Unvaccinated BHP workers face lockout as mandate deadline arrives

About 10 per cent of BHP’s Queensland workforce will be locked out of worksites this week unless they show proof of double vaccination against Covid-19.

BHP’s mandatory Covid vaccination requirement for its 10,000-strong Queensland workforce is now in force and hundreds of workers could be out in the cold.

Almost 90 per cent of the company’s workforce is vaccinated and the company expects that figure to rise in coming days as workers are compelled to upload and demonstrate proof of vaccination.

But those who buck the rule will now be locked out of worksites while their employment is reviewed.

This process may include disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

The CFMEU has blasted the policy and challenged its legitimacy with the Fair Work Commission.

“Our position is clear,” CFMEU Queensland president Stephen Smyth said.

“There is no public health order in Queensland requiring compulsory vaccination for mine workers and we don’t believe mining companies should impose them unilaterally.

“We have encouraged our members to get vaccinated and discuss any medical concerns with their doctor.

“But mineworkers should not lose their jobs if they are not ready to get vaccinated or don’t want to share their vaccination status with BHP.”

After months of uncertainty, the FWC approved the mandate on January 21.

BHP Minerals Australia President Edgar Basto in front of a Komatsu haul truck at Goonyella Riverside Mine. Mr Basto announced BHP’s vaccine mandate in October 2021.

A BHP spokesman said the mandate was a health and safety measure designed to protect the company’s workers and their families.

“Vaccination remains the most effective control available to combat the risk of serious illness and possible death from Covid-19,” the spokesman said.

“The vast majority of our people have chosen to be vaccinated, making our workplaces and communities safer.”

At this stage, the mandate is for two shots of the vaccine, though a third booster shot may be added to the requirement.

BHP’s mandate in Western Australia includes the booster shot.

Alongside the mandate, the company has pursued aggressive Covid health and safety measures.

The company has supported the Vanguard vaccination hub in Moranbah, which registered its 10,000th vaccination on January 28.

It is also ramping up additional protective measures as the Omicron rampages across the region, including the deployment of Rapid Antigen Tests across its Queensland operations.

Anglo American will also require its workforce to be vaccinated as a condition of entry to site, following the likes of BHP in enforcing the mandate.