AA Sust Report 2006 - Rio Tinto

7
02
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health Screening Programme
During 2005, the Occupational Health group continued with a screening
programme for employees and contractors. In total, 270 employees were
evaluated against standards that are designed to gauge not only their fitness for
work, but also their general well being, as part of the site's Wellness and Fitness
for Life programme. Advice was given on diet, exercise and work-life balance
following the medical evaluation of blood and urine samples together with a
health questionnaire.
Recruitment of new staff during 2005 meant that 98 pre-employment medicals
were completed in order to evaluate the candidates' fitness, including hearing
and lung function prior to employment. In addition, six apprentices and 21
summer vacation employment students each had a pre-employment medical
before commencing their placement.
The requirements of the AAM Drug and Alcohol Policy continue with 160
people randomly tested during 2005. These tests help to ensure that employees
are able to work safely, free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Every pre-employment medical also has a drug and alcohol test as part of
the process.
Karen Hughes, Industrial Hygiene Technician,
carrying out respirator fit testing on John
Gwyn Thomas, Reduction Administrator
Number of Drug and Alcohol Tests
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
2003 2004 2005
Number of Drug and Alcohol Tests
The physiotherapist service provided to employees continues to be a valuable
asset with over 600 employees attending appointments during 2005. This service
continues to improve recovery times from injuries sustained at work or at home.
During the autumn of 2005, the Occupational Health group offered all employees
a free influenza inoculation. 60 people received the inoculation.