When it comes to Australia’s workforce, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD’s) are a leading work health and safety issue.¹ For example, from 2021–2022, 13.7 per cent of serious workers’ compensation claims were for WMSD according to Safe Work Australia (Safe Work Australia 2023). In FY2024, musculoskeletal injuries represented most of our total injury count within BHP Operational Services (OS) Maintenance. 

The OS Maintenance Redesign team was established in 2020 (formerly known as the Safe and Inclusive Workplaces team) to effectively assess and respond to injuries with practical and replicable initiatives. These initiatives are designed to consider the different body types, ages, heights, strength levels and abilities of those undertaking maintenance tasks, addressing the root causes of WMSD issues and minimising the opportunity for recurrence.

The OS Maintenance Redesign team is composed of subject matter experts, utilising their trade experience and health qualifications to ensure the ‘right tool for the right job’ is provided and, importantly, without disrupting efficient workflows. The OS Maintenance Redesign team works with internal and external stakeholders to design or supply a concept (i.e. a prototype or idea) for trial on-site and post-feedback and endorsement.

One of the initiatives the OS Maintenance Redesign team successfully collaborated on was the introduction of lightweight slings and shackles at the OS Mobile Workshop in Goonyella, Queensland. This was prompted by an incident in which Bob (pictured below) sustained an injury while installing a heavy shackle above his head. By facilitating the roll-out of lightweight slings and shackles, the team reduced the risk of physical (musculoskeletal) strain and provided a practical and replicable solution to enable the task to be performed more safely. 

Bob from the OS Mobile Workshop in Goonyella, Queensland

This initiative has since been replicated across Peak Downs, Caval Ridge and Saraji in Queensland, and Newman operations in Western Australia. It is just one of over 400 unique initiatives delivered over the last five years, contributing to a year-on-year reduction in the total injury count, including WMSDs, within BHP OS Maintenance teams across these locations.

Reflective of their focus on initiatives that support a diverse and inclusive work environment, the OS Maintenance Redesign team is a finalist in the Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance category of the 2025 Queensland Resources Council/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (QRC/WIMARQ) Resources Awards for Women.

Footnote:

1. Third to ‘Traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injury’ and ‘wounds, lacerations amputations, and internal organ damage’, respectively (Safe Work Australia 2023).