Kazakhstan strengthens mine safety through regional training in Ekibastuz

Workers, employers and inspectors build practical skills to improve safety in the mining sector with ILO support.

21 April 2026

EKIBASTUZ, Kazakhstan (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO), in cooperation with its tripartite constituents in Kazakhstan, held a second regional training on occupational safety and health (OSH) in the mining sector in Ekibastuz on 15-16 April 2026. The event brought together workers’ and employers’ representatives, as well as labour inspectors, to strengthen practical skills and promote the application of international labour standards.

People sitting at square tables — Regional training on occupational safety and health in mining in Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan, on 15-16 April 2026

Building on a pilot programme, the training focuses on risk management, accident investigation and fostering a strong safety culture in the workplace. The programme, based on the ILO’s E-Collab.OSH online platform, was adapted into an interactive in-person format. Participants engaged in practical case studies, group exercises and a final assessment.

Marat Imash, Chief Technical Labour Safety Inspector of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stressed the importance of stronger cooperation: “The strength of trade unions lies in unity and solidarity. It is important to enhance experience-sharing among unions.” He also highlighted emerging challenges in OSH: “The sector is increasingly affected by new risks, from psychosocial factors to technological changes.”

Sholpan Abikenova, Deputy Director General of the National Confederation of Employers “PARYZ”, underlined the practical relevance of the training: “The programme is becoming more tailored to the mining sector, and participants are contributing to its further development for nationwide use.”

Participants also noted the high level of organization and opportunities for continued collaboration. “We are always ready to help and open to cooperation,” said Diana Shombayeva, representative of the Pavlodar Regional Trade Union Centre. “We invite colleagues to exchange experience and strengthen collaboration.”

Woman speaks into a microphone beside a flipchart with handwritten notes, while two people stand nearby — Regional training on occupational safety and health in mining in Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan, on 15-16 April 2026

The regional trainings are part of a broader pilot rollout in Kazakhstan’s key mining regions, Karaganda, Ekibastuz and Ust-Kamenogorsk, and promote international labour standards, including Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176).

The training was organized under the ILO RBSA-funded intervention Enhancing Occupational Safety and Health through social dialogue in the mining sector in Kazakhstan.