Chile ratifies the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176)

© Violaine Martin / ILO

GENEVA(ILO News) - On Friday 14 June 2024, Ms Jeannette Alejandra Jara Román, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Chile presented the instrument of ratification of the the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) to the ILO Director-General, Mr Gilbert Houngbo.

Depositing the instrument of ratification, the Minister indicated: “Convention No. 176 strengthens our health and safety standards in mining, which is particularly relevant considering the mining nature of Chile and the essential contribution of said economic sector to the well-being of its population. The main objective of this Convention is to consolidate and strengthen the regulatory framework on the matter, ensuring the dignity and safety of workers, so that when workers leave their houses to earn a living, they return home safe and healthy. We are proud of the work we have done to advance with the agenda of decent work and social justice promoted by the Government of President Gabriel Boric.” 

Representatives of workers’ and employers’ organisations also attended the ceremony.

When receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr Houngbo declared: “I congratulate Chile on the ratification of Convention No. 176, which reaffirms Chile’s profound commitment to occupational health and safety for all workers. Miners often work in some of the most complex and dangerous settings, and they are exposed to a high number of accidents and occupational diseases. The Convention is tailor made for such environments because it provides a modern regulatory approach for addressing hazardous workspaces like mines. It requires governments to formulate a coherent policy on safety and health in mines, in consultation with employers’ and workers’ organizations. “

With this ratification Chile will have ratified 65 ILO Conventions and 1 Protocol. For further information, see NORMLEX.