Recognising the significant lag that often exists between new developments in science that identify higher than previously recognised health risks from occupational exposures and regulatory action, at BHP we proactively engage with industry experts and monitor research to ensure we are up to date with the most current information on our most important exposures.
Diesel exhaust exposure is one of the most important health risks for underground mining operations. Several studies this decade suggest that there is a lung cancer risk from exposure to diesel exhaust over a working life at levels considerably below common regulatory occupational exposure limits.
This presentation will discuss the findings of independent analysis performed for BHP by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) that informed our position to seek to manage diesel exhaust exposure to as low as technically feasible and action we are taking locally within our operations to achieve this and globally, seeking to influence others to take similar action.