Rio Tinto has outlined 26 recommendations to improve its workplace culture, with the company seeking to make a “positive and lasting change”.
Rio Tinto released its March quarterly report this month, which included an independent report on the company’s workplace culture.
Following a challenging start to the quarter, Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said the report re-emphasised a need to lift operational performance.
However, the company expects to have greater production capacity in the second half of the year.
The independent report featured 26 recommendations and Stausholm said the company plans to implement them all, adding the company will seek to “make a positive and lasting change.”
As part of the company’s commitment to a sustained culture change across its global operations, Stausholm said the company was keen to implement all appropriate actions outlined in the report.
The recommendations will inform work being carried out onsite to how the company can improve preventing and responding to discrimination and unacceptable workplace behaviour.
In the same report, Rio Tinto has announced an agreement with the Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation on a new management plan, co-designed to ensure the protection of social and cultural heritage values.
“These actions will ensure we continue to deliver attractive returns to shareholders, as we invest in sustaining and growing our portfolio, be a partner of choice and progress our ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions,” Stausholm said.
After experiencing increased COVID-19 cases on their Pilbara site, the company continues to monitor new variants, keeping health and safety a key focus.
The injury frequency rate for the company was reported as 0.33, which improves upon 2021’s first quarter result of 0.36, and the prior quarter’s result of 0.41.
“I am determined that by implementing appropriate actions to address the recommendations, and with the management team’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive Rio Tinto, we will make positive and lasting change and strengthen our workplace culture for the long term,” Stausholm said.