It is a condition of engagement that all contractors working at our operations perform to the same safety standards as permanent employees. For the purposes of the standard, contractors fall into three categories:

• Category 1: Those engaged on temporary contracts to work within existing operations.
• Category 2: Companies or individuals engaged for a discrete project.
• Category 3: Companies or individuals engaged under contract to carry out specific tasks or provide specified services within existing operations areas.

Rules that apply to all contractors require an on site manager to be responsible for the effectiveness of the contractor safety management system used on site. Before work begins on any contract all contractor personnel are given appropriate orientation and induction training including emergency procedure drills. Those contractors that do not conform to the standards after training lose their right to work at our operations.

Category 1 contractors are treated in all aspects of safety as if they were employees.

Category 2 contractors are independent and are responsible for carrying out their contracted work safely and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. They must have in place appropriate systems and supervision.

Category 3 contractors work in existing operations areas with the Rio Tinto site manager's responsibility varying according to the nature of their work and its location.