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Health — Programs and Actions
Noise and Chemical Exposure
Noise exposure levels decreased by about 33% at Alcoa Canada Primary Metals smelters from 2002 to 2006. From 2006 to 2008, there was an additional average reduction of 20%.
Our efforts regarding noise exposure initially focused on isolating employees from noisy equipment. We then invested in the modification or confinement of equipment that was exceeding regulation levels. Additional measures, including isolating ventilation equipment that is difficult to access or that present technical constraints, will require significant capital investment and engineering solutions are currently being assessed.
When it is too difficult to achieve a reduction in noise intensity, we decrease the amount of time workers are exposed to the equipment. Maintenance on the air compressors is a good example.
Regarding chemical exposure, a number of projects were carried out in 2008 to better capture dust emissions at the source that may contain beryllium. New fans were added and several other modifications made to address this issue, particularly at the Baie-Comeau and Bécancour smelters. The modernization of the Baie-Comeau Smelter, which involves among other things the replacement of the Söderberg technology, will also help improve performance in regards to noise and chemical exposure.
Because the alumina used at the Deschambault Smelter has different properties, beryllium is not an issue. In addition, improvements carried out over the last few years to capture emissions at the pots have considerably reduced fluoride and dust emissions, thereby decreasing employee exposure.
Due to the smaller scale of the Bécancour Rod Plant, the measures taken to reduce worker exposure are adapted to its needs.
To learn more about our efforts to control beryllium and noise exposure, please consult the case studies section.
Ergonomics
Over the last three years, significant resources have been devoted to minimizing bad movements or postures during tasks that are deemed “at-risk”. The initiatives touched upon jobs ranging from those requiring the use of heavy tools to administrative positions that involve a prolonged use of computers.
Each plant establishes its priorities among the tasks it considers at-risk, and works towards eliminating at least 50% of these risks. New tasks are added to the list every year following assessment. These initiatives continue to be a priority regardless of the economic situation.
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