Health and safety management

Health, safety and environmental (HSE) issues remain a priority. During the last quarter of 2010, an integrated approach to the management of health, safety, environment and quality performance was implemented. Our Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policy (see page 63) continues to guide us in all our activities.

Occupational hygiene management

Rössing has developed and implemented a risk-based occupational hygiene monitoring programme that is reviewed and updated annually based on prevailing and emerging identified health hazards and level of risk. The monitoring programme is currently applied to 16 Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs). These groups include all current Rössing workers and site contractors. Frequency of monitoring within each SEG is based on a 95% confidence level sample size result and level of existing risk. The data received from our monitoring programme is vital in guiding us to make informed decisions with regards to efficient and appropriate risk-based exposure control implementation. Typical hazards that are measured include, amongst others, noise, illumination, dust, hazardous substances, gases, vapours and fumes, Legionella (a waterborne bacterium that can cause Legionnaires disease) and radiation.

Occupational hygiene: Noise

Noise is an integral part of an industry such as mining, where large pieces of equipment and machinery are constantly in operation. The human ear is most sensitive to sounds at or near the centre of its frequency range. To assess the impact of noise on people, a scale of frequency weighting is used where "A" indicates the basis point.

Noise reduction and control has been achieved at the mine by following the hierarchy of control principles, using substitution, engineering and administrative means, among others. Noise zones, together with the application of personalised custom-made hearing protection devices, called noise clippers, was also introduced in high risk areas where the nature of the tasks being performed resulted that engineering and administrative controls alone was not sufficed in protecting worker exposure to below the stipulated occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 85dB(A).

The graph on the right depicts the average annual noise dose measured for the different SEGs in 2010.

The measured doses (in the graph indicated with green bars) do not take into account the protection factor provided by personal and the custom made hearing protection devices when used correctly. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) (in the graph indicated in red) is when the required noise protection is worn by a worker.

The filter of each noise clipper device is permanently calibrated to filter out all noise above 82dB(A), which is the action limit and the disposable ear plugs provides a noise reduction rating of 26. The noise exposure reduction achieved through additional use of hearing protection is sufficient to reduce actual exposure to below the allowed occupational exposure limit of 85 dB(A).

Occupational hygiene: Dust

The process of mining, transporting, crushing and milling of uranium bearing ore, result in dust generation. Of the 11 Similar Exposure Groups (SEG) measured at the mine, two SEGs exceeded the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) during the reported year as depicted in the graph below. An SEG is a group of workers working in the same environment.
The main cause of the increase in dust levels in these two areas has been identified as dust control systems that did not function optimally. This finding is of great concern and a number of measures have been introduced.

One of the measures to ensure that workers are adequately protected against dust exposure is the correct use of newly introduced dust masks with an increased protection factor, which give workers protection up to 20 times the OEL. In the two SEGs where individual worker results exceeded the OEL, the wearing of purpose-fit dust masks reduced their possible exposure to dust to as low as reasonably practical level.
In further addressing the recorded dust exposure levels, the area owners developed and implemented an action plan to reduce dust levels in the two work areas.

One of the engineering controls identified and to be implemented in 2011 includes the installation of a robotic system in the laboratory, totally eliminating the Laboratory workers' contact to dust in this area.
Mine-wide additional dust control measures were in place, and regularly checked for continued effectiveness through environmental and occupational health monitoring.

Some of these measures include wet drilling; clearing of workers from the open pit area during blasting; wetting of material before shovelling, loading and hauling; wetting of and/or application of dust suppression to dirt roads to reduce dust; capturing dust at source by means of wet scrubber and bag house systems; atomised water sprays at tipping points to prevent airborne dust and heavy mining equipment fitted with air conditioners and sealed cabins.

In 2011 increased focus will be placed on the dust control systems and a specific programme introduced to ensure the optimal functioning of these systems while the training of operators in the correct use of dust masks and other protective equipment is a priority.

Occupational hygiene: Radiation

Uranium is a naturally occurring element with an average concentration of 2.8 parts per million in the earth's crust. Traces of it occur almost everywhere.

At the mine, the average ore grade mined is about 300 parts per million, or 0.03 per cent – which is a very low grade of uranium. The lowest grade uranium mined in the world is currently around 0.01 per cent, while the richest ores can contain average grades of 20 per cent uranium oxide or even more.

A disadvantage of our low ore grades is that large amounts of ore must be mined for profitability – but there is also a significant advantage: low ore grades imply low levels of external radiation, and therefore low occupational exposure to radiation in most areas of the mine.

Somewhat higher levels of exposure occur in those areas where uranium is concentrated into its final form. These areas, which require additional radiation control measures, are called controlled areas. Access to such areas is restricted, and employees working there are continuously monitored for their exposure to radiation.

An additional advantage of our ore deposit is its open pit: this ensures excellent natural ventilation of the exposed ore body. Therefore, the resulting exposure of workers to radon gas and its progeny is even below the world average natural background exposure to radon.

The air quality in the Namib Desert is significantly influenced by occurrences of high winds, and the limited natural ground cover. This can result in high dust loads in the ambient air. Airborne dust often contains radionuclides, which can be inhaled. However, because of the low grades of the uranium-bearing ores, the concentration of radionuclides in ambient dust is low. When such dust is inhaled, it results in correspondingly low internal exposure to long-lived radionuclides, despite a work environment which is often dusty.

Workers from all areas are grouped into Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) according to the type of work they do, and the specific location of their work area. Occupational radiation monitoring at the mine is based on the random sampling of all 13 SEGs, in which all four major exposure pathways are monitored, as indicated in the table on the next page.

The monitoring data collected enable our radiation safety staff to ensure that radiation exposure levels in all areas of the mine are kept below internationally accepted standards. In addition, ongoing monitoring ensures that the company complies with national and international radiation protection standards, and enables radiation safety staff to pre-empt, identify and prevent unsafe work practices which would result in avoidable radiation exposures.

During 2010, several important improvements were made to the monitoring programme:

• In the past, radon exposure monitoring was dependent on area monitoring of radon progeny, as only a single instrument was available. With the purchase of ten new DosemanPro instruments, individual radon progeny sampling is now possible. The DosemanPro instrument samples radon decay products suspended in the air, by pumping the air through an internal filter. The instrument then analyses the radionuclide content of the filter and directly determines the resulting radiation dose.
• In the past, exposure to long-lived alpha radiation in dust was monitored by analysing the filters from personal dust sampling pumps. The instrument for reading out filters required long counting times for each filter, which restricted the number of samples that could be analysed in a given monitoring period. Inhaled dust is now sampled using ten new MyRIAM instruments, which use a small internal pump to suck air through a filter. After the sampling interval, which can vary from a few hours up to a week, the instrument analyses the filter and determines the resulting radiation dose. In this way, the lengthy processing of filters is eliminated and sampling can be performed daily.
• In addition, urine samples are now analysed locally in Swakopmund, by the newly established Trace Element Analysis (TEA) Laboratory located on the premises of the Uranium Institute. The reporting period for urine samples has been reduced to one day, which significantly improves the reaction time in case the uranium content in urine were to exceed the warning or action levels.

Juno Claasen, Radiation Safety Officer, in the Fine Crushing Plant, wearing a full set of monitoring instruments, i.e. a MyRIAM instrument (used for personal monitoring of radiation dose from the inhalation of dust), a DosemanPro instrument (used for personal monitoring of radiation dose from the inhalation of radon decay products), and a personal electronic dosimeter (used for monitoring personal exposure dose to external radiation).

The results of our occupational radiation monitoring programme are summarised in the following figures: During 2010, a total of 1,830 random samples were taken, and the weighted average exposure mine-wide was found to be 1.74mSv per annum per person. It was found that no worker exceeded the annual dose limit of 20mSv. A total of 115 workers were registered as radiation workers, all of whom underwent continuous monitoring of external radiation exposure.

A total of 687 urine samples were taken, of which a single sample exceeded the warning level (20μg/litre) as well as the action level of 40μg/litre. Following a discussion with the affected person, and an assessment of the hygienic and work habits, a follow-up urine sample was analysed within the same week of occurrence. The second test revealed that the uranium concentration had fallen to levels below the laboratory's detection limit.

Click the image to enlarge

After in-depth consultations with the National Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) of Namibia, Rössing's Radiation Management Plan (RMP) was submitted and approved in 2010.

The 116-page document is available on the Rössing HSE portal, and details the complete radiation management programme, including:

• Details of the operational processes, plant facilities and radiation sources;
• A summary of all pre-operational safety assessments, such as impact assessments, closure plans and public dose assessments;
• A detailed description of the occupational radiation protection programme;
• A description of the public exposure monitoring programme;
• A summary of our radioactive waste management programme;
• An overview of the emergency preparedness and response processes to incidents involving radioactive materials;
• Our transport plan for radioactive substances, and
• An overview of the safety and security measures for the various radioactive sources at the mine.

The RMP replaces Rössing's Code of Practice for the Protection Against Ionising Radiation, and will be updated and reviewed annually. The NRPA inspected the mine on two occasions in 2010: once for the update of its licence for sealed sources, which are used for measuring flow quantities and densities in pipes, and again for the presentation of and discussion on the new RMP. On both occasions, NRPA inspectors were satisfied with the inspection and corrective or follow-up actions were not requested.

A continuous skills and knowledge update of radiation safety officers (RSO) active in the wider uranium exploration and mining industry was undertaken in 2010. As part of the activities of the Chamber of Mines' Uranium Institute based in Swakopmund, and in close collaboration with a local radiation specialist, Rössing's Superintendent Radiation Safety, Dr Gunhild von Oertzen, has organised and presented several comprehensive training courses for radiation safety officers.

A total of 36 radiation officers participated in the six-day training courses, which included hands-on training on radiation protection, radiation exposure measurements, RMP development, instrumentation and related topics. Further modules of the RSO training programme are planned for 2011, and participants from as far afield as Botswana and Zambia have already expressed an interest in the courses.

Radiation awareness at the mine and throughout the industry was further boosted by a number of awareness raising and training initiatives:

• A basic radiation training course in three modules is now regularly offered at the mine, and more than 1,000 of our employees attended the radiation safety course in 2010.
• A radiation awareness course for managers in uranium exploration and mining was developed under the banner of the Uranium Institute, and in collaboration with a local radiation specialist. A total of 73 people underwent training on this course, which was specifically designed to assist managers to appreciate the importance of radiation safety, and prepare them to deal with the complexities inherent in the radioactive properties of uranium.
• A one-day radiation training course for teachers of the Rössing Foundation was offered, again under the banner of the Uranium Institute and in collaboration with a local radiation specialist. The course saw the 16 participants introduced to the topic of radiation safety and its importance for members of the communities in close proximity to several uranium mines.
• A series of fact sheets about radiation was presented on our intranet. Fifty fact sheets are now available.

Occupational medical surveillance

All employees and contractors undergo pre-employment medical examinations to ensure fitness to work. This is followed by regular risk-based medical examinations during employment and an exit-medical examination when leaving the company. The medical surveillance programme provides relevant information to Rössing for the purpose of controlling the health risk and preventing, detecting and treating occupational diseases.

Wellness

Various activities were undertaken during 2010 to support our lifestyle awareness programmes.

Be Active Challenge: In 2010, we participated in the first Rio Tinto Be Active Challenge, which took place from 10 May to 17 July. The Be Active Challenge aims to raise awareness of the importance of exercise for health and wellbeing by encouraging participants to walk, run, swim or cycle the equivalent of 10,000 steps each day over a 10 week period. This involved teams of four "walking" a virtual route around the globe, visiting Rio Tinto sites and places of interest along the way. Pedometers were issued to all who registered. A total number of 223 of our employees participated in this event. Out of 1,746 Rio Tinto teams that registered, one of our teams, the Rössing Active Boilers, was ranked in the Top 10.

Peer Educator activities: The Rössing Peer Educator programme, which was launched in 1996, once again received a noteworthy award in 2010 from the Chamber of Mines' Occupational Health Education and Assistance Programme (OHEAP). One of our peer educators, Mary-Ann Zynda, was granted the OHEAP Best Peer Educator Award, and Marjorie Elago was named as the coordinator of the year. The on-site Blood Donation Clinics, an initiative of the peer educators, were continued during 2010. The Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia held three blood donation events on site, where 197 employees donated blood, compared to 163 employees the previous year. As part of the peer educators' outreach activities, they donated blankets and food to approximately 50 members of the Tulinawa community in Swakopmund who lost their belongings in a fire. They also took part in the Bank Windhoek Cancer Apple Project 2010.

National Bandana Day: The National Bandana Day, which benefits people suffering from leukaemia, was commemorated at the mine on 24 September 2010. Funds were raised by peer educators through the sale of bandanas and the spraying of participants' hair. A total amount of N$14,000 was raised and donated to the Cancer Association of Namibia.

World Aids Day: World Aids Day was commemorated on 1 December 2010, under the slogan "Addressing stigma and discrimination to prevent new infections". All workers were urged to wear red ribbons, and motivational talks were given by management, the Mine Workers' Union and motivational speakers from the community. The peer educators donated non-perishable foods and N$1,000 in cash, contributed by employees, to the Arandis Support Group.

HIV Voluntary Counselling & Testing (VCT): A total of 985 employees participated in the onsite VCT programme. This represents 62.7 per cent of the total workforce. In addition, 194 employees declared having themselves tested at other facilities during the year. This brings the total number of employees knowing their HIV status to 1,238, representing 78.8 per cent of the workforce. Contractors were also included in VCT during 2010. 659 contractors participated and 209 declared having themselves tested at other facilities. Employees have access to HIV treatment through the company medical aid, which enables them to continue with productive work whilst being on treatment.

Alcohol and Drug Awareness Campaign: An alcohol and drug awareness day was held on 24 June 2010, under the theme of "Think Health! Don't do alcohol and drugs". Steve Hamilton from South Africa, a well-known recovered addict and motivational speaker on this topic, was invited to give the key note address for this day. We sponsored three additional events with the same speaker in the communities of Swakopmund, Arandis and Walvis Bay, with the aim of raising awareness on the effects of alcohol and drugs.

Safety management

Safety remains a high priority in Rio Tinto and Rössing, and for this reason we ventured into the "Accelerating Safety Performance Improvement" (Zero Harm) project in order to foster a Zero Harm working environment in line with leading practices. The road to Zero Harm will be challenging for everyone, but we are convinced that by putting the right measures in place, we will achieve Zero Harm together. This initiative was positively received by all who attended the training.

Our safety aims are:

• We must develop a safety culture that touches every employee and contractor (about 3,000 people) working at the mine.
• We must not only set very high expectations for our own performance and the performance of others, but we must also create the right frameworks and structures and the right attitudes and behaviours to achieve these goals.

Achieving a Zero Harm culture is extremely important to us. From the launch of the campaign in September 2010 until the end of the year, 230 employees in leadership positions have undergone Zero Harm training. Several key messages highlighting the importance of creating a Zero Harm culture within our workplace were communicated to all employees. Zero Harm workshops will be resumed in 2011, and will continue until all employees and contractors at the mine have received this vital training.

To complement our efforts to achieve our goal of Zero Harm, we are bringing the message of Zero Harm to all employees and contractors via a 2011 HSE diary. The pocket-size 200 page diary can be carried around, ensuring that safety messages are continuously communicated. It contains a wide range of information on wellness, occupational health, safety, environment, the HSE management system standards and sustainable development.

A set of playing cards with safety messages was also distributed to every employee. As part of the Zero Harm initiative, computer desktops were identified as a useful tool for communicating the various messages of Zero Harm, and will, therefore, be standardised to a common background to reflect the Zero Harm messages, as well as selected HSE Alerts.

All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) is the rate of
occurrence of All Injuries per 200,000 hours worked:

Number of All Injuries x 200,000
________________________________

Hours of exposure

Emilia Kaunawoye takes an alcohol test as part of our standard safety procedures. Every day 1 per cent of our workforce (about 150 workers) is selected randomly for a full drug and alcohol test in order to ensure that we continue operating in a safe environment.

The mine recorded an All Injury Frequency Rate (AIFR) of 0.89. No fatalities were reported. The following injuries and significant incident categories were reported:

• Lost-time Injuries: 14
• Incidents requiring medical treatment: 16
• Incidents requiring first aid treatment: 41
• Significant Potential Incidents: 21
• Significant Near-miss Incidents: 5
• Fire incidents: 1

The Significant Near-miss Incidents could have resulted in lost-time, serious physical harm or incidents where property could be damaged.
As part of our Zero Harm focus, we identified a strong need to become much more proactive and less reactive in all our safety management activities. We realised that much more emphasis must be placed on quality interactions. The fact that we are used to measuring safety performance by measuring injury rates, has resulted in a situation where we react to things that have already gone wrong. Therefore, in managing safety, we also need indicators to tell us where we are going, instead of only relying on indicators that tell us where we have been. One such leading indicator is the HSE Interaction Process.

HSE interactions are a key component for building our HSE culture; a culture in which people actively care for others' safety, their health and the environment, with a strong focus on behaviour. Engaging employees in meaningful HSE dialogue helps to build personal values and to develop appropriate leadership and interaction skills. Building our HSE culture also involves transforming management's attitude into one which is care-driven and firmly based on the conviction that injuries and incidents in the workplace can be prevented.

The successes achieved during 2010 were as follows:

• A rationalised HSE Interaction Data Sheet, which is compatible with the prospect system, was introduced for contractors;
• Having completed the required training and competency test, three Operations Safety Coordinators became certified Scaffold Safety Inspectors;
• We achieved 2,448,241.51 Lost-time Injury (LTI) free man hours, which translates into 5 months without any LTIs;
• The HSE Management System Audit was conducted;
• A new Significant Potential Incident (SPI) definition and guidance booklet was released and distributed to all employees;
• The Zero Harm training programme is progressing well;
• A new HSE Incident Management Process Matrix was developed for the mine;
• Reallocation of Safety Advisors to the relevant departments took place in order to avail a dedicated resource to the Acid Plant demolition project;
• A Root Cause Analysis of major audit findings or SPIs was obtained in the HSE Management System and ISO 14001 recertification audit;
• A new amber rotation light was added to the safety board at the main gate to be used in the event of medical and first aid treatment cases;
• SPIs were reported on Rio Tinto Knowledge Share, as well as SEART, a Rio Tinto information reporting tool for HSE which is used to communicate incidents, audit findings and HSE Business Unit Performance; and
• The Acid Plant demolition project was completed without any major incidents. An experienced safety team was dedicated to this project for a period of seven months.

Security management

2010 saw Rössing stepping up its security measures as a direct response to the reported uranium theft incident of September 2009. The case is now a criminal case and in the hands of the Namibian Police. Throughout the year, several improvements and enhancements to security were introduced. An amount of N$12.5 million was approved to further upgrade our security equipment and structures to a state of the art best practice high-tech security solution. This was done with the assistance and advice from experts deployed from Rio Tinto Global Security, Control Risks, as well as from other mines, such as Navachab and Richards Bay Minerals.

We were instrumental in the establishment of the Erongo Joint Security Forum, a collaborative security forum consisting of Rössing, Areva, Langer Heinrich and Navachab. The forum eventually became an integral part of the Uranium Institute of Namibia.

One of our managers also attended the Global Security workshop in France during which different site challenges in terms of security were formally presented and shared with global security and other mine's security leaders.