Occupational Illnesses
New Illnesses by Type
2004/05
During the year, 152 new cases of occupational illness were reported throughout the Company, a reduction from 197 last year, resulting in an overall reduction to date of 36 per cent against the baseline numbers for 2002/03. The breakdown of these new illnesses is illustrated in the graph above. The improved figures include a reduction in the number of cases of noise-induced hearing loss, which had increased in the previous year. The 36 per cent reduction in new cases of occupational illness has us currently exceeding the 20 per cent reduction target across the Company by June 2007.
The medical surveillance program requires a standardised approach to diagnosis and consequently has resulted in an increased awareness of conditions and therefore better diagnostic programs. As shown in the graph below, 89 per cent of employees requiring medical examinations completed those examinations during the period, compared to 80 per cent in the previous reporting period.
Employees Who Completed Medical Examination (as % Employees Requiring Medical Examination)
2002/03 to 2004/05
A key initiative released during the reporting period was our Fit for Work/Fit for Life initiative. The initiative seeks to promote a consistent approach to the management of health issues in the work environment by taking a holistic approach to the health management of our employees. Further details on this initiative are available in Our Approach.
For examples of policy in action, refer to our case study, Fit for Work / Fit for Life initiative helps sites to manage health issues in the workplace, as well as the following Employee HSEC Award finalists:
- 'Your Health Matters' Wellness Program in our Petroleum CSG - an approach to employee wellbeing on a deepwater drill ship
- Worsley Alumina Development Capital Projects Health and Wellness Program - an employee, contractor and family wellness program
- Cannington Proactive Injury Prevention Health Program - a focused strain and sprain reduction program.
