Reducing noise levels

Rio Tinto is committed to reaching a goal of no new cases of occupational illness.

During 2006, noise induced hearing loss accounted for 40 per cent of our reported health incidents. Along with muscular skeletal illness, hearing loss accounts for most of our employees' new occupational illnesses.

Heavy mining equipment tends to be noisy, and a great deal of work has been done within the Rio Tinto Group to reduce noise exposure.

Leading practices on noise reduction

Since 2006, our subsidiary businesses have worked hard to identify which employees and jobs are exposed to the most noise and vibration - under the banner of Rio Tinto's "collaborative noise forum".

In 2006 we conducted a survey to rank noise sources. As a consequence we are developing engineering controls, which include:

• A fuel additive with the potential to reduce engine noise.
• Ear plugs that contain speakers and a microphone to reduce noise exposures from plant radios but still allow communication.
• Installing noise reflecting and noise absorbing materials around process equipment.
• Sound proofing control rooms.
• Installing remote monitoring of process controls in noisy areas.
• Installing insulated "quiet cabs" on mobile equipment.

As a global business, we find that pooling our ideas and talent leads to the best practical solutions. So noise forum members are located in different businesses as well as being from a variety of disciplines. Some businesses have also formed "noise committees", which regularly share best practices on noise and vibration control.