UN labour agency set to endorse new code to enhance safety in coal mines

With underground coal mining posing one of the highest workplace risk activities in the world, as shown by a recent spate of accidents from China to the United States, the United Nations labour agency is set to endorse a new code of practice to improve the safety and health of miners.

The code, adopted by experts representing workers, employers and governments at a meeting at the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Geneva headquarters, covers the whole gamut of mine activities from banning hazardous processes or substances to enhanced inspections to health problems arising from excessive vibration and noise.

“If a safety net, which includes a number of critical checks and balances, is not in place to assess and control the hazards, accidents and occupational diseases can and do occur,” ILO said in a statement, while acknowledging that significant improvements have been achieved as a result of new technologies, capital investment and training.

The new Code, adopted by 23 government, employer and worker experts over the weekend, is to be submitted to the ILO Governing Body in November for endorsement and will replace an existing code adopted in 1986.

It comprises a methodology for identifying hazards and preventing and minimising risks that include mine explosions, fires and the collapse of mine roofs; crushing of miners between machinery or machinery and the coal face; shock, burns and electrocution; inundations of dangerous gases; and premature or improper detonation of explosives.

Other areas covered comprise disabling and deadly lung diseases caused by mine dust;

noise-induced hearing loss; exposure to harmful chemicals and agents used in mines;

excessive temperatures; vibration.