Management Systems Review

See below for details on the review processes of our management systems undertaken during the reporting period:

HSEC Policy Review

Over the reporting period, in response to internal and external requests for better clarity about our approach to sustainable development, we have been working on a sustainable development strategy. A cross-functional steering group was established to drive this process, involving representatives from each of our CSGs, HSEC, supply, human resources and business evaluation and economics functions. This initial work was also presented for debate and consideration by our Forum on Corporate Responsibility.

Emerging from this work was the recognition that it was appropriate to now expand the scope of our HSEC Policy to incorporate some of the broader considerations of sustainable development.

The revised Policy was endorsed by our HSEC Forum, Forum on Corporate Responsibility and Operating Committee and approved by the Office of the Chief Executive.

The revised Policy has been designed to better articulate sustainability in the context of BHP Billiton, maintaining an emphasis on HSEC while clarifying commitment to some broader aspects such as biodiversity, human rights, ethical business practices and economic contributions. Importantly, our Sustainable Development Policy clearly sets our vision for sustainable development at BHP Billiton to be the company of choice – creating sustainable value for our shareholders, employees, contractors, suppliers, customers, business partners and host communities. Central to this vision, we have maintained our aspirational goal of Zero Harm to people and the environment.

View our Sustainable Development Policy.

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HSEC Management Standards Review

It is a requirement of our HSEC Management Standards that they are reviewed at least every three years and revised as required. Consequently, a review process was undertaken during the reporting period to ensure that the Standards remain consistent with current national and international developments, and continue to be relevant and appropriate for the level of HSEC maturity of the organisation. Specific areas addressed during the review included:

View our revised HSEC Management Standards.

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HSEC Targets Review

In recognition that many of our HSEC targets were complete or reaching completion, and in line with the review processes for the Policy and Management Standards, we commenced a review of the Company-wide HSEC targets during the reporting period. A review team was formed by members from across our CSGs and key functional areas.

The review process was based upon an analysis of past performance against targets, leading practice targets among peer companies, and a consideration of the objectives specified in our Sustainable Development Policy. As a result of these analyses, a number of potential targets were proposed and debated by the review team, following which they were presented to the HSEC Forum for consideration. An iterative process was adopted. At the time of reporting the review process was nearing completion. Sites will not be required to work towards the revised targets until the commencement of the financial year 2006/07, thus enabling the effective allocation of resources and budgeting.

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Documentation and Guidelines Review

Over the year, we made further progress preparing and revising our HSEC documentation to support sites in implementing the requirements of the Sustainable Development Policy, HSEC Management Standards and Fatal Risk Control Protocols. The following documents were either revised and reissued or developed during the reporting period.

Reissued Documents and Guidelines

New Documents and Guidelines

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GRI & GC Navigator

BHP Billiton's assessment of how the Report addresses the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and the UN Global Compact principles.

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