Health and Wellbeing programs

Each business of IPL and, frequently, each site, offers health and wellbeing programs appropriate for local needs and to suit local regulatory and cultural requirements. Examples of the types of programs available include:

All Australian and United States employees have access to an Employee Assistance Program. In Australia, this program provides up to five confidential specialist counselling sessions each year, available 24 hours per day. It offers support for work and personal issues either face-to-face, over the telephone, in writing, via the internet or by video conferencing. The counselling can help with managing conflict, coping with change, stress, grief, career transitions, relationship issues, gambling, alcohol/substance abuse, parenting conflict, pain, trauma, anxiety, depression and many types of emotional difficulties.

During the 2011 floods in Queensland and Victoria, Australia, daily SMS messaging and Facebook updates were utilised to monitor our employees' health and safety and to provide support for those directly impacted. Emergency funding, practical assistance and counselling support were also provided to those affected. Our Fertilisers business offers annual driver safety training for all field staff. The business also began a free health check program in August 2011, with 50 employees taking advantage of the program.

At remote sites such as our Phosphate Hill plant in regional Queensland, Australia, two lifestyle coaches are employed to provide professional support and structured programs to enhance our employees' dietary and exercise habits.

An annual Family Safety Day is conducted at our site in Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States to promote safety at work and at home. Refer to the case study in this section for further details.