On 8-13 May, 28 representatives of workers, employers and governments meet here, at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva, to discuss a Draft code of practice on safety and health in underground coalmines. Several experts coming from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in this field were also invited to attend this meeting.

The practical recommendations of the Draft code reflect the changes that have taken place in the industry over the past 20 years (eg. privatization, consolidation and further mechanization), and changes to the ILO's approach to developing codes of practice. A leaner, multiskilled workforce, new technology and a less prescriptive, more systems-oriented approach to addressing safety and health are reflected in the Draft code.

Once adopted by the meeting, if appropriate, the Code will be widely disseminated by the ILO, and social dialogue activities encouraged facilitating its implementation to the benefit of workers in the industry. The text of the Draft code of practice is available online.

Read also « ILO Meeting of Experts to discuss new Code of Practice on coal mine safety », Press Release ILO/06/17 Geneva: International Labour Organization, 8 May 2006.