28 August 2012
Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa recognised for local Health and Safety Innovation
Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa was recently recognised at the annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference for one of its Health and Safety Innovations.
Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa Health, Safety and Environment manager, Holly Wallace said Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa's Andoom heavy equipment (HEQ) workshop team's 'Starter Motor Jig' innovation was a worthy competitor at this year's conference.
"The Starter Motor Jig is a purpose-built tool designed for Caterpillar 776D Belly Dump Trucks that eliminates the manual handling risks associated with removing and replacing this particular vehicle's starter motor," Ms Wallace said.
"The innovative minds of the Andoom HEQ team have not only created a tool that eliminates safety risks, but a tool that also provides economic benefits by decreasing the turnaround time for changing out starter motors."
Local Andoom HEQ Diesel fitter Dennis Blanco was on hand at the conference to present and explain the innovation, and also to accept the award on his team's behalf.
Each year the conference includes a safety innovation competition, which Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa annually enters and this year the operations and the Andoom HEQ team were recognised with a Highly Commended award.
"This fantastic innovation has made a real difference on site working towards a zero harm environment for our employees, and it was great to see the Andoom HEQ team receive the recognition they deserve," Ms Wallace said.
The conference, which was held in Townsville, is a fantastic opportunity for mining companies to share innovation ideas and learn what new safety products are on the market.
For more information about the winning innovation or our operations, please contact Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa's community freecall hotline 1800 707 633.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London and New York Stock Exchange listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, thermal and metallurgical coal, uranium, gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide and salt) and iron ore. Activities span the world and are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
For further information, please contact:
Communications officer
Bianca Graham
Office: +61 (0) 7 4069 8865
Mobile: +61 (0) 427 629 017
Communication and Media manager
Ian McGoldrick
Office: +61 (0) 7 3625 4445
Mobile: +61 (0) 407 211 900
Website: www.riotintoalcan.com
Twitter: Follow @riotinto on Twitter
High resolution photographs and media pack available at: www.riotinto.com/media
Rio Tinto Alcan Weipa recognised for local Health and Safety Innovation [PDF: 27 KB]
