BHP reassures workers over dust

BHP Billiton has sought to reassure its employees they have nothing to fear in the wake of the State Government’s report into health risks caused by dust exposure.

The Port Hedland Dust Health Risk Assessment found long-term exposure to increased levels of dust could adversely affect the health of local residents, particularly those living in the West End.

But, despite company employees working in close proximity to sources of dust at Port Hedland Port, BHP health, safety and environment vice president Brett Swayn said they were safe.

“Employees should be assured that BHP Billiton has and will continue to put health and safety first, including through the dust control measures implemented across our supply chain,” he said.

“The (Health Department report) refers to potential health impacts on community members.” “Their exposure profile differs from employees whose health and wellbeing is protected through controls which minimise workplace hazards.”

BHP’s response to the report comes as it is just one among a number of companies exporting through and working within the world’s largest bulk export port.

A BHP spokeswoman said the company had been working with other industry users through the Port Hedland Industries Council, to implement dust minimisation recommendations contained in the earlier 2010 Dust Management Taskforce Report

She said the company’s initial view of the Health Department’s recent report was that it was consistent with the 2010 taskforce’s report.

“Our contribution to overall dust levels in Port Hedland has diminished over time, despite an increase in production, due to the effective use of our broad range of dust controls,”

“Our measures for identifying, assessing and controlling dust at all of our Pilbara operations meet the standards set by government.”

BHP’s dust minimisation measures include spraying airborne dust with water hoses, keeping iron ore at a pre-determined moisture level, cleaning machinery and using road sweepers among other efforts.

BHP did not speculate on whether concerns over dust levels in Port Hedland could stop the company expanding its output through the port in future.