Health performance

More than 300 voluntary participants in health and wellbeing programme

Health and wellbeing was an area of significant focus for Rio Tinto Coal Australia in 2009. Considerable effort was placed on embedding the Rio Tinto health standards and implementing the health and wellness programme launched in 2008, Achieve Health.

The voluntary programme is supported by an external health services provider and is closely linked to Rio Tinto's health targets.

The programme's objectives are to raise awareness, establish resources, train specialists, encourage enrolment and establish a baseline database in the first five years.

Some of the tools to assist with the implementation of the programme include health risk assessments and tailored health interventions, including exercise activities.

During 2009, audits against health and safety standards were conducted at Blair Athol Mine and Hunter Valley Operations.

Two health commendations were awarded at Hunter Valley Operations for:

• Development of a robust, leading practice system for reporting detailed health performance at site

• Introduction of a healthy pregnancy at work guideline so that employees are able to maximise their work time in a comfortable and safe way. The guideline uses a risk assessment and change management approach to identify ergonomic and physiological factors to plan and adjust work activities as appropriate during pregnancy relative to specific roles at site such as haul truck operators.

The only major non-conformance observed was at Blair Athol Mine. This was related to lifting chains which were tagged for use but had not undergone inspection. Prompt action to rectify this non-conformance included the inspection and tagging of all lifting chains and equipment on site.

Additionally, a health, safety and environment review was undertaken at Bengalla, Hunter Valley Operations, Mount Thorley Warkworth and the Brisbane corporate office. The review aimed to determine any significant health, safety or environmental issues which may threaten profitability, growth or reputation. One high health finding was identified regarding exposure to noise. This will be an area of focus in 2010.

There were no occupational illnesses recorded during 2009.