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23 May 2006 - ILO Adopts New National
Framework Code for Coalmines
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Following the International Labour Organisation's (ILO's) six
day meeting in Geneva on May 8 -13 this year, attended by 24 Government experts,
they have chosen to adopt a new Code of Practice on the safety and health for
underground coalmines.
The ILO deemed a new Code of Practice to be necessary, due to
changes in technology such as, coal liquification or gasification and clean coal
technologies, resulting in future sustainable demands for coal becoming greater.
Underground coalmining has one of the highest safety and health
risk factors Worldwide, which highlights the necessity for a new National
Framework to improve the safety and health of those involved in the coalmining
industry.
Some of the features of the new Code of Practice are as follows:
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It takes into account changes in the underground coalmining
industry within the past 20 years.
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It will replace the existing code, adopted in 1986.
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It will reflect the many changes in the industry and its
workforce, as well as the development of new ILO instruments on occupational
safety and health.
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It sets out a National Framework, specifying the roles of
competent authorities, employers, workers and their organisations.
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It comprises a methodology for identifying hazards preventing
and minimising risks, as well as specific provisions for safe underground
coalmining operations.
These updated provisions within the new code, when used with the
code's methodology for the identification of hazards, risk assessments and
control processes, represent current best practice, without inhibiting the
development of new technologies, or the adoption of even better measures, to
ensure effective safety and health protection within the coalmining industry.
The code will provide practical guidance supporting the Safety
and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) and accompanying Recommendation,
(No. 183) and will be submitted to the ILO's Governing Body in November 2006 for
endorsement.
Further information on the ILO meeting and Draft of the New Code
of Practice can be accessed from the ILO Website by clicking the following:
Meeting of Experts on Safety and Health in Coal Mines
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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