Protecting The Health Of Coal Miners

The coalmining industry has always been considered the most hazardous of the major industries, in view of the natural conditions in which the work is carried out and the considerable difficulties involved. This code of practice has been prepared to help those responsible for improving standards of safety and health and to provide guide-lines for the drafting of safety and health regulations for the coalmining industry. It contains provisions on general safety and health measures, specific measures for work underground, road and shaft driving, coalgetting, transport, and so on, and procedures f.

This code of practice on safety and health in underground coalmines reflects the many changes in the industry and its workforce, as well as new developments in occupational safety and health policies and ILO instruments on occupational safety and health. A leaner, multi-skilled workforce, new technology and less prescriptive, more systems-oriented approach to addressing safety and health are also reflected in this code. The code sets out a national framework that specifies the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations. It also comprises a methodology for identifying hazards, preventing and minimizing risks, as well as specific provisions for safe underground coalmining operations.These specific provisions address most of the currently identified hazards and risks associated with underground coalmining. When used in conjunction with the code's methodology for hazard identification, risk assessment and control process, these provisions represent current best practice. As the same time, the code is drafted in a way not to inhibit the development of new technologies, better practice or the adoption of alternative measures that provide effective protection to all persons involved in underground coalmining.