BHP continues to take action to help keep its people, their families and communities safe as the evolving impact of the COVID-19 pandemic requires varying responses in countries around the world.

BHP Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry, said: “Our priority remains to reduce the risk of transmission and to protect our workforce, their families and our communities. This will also enable us to keep the business safely running, supporting all those who rely on us.”

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On Thursday 30 April, 2020, our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry, held a shareholder question and answer session via webcast. He provided an update on how we’re tracking during these uncertain times and answers questions from shareholders.

Watch the replay.

BHP’s commitment to the health and safety of our people has never been stronger as we all navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve adapted to the changing global landscape as governments tighten border controls and enforce restrictions in response to the outbreak.

We’re vigilant across all of our operations about adhering to health authority regulations and advice, and have introduced strict accommodation and transport protocols and measures at our sites. These include social distancing, strict hygiene protocols, travel restrictions, and more intensive cleaning to reduce the risk of transmission among our workforce, their families and our communities. 

Our frontline people have shown ingenuity and creativity when it comes to health and safety, developing some inventive responses to health and safety challenges.

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BHP continues to take action to help keep its people, their families and communities safe, and conduct safe ongoing operations in compliance with strict health and travel guidelines put in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

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BHP continues to implement a wide range of stringent measures across its operated assets to reduce the risk of COVID-19 among its workforce and local communities, and to keep its operations up and running.

BHP’s Group HSE Officer Rob Telford said: “Our first priority is the health and safety of our people, their families and their local communities. The safe continuation of BHP’s operations is, in turn, critical for jobs and local economies in the many communities and countries where we operate.”

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Today, as we paid US$3.3 billion in dividends to shareholders for the half year ending 31 December 2019, our Chief Executive Officer, Mike Henry updated shareholders on what we’re doing to keep our people safe and our mines and other operations running. He also touched on the underlying strength of our company, and what’s happening in our markets.

BHP today outlined the steps it is taking to maintain the safety of its workforce and continuity of its operations in the face of the global spread of COVID-19.

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As COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to spread globally we are to taking precautionary measures to reduce the spread of transmission. We will do all that we can to ensure the health and safety of our people and ensure our operations are running safely.

• Travel - Today we've suspended international travel for all BHP employees globally for work alongside other measures already in place. This is in line with new advice from many governments and health experts from around the world.
• Sites and Offices - Each of our sites and offices across the world are monitoring the situation and have action plans which we will activate if required, in line with advice from health authorities. We also have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing.
• Health and Wellbeing – We continue to communicate with our workforce to follow hygiene, travel and quarantine recommendations from country-specific health authorities and governments. We know that the situation may be stressful for some of our people, their loved ones and their communities. We are encouraging all of our teams to support each through this difficult time, talk to their line-leaders about specific concerns and access our Employee Assistance program if they feel they need extra support.

Actualización - 16 de marzo de 2020

A medida que el COVID-19 (coronavirus) continúa propagándose a nivel mundial, debemos tomar medidas de precaución para reducir la propagación de la transmisión. Haremos todo lo que podamos para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de nuestra gente y garantizar que nuestras operaciones funcionen de manera segura.

• Viajes - Hoy hemos suspendido los viajes internacionales de trabajo de todos los empleados de BHP a nivel mundial, junto con otras medidas  existentes. Esto se alinea con las nuevas recomendaciones de muchos gobiernos y expertos en salud de todo el mundo.

• Faenas y oficinas - Cada una de nuestras faenas y oficinas en todo el mundo están monitoreando la situación y tienen planes de acción que activaremos si es necesario, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de las autoridades sanitarias. También contamos con procedimientos para actuar rápidamente y aislar a cualquier persona que pueda necesitar tratamiento o exámenes médicos.

• Salud y bienestar - Seguimos comunicándonos con nuestros empleados para seguir las recomendaciones de higiene, viaje y cuarentena de las autoridades sanitarias y los gobiernos de cada país. Sabemos que la situación puede ser estresante para algunas personas y para sus seres queridos y comunidades. Invitamos a todos nuestros equipos a que se apoyen mutuamente en este difícil momento, hablen con sus jefes de línea sobre inquietudes específicas y accedan a nuestro programa de Asistencia al Empleado si sienten que necesitan apoyo adicional.

BHP will prioritise the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing. We are also working hard to implement plans and procedures that keep our entire workforce operating safely through this uncertain period. 

We continue to monitor the situation and manage our workforce based on advice from country-specific health authorities and governments.

We have put restrictions in place for all non-essential international business travel and we continue to communicate with our workforce to follow hygiene, travel and quarantine recommendations from country-specific health authorities and governments.

We are reviewing and testing Business Continuity Plans at our operations and corporate offices to prepare for the spread of COVID-19.

At this point in time there are no impacts to production based on COVID-19.

Actualización - 13 de marzo de 2020

BHP dará prioridad a la salud y el bienestar de nuestra fuerza de trabajo. Tenemos procedimientos en marcha para actuar rápidamente y aislar a cualquier persona que pueda necesitar tratamiento o exámenes médicos. También estamos trabajando arduamente para implementar planes y procedimientos que mantengan a toda nuestra fuerza de trabajo en operación de manera segura durante este período incierto. 

Seguimos vigilando la situación y gestionando nuestra fuerza de trabajo de acuerdo con las recomendaciones de las autoridades sanitarias y los gobiernos de cada país.

Hemos establecido restricciones para todos los viajes internacionales de negocios no esenciales y seguimos comunicándonos con nuestros empleados para seguir las recomendaciones de higiene, viaje y cuarentena de las autoridades sanitarias y los gobiernos de cada país.

Estamos revisando y poniendo en prueba los Planes de continuidad de negocios en nuestras operaciones y oficinas corporativas para prepararnos para la propagación del COVID-19.

En este momento, no hay impacto en la producción por motivo del COVID-19.

Keeping our people safe

BHP will prioritise the health and wellbeing of our workforce. We have procedures in place to move quickly to isolate anyone who may require medical treatment or testing. We are also working hard to implement plans and procedures that keep our entire workforce operating safely through this uncertain period. 

The resilience of our business

We have engineered a business that is resilient with a strong balance sheet, strong assets and low cost operations that can generate cash through the cycle. This will allow us to continue to contribute to the economy at a time when it is needed most.

Demand for our products

While the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on the global economy are still playing out, buying interest for our products has remained healthy, and with the exception of oil, which has come off quite sharply in recent days, commodity prices have held up reasonably well. We are resilient should prices move lower.

Australian government $17.6 billion stimulus package

We welcome the calm and methodical approach being taken by the Australian Government during this extremely challenging time.  Moves to stimulate the economy, support small business and provide an additional safety net for the vulnerable in our community is the right thing to do. We note the Opposition’s offer of constructive bipartisanship. It is vital the Parliament and the country work together and quickly to respond to what confronts us all.

Clearly, the coming weeks and months will challenge the Australian economy and the resolve of all Australians.  BHP plans to employ 1000 new apprentices and trainees each year over the next five years. We stand willing to work together with the Government to continue to implement these plans and provide skills and training for Australians.

CEO Mike Henry - 13 de marzo de 2020

Mantener a nuestra gente segura

BHP dará prioridad a la salud y el bienestar de nuestra fuerza de trabajo. Tenemos procedimientos en marcha para actuar rápidamente y aislar a cualquier persona que pueda necesitar tratamiento o exámenes médicos. También estamos trabajando arduamente para implementar planes y procedimientos que mantengan a toda nuestra fuerza de trabajo en operación de manera segura durante este período incierto. 

La resiliencia de nuestra empresa

Hemos diseñado una empresa resiliente con un balance general sólido, Assets robustos y operaciones de bajo costo que pueden generar ingresos a lo largo del ciclo. Esto nos permitirá seguir contribuyendo a la economía en el momento en que más se necesita.

Demanda de nuestros productos

Aunque el impacto de la crisis del coronavirus en la economía global todavía se están manifestando, el interés por comprar nuestros productos se ha mantenido saludable, y con la excepción del petróleo, que ha bajado bastante en los últimos días, los precios de las materias primas se han mantenido razonablemente bien. Si los precios bajan, somos resilientes.

Paquete de estímulo del gobierno australiano de 17.600 millones de dólares

Nos complace ver el enfoque comedido y metódico que está adoptando el gobierno de Australia en este momento extremadamente difícil.  Las medidas para estimular la economía, apoyar a las pequeñas empresas y proporcionar una red de seguridad adicional para los más vulnerables de nuestra comunidad son acertadas. Reconocemos también la disposición de la oposición de mantener un bipartidismo constructivo. Es vital que el parlamento y el país trabajen juntos y rápidamente para responder a lo que nos enfrentamos.

Claramente, las próximas semanas y meses serán un desafío para la economía australiana y la determinación de todos los australianos.  BHP planea emplear a 1000 nuevos aprendices y aprendices cada año durante los próximos cinco años. Estamos dispuestos a trabajar junto con el gobierno para continuar implementando estos planes y proporcionar habilidades y entrenamiento a los australianos.

BHP will reduce payment terms for small, local and Indigenous businesses as part of a program to support its communities and regional economies during the Covid-19 pandemic.   

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Update for Minerals Australia suppliers

https://www.bhp.com/info/supplying-to-bhp/update-for-minerals-australia-contracting-partners/

BHP will establish a $50 million (AUD) Vital Resources Fund to help support regional Australian communities in its areas of operation, which are facing the significant challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The health and safety of all employees and our contracting partners is BHP’s number one priority.

In line with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s latest announcement regarding measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) into Australia, the following communication is provided to our contracting partners.

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BHP announced today it will hire 1,500 additional people to support its workforce operating across Australia.

The 1,500 jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and cover a range of skills needed by BHP operations in the short term. These jobs will support and bolster our existing workforce during this difficult time.

The roles will include machinery and production operators, truck and ancillary equipment drivers, excavator operators, diesel mechanics boilermakers, trades assistants, electricians, cleaners and warehousing roles across our coal, iron ore and copper operations in WA, QLD, NSW and SA. The jobs will be offered through existing labour hire partners and BHP contracts in each state.

Following the initial six-month contract, BHP will look to offer permanent roles for some of these jobs. BHP will continue to assess this program and may increase the number of jobs available.

BHP Acting Minerals Australia President Edgar Basto said supporting our people, communities and partners, safely, is the highest priority. 

“As part of BHP’s social distancing measures we are introducing more small teams with critical skills to work dynamically across different shifts,” he said.  

“The Government has said that resources industry is vital in Australia’s response to the global pandemic.  We are stepping up and providing jobs and contracts. Our suppliers, large and small, play a critical role in supporting our operations. It is a tough time for our communities and the economy. We must look out for each other as we manage through this together.”

BHP will reduce payment terms for small, local and Indigenous businesses as part of a program to support its communities and regional economies during the Covid-19 pandemic.   

BHP will make immediate payments of outstanding invoices. The accelerated payment program is expected to deliver approximately $100 million more quickly into the hands of our small business partners.

BHP will reduce payment terms to seven days (from 30 days) for more than 1,100 small Australian businesses.

BHP CEO, Mike Henry said looking after the well-being and safety of its people, communities and partners is the highest priority.

“We are taking action to reduce the risk of transmission at our sites, in our offices and in our communities. Our local and small business partners play a critical role in supporting our operations and our people, and we know this is a very difficult time for them. We must look out for each other as we manage through this together,” Mr Henry said.

BHP has also created a $6 million fund to support its labour hire companies and their employees. The fund will be used for one-off payments for people quarantined after entering Australia and pay for labour hire employees not entitled to sick leave but affected by COVID-19.

BHP spends around $1.5 billion annually with local Australian suppliers.

A small business is defined as generating less than $10 million revenue, restrictions on FTE numbers have been removed. 

The revised payment terms arrangements will take effect next week. BHP will contact eligible small business partners with more information in coming days. 

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Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, BHP has found it necessary to progressively reduce the presence of its own and contractor workers in its operations. The company has limited the number of employees in its operations from 7,310 to 4,910 and of contractor workers in its operations from 21,911 to 11,289.Faced with this situation, the company made the decision to voluntarily undertake a significant part of the contractor companies’ cost to maintain the remuneration of their demobilized workers and their respective jobs.

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BHP crea fondo de US$25 millones para apoyar a empresas contratistas en Chile

A raíz de la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19, BHP se ha visto en la necesidad de reducir progresivamente la presencia de trabajadores propios y contratistas en sus operaciones. La compañía ha limitado el número de empleados en sus operaciones de 7.310 a 4.910 y de trabajadores contratistas en sus operaciones de 21.911 a 11.289.

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Compania Minera Antamina, in Peru, in which BHP has a 33.75 per cent interest, has decided to temporarily suspend operations at the Antamina copper and zinc mine as part of its response to COVID-19.

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BHP has launched a plan focused on helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Chile. The business and the Medical Faculty of Universidad Católica, have combined efforts with the immediate objective of raising the testing capacity and strengthening the Familiar Health Centers of the South East Area of the Metropolitan Region, as well as Antofagasta and Tarapacá.

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BHP presenta plan de US$8 millones para fortalecer la red de salud pública ante el avance del COVID-19 en Chile

En momentos en que el mundo enfrenta el brote del COVID-19, BHP lanzó un plan de medidas para mitigar el avance del virus en Chile. Así, la compañía y la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Católica han unido esfuerzos con el objetivo inmediato de aumentar la capacidad de detección del virus y fortalecer los Centros de Salud Familiar del Área Sur Oriente de la Región Metropolitana, y de las regiones de Antofagasta y Tarapacá.

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BHP continues to implement a range of stringent measures at its Jansen Potash project site and Potash offices in Saskatoon and Mississauga to reduce the risk of COVID-19 contagion and to support its workforce and local communities.

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Following the health emergency due to the Coronavirus pandemic, BHP and its operations have implemented rigorous protocols, control and prevention measures in order to ensure the health of its workers, which is their number one priority. These measures have been reported to the health authority and joint committees, and have resulted in there being no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at our operations, to date.

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Since the coronavirus pandemic started, BHP has deployed several measures to face the COVID-19 emergency. We have added new actions in our operations in Chile – both at offices and sites – which has been implemented progressively since the start of the crisis.

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BHP incrementa medidas de salud y seguridad en operaciones en Chile frente a COVID-19

Desde que comenzó la pandemia provocada por el coronavirus, BHP ha comenzado a desplegar diferentes medidas para responder a la emergencia sanitaria. Hemos sumado nuevas acciones en nuestras operaciones en Chile –que aplican en faenas y oficinas– las que se han implementado de forma progresiva desde el inicio de esta crisis.

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BHP will establish a US$2 million Fund to support communities in proximity to BHP’s operations in North America and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at supporting health services and other community needs in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic response.

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BHP Petroleum is implementing emergency measures to support cash flow to suppliers by making immediate payments of outstanding invoices and moving to seven-day payment terms for the next six months for small and local businesses that support BHP’s Petroleum business.

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A Samarco vai doar R$ 1 milhão em produtos e equipamentos para profissionais de saúde que estão na linha de frente da luta contra a Covid-19 em cidades próximas às operações em Minas Gerais e no Espírito Santo. Luvas, máscaras, óculos de proteção, álcool 70%, termômetros com infravermelho e testes rápidos para a Covid-19 estão entre os itens que serão adquiridos diretamente pela Samarco e entregues às prefeituras.

Samarco, our joint venture in Brazil, is donating BRL 1 million in products and equipment for health professionals at the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 in cities near its sites in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states. Gloves, masks, protective glasses, sanitizer, infrared thermometers and rapid tests for Covid-19 are among the items that will be purchased directly by Samarco and delivered to city halls.