Resources on Mining (coal and other mining) sector

Code of practice on safety and health in opencast mines

11 December 2018

The original code of practice, "Safety and health in opencast mines", was published in 1991. This revised code reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations, and the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health (OSH), including the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176). To this effect, the new code is based on the principles of the Convention, including risk assessment, addresses issues such as the interaction between large-scale and small-scale artisanal miners and also comprises a section on automated machinery, a development that has great potential to change the work carried out by nearly all workers in opencast mines worldwide.

Safety and health in underground coalmines

13 May 2006

This new code, which reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations, and on the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health, focuses on the production of coal from underground mines. The original code of practice on safety and health in coalmines was adopted by the Governing Body in 1986. Surface mining is covered by the code of practice, Safety and health in opencast mines (1991). This code of practice is based on principles established in international instruments relevant to the protection of workers' safety and health.

R183 Safety and Health in Mines Recommendation, 1995

22 June 1995

Recommendation concerning Safety and Health in Mines

C176 Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995

22 June 1995

Convention concerning Safety and Health in Mines
(Note: Date of entry into force: 06/05/1998)

Safety and health in opencast mines

01 January 1991

This code applies to any situation or operation involving occupational safety and health aspects in opencast mines, and calls for attention to be paid to them by the competent authorities with responsibility for safety and health and working conditions with regard to opencast mining.

Safety and health in coal mines

01 January 1986

Code of practice for occupational safety and occupational health in coal mining - prescribes responsibilitys of the state, coal miners, employers, managers, supervisors and surveyors; covers notification and reporting system for occupational accidents and occupational diseases, protective equipment, ventilation, precautions to take against explosions, fires and dust, use of explosives, electricity, equipment and machinery, first aid, rescue, training needs, etc.

Prevention of accidents due to explosions underground in coal mines

01 January 1976

Code of practice comprising occupational safety guidelines for preventing underground explosions in coal mining - covers ventilation, gas detection, fire control, dust control, etc.

Guide to the prevention and suppression of dust in mining, tunnelling and quarrying

01 January 1965

The object of this manual is to indicate those operations in mining, tunnelling and quarrying which are likely to give rise to airborne dust, and to describe ways in which the concentrations may be determined and how they may be eliminated or reduced.

Prevention of accidents due to electricity underground in coal mines

01 January 1959

This code of practice on the prevention of accidents due to electricity underground in coal mines comprises two parts. Part 1 contains provisions applicable to all coal mines, including general provisions and provisions on installation, examination, testing, maintenance and repairs. Part 2 contains additional provisions applicable to gassy and dusty mines.

Prevention of accidents due to fires underground in coal mines