BEIJING - A comprehensive training programme to improve safety and health standards in privately-owned small coal mines in Hunan, China, is being implemented in Hunan, China.

The pilot course has been created by the Changsha Training Center for Small Coal Mines with the help of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO is sending its Occupational Safety and Health Specialist for East Asia, Dr Tsuyoshi Kawakami, to Changsha to help local mining experts run the training course.

About 50 people, including mine owners, managers and workers, are expected to take part in the three day programme in Changsha, from 21-23rd October 2004.

The participants will learn about international mining safety standards, including ILO Convention No. 176 (1995) which covers safety and health in mines. They will be briefed on mining health and safety practices in other countries, and discuss easy-to-apply ways of improving safety and health. They will also focus on a new method of detecting explosive and dangerous gases, designed by the Changsha Coal Mining Centre. Gas is the principle cause of explosions in coal mines.

Coal mines in China have a very poor safety record. In 2003 official figures showed that almost 6,000 miners died in accidents. In the first six months of 2004 the reported number of coal mine deaths from explosions, fires and other types of accident was more than 2,600, according to the State Administration of Work Safety (this represents a 12 percent fall on the same period in 2003).

“This course is unique,” said Dr Kawakami. “Most training focuses either on large mining operations or on state-owned enterprises, whereas this one is specially designed for the needs and problems of small mine operators. Our approach encourages participation. We will focus on practical, easy-to-apply measures that can reduce death and accident rates”.

“This is the first time that this comprehensive training package has been provided, but we hope to offer more such training in future”.

For more information please contact:
Tsuyoshi Kawakami
Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, ILO
Email

Qiaoling Chen
ILO Beijing Office
Tel: + 6532 5091 ex 111
Email