Nominated project: Reduction of diesel particulate matter and respirable crystalline silica exposure
Premier's Award category: Health and safety, Resources sector
Olympic Dam has underground and surface mining operations, and operates a fully integrated processing facility from ore to metal.
Health and Safety is the highest priority with the sole objective to identify risks that may impact the safety of employees and to implement controls designed to manage risks effectively.
BHP committed to a five-year target to achieve a 50% reduction in the number of workers potentially exposed to diesel particulate matter (DPM), respirable silica and coal mine dust as compared to FY2017 (1 July 2016) baseline by FY2022 (30 June 2022).
Since 2017, Olympic Dam achieved a 92% reduction in the number of workers exposed to DPM and 82% reduction on respirable crystalline silica.
This was achieved through design and installation of controls including dust suppression systems underground, enclosed cabin mobile fleets, implementation of diesel particulate filters to underground mobile fleet, and replacing vehicles with low emitting engine technology substitutes.
Q&A with BHP Olympic Dam
BHP reduction of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) and Respirable Crystalline Silica (RSC) Exposure in Olympic Dam is about a five-year journey to achieve significant reduction in the number of workers expose to DPM and RSC via several improvement initiatives.
This has been achieved through design and installation of controls including dust suppression systems underground, introduction of enclosed cabin mobile fleets, implementation of diesel particulate filters to underground mobile fleet, and a strategy to replace vehicles with low emitting engine technology substitutes.
Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) and Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) exposure are carcinogenic to humans and are one of the most common causes of health issues experienced in the resource and mining industry. BHP is committed to ensure that our operations are 'sustainable' as our Charter value which means not only we create a health and safety workplace, but we also maintain to as low levels of DPM and RCS as reasonably practicable.
Since 2017, Olympic Dam achieved a 92% reduction in the number of workers exposed to Diesel Particulate Matter and 82% reduction on Respirable Crystalline Silica.
The motivation is to raise an awareness on prolong inhalation of carcinogens and share effective controls to reduce dust and vehicle exhaust and prevent respiratory disease to people in the industry.
South Australia recognises the link between mining and renewable energy and leading in transformation to a zero emission future.
One of the best things about working here in South Australia is the culture and encouragement of welcoming people bringing future energy and technology together to strive continuously improve and exceed exceptions which align with BHP commitment to our social values.
The resource and mining industry is innovative and technologically advanced, environmentally and socially progressive.
The industry develops sustainably towards zero harms and zero emissions.
The future is clear and it’s happening now. With a strong foundation of safety and performance, BHP focused on the essential commodities the world needs to decarbonise and sustainably develop.
The purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world.
Our Social Value priorities include:
- Decarbonisation – Contributing to the world's climate ambitions
- Healthy environment – Delivering nature positive outcomes
- Indigenous partnerships – Building relationships based on trust, respect and mutual benefit
- Thriving, empowered communities – Contributing to long-term resilience and prosperity
- Safe, inclusive and future ready workforce – Enhancing diversity, capability and wellbeing
- Responsible supply chains – Creating ethical and sustainable supply chains
The Premier’s Awards showcase the capability of South Australia, and share great works across business and inspire others.
It’s important for the energy and mining industry to promote and recognise innovative and leading practices to deliver a safe, sustainable and reliable industry in South Australia.
