Key challenges

Degenerative musculoskeletal conditions

Sprains and strains of joints and adjacent muscles are common types of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. Xstrata operations have implemented a range of measures to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and minimise degenerative conditions. These measures include risk and functional assessments, using engineering solutions wherever possible to minimise or eliminate manual handling, and training employees in correct manual handling techniques, job rotation and encouraging employees to engage in our wellbeing programmes to improve their fitness for work. Comprehensive ergonomic programmes are also conducted across our operations to reduce the risks associated with these tasks. These programmes assess how a workplace and the equipment used there can best be designed for comfort, safety, efficiency, and productivity.

In Australia, more than 80% of the projected workforce growth between 1998 and 2016 will be among people who are older than 45 years (ABS, 1999). A global shortage of skilled workers and economic imperatives mean that businesses are seeking to retain older, productive workers in the workforce. The ageing workforce is having an impact on the way we manage degenerative musculoskeletal conditions at our operations. To better understand the capacities of older workers, the nature of the work demands, and specific injury and health issues, Xstrata's Australian operations have supported a range of internal and external research projects into degenerative musculoskeletal conditions, ergonomic equipment design and manual handling risk assessment in collaboration with academic institutions, employees and employee representatives.

After working overnight, operators play football in an enclosed field at Minera Alumbrera, Argentina