By: Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, August 16, 2022
The president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, stated last week that his government will ratify Convention 176 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) on health and safety in mines to avoid risks during the execution of the activity in this economic field.
As part of the commemoration of the National Day of the Miner and the Minera, the president stressed that Chile will design a national policy on safety and health in mines for the peace of mind of families.
In addition, he recalled that in 2021 there were 20 deaths of miners during the development of their activity and although the figures indicate a decrease in accidents in the sector, it is essential to achieve the goal of zero fatalities.
During his speech, the head of state referred to the recent appearance of a huge hole near a copper mine in the Atacama Desert, located in the municipality of Tierra Amarilla in northern Chile, where authorities and specialists are studying the causes.
“What if that sinkhole happened in a village? What if it happened in a faena? What would we be regretting today? It could very well have happened,” reflected Boric.
Last July, two construction workers at projects of state-owned copper producer Codelco were killed in accidents, drawing attention to safety guidelines in Chile’s extractive industry.
ILO Convention 176, which Chile will ratify, was adopted in 1995 and strengthens the rights of mining workers, with emphasis on the rights to consultation and participation in safety and health measures associated with the risks of mining activities.
This material from TelesurTV.net was edited for clarity, style and length.
Source TeleSur Tv: https://www.telesurtv.net/news/chile-suscribira-convenio-oit-seguridad-minera-20220810-0028.html
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