Xstrata Copper North Queensland.pdf - Mount Isa Mines

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Workplace health and safety Noise Static noise sampling is performed across our Townsville operations to identify problem work areas. All results are used to assist in the review and implementation of noise reduction strategies which include hearing protection requirements, maintenance schedules, sound proofing options, and influencing plant and equipment selection and design, meeting ‘buy quiet’ principles to reduce the impacts of noise-induced hearing loss. In 2010 we completed a formal review to update the noise maps for our Townsville operations. The final report from this review is expected in early 2011, and an action plan will be developed from the findings. Audiometry testing continued in 2010 to ensure all noise exposure personnel are tested on a regular basis. There were two claims for work-related hearing loss in 2010. Airborne dust Employees are required to participate in a routine program of personal inhalable dust sampling which includes determination of exposure to dust, and metal contaminants such as lead, arsenic, copper, and acid mists. These results provide an indication of exposure levels for the various workgroups, and provide the basis for determining performance against exposure criteria and evaluation of controls. The occupational hygiene monitoring program is part of a dynamic process to constantly review emerging data trends, and respond in a risk based manner by adjusting sampling targets as necessary. Across our Townsville operations in 2010 a number of workgroups were changed to less frequent sampling regimes while a number of new workgroups were included in the sampling program. A week-long arsenic investigation was conducted at the Townsville copper refinery in 2010. Between changes to sampling programs, and the arsenic investigation sampling, the result was a slight increase in the number of samples collected in 2010. In addition to the routine monitoring program, non-routine sampling is also undertaken on request and is often used to evaluate exposures in tasks undertaken infrequently or where specific concerns are raised. Static sampling is also undertaken on request and is valuable in monitoring emissions, evaluating contaminant levels at particular locations, and for the evaluation of controls. Arsenic At the Townsville operations, arsenic can be found in all copper process areas, however it is potentially most hazardous during the copper refining process. Comprehensive programs are in place across the Xstrata Copper North Queensland Division to manage and minimise occupational exposure to arsenic and other contaminants. During 2010 the number of workgroups included in the arsenic monitoring program was expanded to ensure exposure profiles were well determined across our operations. For those workgroups previously sampled intensively, numbers and frequencies were reduced while still maintaining comfortable monitoring of exposure. The overall effect of these changes was a net reduction in sample numbers, but a more comprehensive understanding of arsenic exposures across our operations. At our port operations arsenic is less of a concern, however exposure potential still exists as it is present in some of the concentrates handled. Previous extensive urinary arsenic monitoring had established a low arsenic uptake profile for port operators and sampling frequency was reduced. In 2010 we decided to review arsenic exposure through urinary arsenic sampling at a three year interval, and this is scheduled for 2011. Lead management An elevated blood lead level is a matter Xstrata Copper takes seriously. This is evident in the strict protocols in place to reduce employees’ exposure to lead in the workplace. Occupational Illnesses by type – Townsville operations Biological and workplace monitoring is conducted in accordance with the National Occupational and Health Safety Commission (NOHSC) standard and recognised international occupational hygiene monitoring standards. The NOHSC medical removal limit is recommended at 50 micrograms per decilitre (μg/dL), though Xstrata has adopted more conservative criteria. Employees with blood-lead concentration levels of 35 μg/dL or greater must be removed from the workplace until concentrations are below 30 μg/dL. Pregnant employees should not have a blood-lead concentration that exceeds the national standard of 10 μg/dL. All employees at our Townsville operations are required to have venous lead in blood tests at frequencies which are determined by the area they work in, their previous result, gender and reproductive capacity. This form of biological sampling provides an accurate measure of a worker’s exposure to lead. In 2010 there were no instances of people exceeding the national medical removal limit, nor the lower Xstrata criteria of 35 μg/dL. Stability in the numbers of operators in those workgroups tested for blood lead has seen little variation in test numbers at our copper refinery between 2009 and 2010. A notable increase in test numbers was seen at our port operations, due to new starters being included in testing, and increased monitoring of individuals with slightly elevated results. Increased testing frequency and investigation is undertaken for any persistent elevation in blood lead levels, even while comfortably below the removal level. This proactive approach assists in maintaining compliance within exposure criteria and demonstrates our commitment to controlling lead exposure. Nature of illness 2009 2010 Noise-induced hearing loss 0 2 Occupational hygiene sampling and analysis* – Townsville operations Townsville copper refinery Townsville port operations Type of sample collected and analysed 2009 2010 2009 2010 Acid mist 24 24 n/a n/a Airborne dust (inhalable and asbestos)* 27 76 22 28 Arsenic in urine* 1,101 540 0 0 Lead in blood 48 40 30 59 * Please see the Monitoring programs section for details regarding the sampling frequency for airborne dust and arsenic in urine 40 XSTRATA COPPER NORTH QUEENSLAND
Workplace health and safety Case study Townsville copper refinery wins 2010 Innovation Award The Townsville copper refinery proudly accepted the Innovation Award at the 2010 Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference for its unique Cathode Nodule Catcher innovation, which was nominated for its innovative means of collecting copper nodules. The Cathode Nodule Catcher is installed in the cathode stripping machine wash water system. The nodules are collected in the catcher using gravity separation and water flow redirection that causes the solid nodules to drop out of the water flow, being deposited into the nodule catcher’s removable lower chamber. This reduces the amount of manual cleaning required in the wash chamber itself, which used to take place in cramped areas and in very warm and humid conditions as the wash water temperature was maintained at 85 degrees Celsius. “This innovation has provided a cleaner system and has reduced the requirement for employees to enter the wash station from weekly for up to 1.5 hours, to once every two weeks for around 10 minutes,” said Noel Kimlin – Superintendent Continuous Improvement for Xstrata Copper’s Townsville copper refinery. “Simply put, the operators can now remove the nodules by removing the catcher’s lower chamber and exchanging it for an empty one. “The manual handling risks have reduced significantly, along with the risks associated with working in hot conditions, and this is thanks to this new system that virtually cleans the wash station by gravity,” Noel said. Steve de Kruijff – Chief Operating Officer Xstrata Copper North Queensland, said ensuring the health and safety of our employees and contractors in the workplace is of primary importance to Xstrata Copper. “Zero harm is our goal and we believe that all work-related incidents, illnesses and injuries are preventable.” “Our focus on an injury-free, healthy work environment is driving further improvements in our safety performance. It is encouraging to see our employees leading the way in designing innovations that ensure we improve our safety standards,” Steve said. Left: The award winning nodule catcher innovation Sustainability Report 2010 41
Page 1 and 2: Xstrata Copper North Queensland Sus
Page 3 and 4: Xstrata Copper North Queensland Xst
Page 5 and 6: Chief Executive’s message Environ
Page 7 and 8: Chief Operating Officer’s message
Page 9 and 10: Targets and scorecard We strive for
Page 11 and 12: Targets and scorecard Our People Mo
Page 13 and 14: Targets and scorecard Environment X
Page 15 and 16: Scope of report This report provide
Page 17 and 18: Our Sustainable Development Strateg
Page 19 and 20: Strategy and governance Left: Loadi
Page 21 and 22: Corporate governance Public policy
Page 23 and 24: Our operations and economic perform
Page 31 and 32: Workplace health and safety We aim
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Page 45 and 46: Our people We maintain a safe worki
Page 47 and 48: Our people Labour relations In 2010
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Page 53 and 54: Our people case study Transitioning
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