Promoting occupational safety and health through social dialogue in mining sector in Kazakhstan

Mining represents an important source of income worldwide and the influence of the mining and metallurgical industry (MMI) on the macroeconomic performance of the country is substantial. However, the largest number of those working in unfavourable working conditions in all aspects falls on the mining industry of the country. For the last decade there were over 150 fatalities in mining sector and over 600 workers were injured. To address the challenges with occupational hazards, deceases and mortality, this project will build on the ongoing initiatives of the Government to strengthen social protection for workers in hazardous jobs, as well as support of ILO to address compliance gaps for C87 and C98, identification of OSH gaps in the mining sector, through gender-responsive targeted trainings, policy advice and knowledge sharing. 

This initiative will contribute to:

1. Strengthening fundamental principles and rights at work in mining sector by enhancing application of ILO Conventions on freedom of association (C87), collective bargaining (C98), and occupational safety & health (OSH) (C155 and C187) as well as Labour Inspection Conventions (C81 and 129). Social dialogue between workers and employers on OSH will be promoted. As specified in the roadmap for promotion of decent work, support to the government in addressing compliance gaps identified by the ILO Committee of Experts and in preparation to ratification of C102 will be also extended.
2. Enhancing capacity of labour inspection and preparing Action plans for safe and healthy mining working environments agreed by the tripartite constituents by enhancing OSH through capacity building of labour inspections. Awareness-raising campaigns - to facilitate dialogue and build trust with mining communities.

The collaborating partners include UN Agencies: UNDP, UNRCO, and others involved in the UNSDCF. Local Network of the UN Global Compact: Collaboration for knowledge sharing and dissemination of results. National Tripartite Constituents: acting as the tripartite advisory group.

Expected results are:

• Result 1: Normative action improved in the mining sector.

Focus: Improved compliance with ILO Conventions on C81, C129, C155, C187, C87, C98, C100, C102, C111, C190, and ILO Guidelines on General Principles of Labour Inspection.

• Result 2: Labour inspection capacity strengthened, and Action plans for safe and healthy mining working environments agreed by the tripartite constituents.

Focus: Increased capacity of tripartite constituents with a focus on OSH in mining sector.