Analysis of Ground Control Codes in the International Codes of the International Labour Organisation

Abstract

Unexpected movement of ground can potentially endanger lives, damage equipment or destroy property. Occupational acci-dents frequently occur with fatal consequences in developing countries with significant economic dependence on industries such as mining. There is therefore increasing need for miners’ protection against such hazards. Slope stability and roof support accidents are two of the major causes of fatalities at surface and underground mining operations respectively. According to Na-tional Codes employers are obligated to protect workers against accidents; however these rules fall foul of the standards in devel-oped countries. National safety regulations should clearly specify support systems. The International Labour Organization (ILO) prepared two Codes of practice, aiming to guide those responsi-ble for improving standards of safety and to provide guidelines for the drafting of safety regulations for the coal mine industry and quarry open cast mines. The practical recommendations of these Codes in the ground control section have been analysed and the advantages and disadvantages of ILO Codes concerning ground control summarized.