording positive tests are managed on a confidential basis and in accordance with the WMC Fitness for Work Policy. Relevant managers are involved in the development and support of Fitness For Work Management Plans for individuals recording positive test results.

Healthy Lifestyles

During 2004 Mt Keith continued to support a health lifestyle program to raise awareness amongst employees of key issues that can influence their health. The program consists of:

• Access to gym facilities and programs
• Organised and ad hoc sporting activities
• Quit smoking program, including health assessment, free nicotine patches and progress monitoring.
• Health information at toolbox and induction sessions.

A number of free health services are also provided including:

• Hepatitis immunisation program for at risk employees
• Flu vaccines before winter
• Skin checks to assist detection of skin cancer once or twice per year
• Myotherapist and Rehabilitation Physiotherapist on a routine basis
• Other therapy visits monthly including masseur, podiatrist, naturopath, chiropractor, and dietician.

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