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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
President Clinton has signed the International Labor
Organization's Convention 176 concerning safety and health in mines. Negotiated
by representatives of government, labor and industry from the United States and
other nations, Convention 176 is based on the principles of the U.S. Federal
Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
"Ratification of Convention 176 signals U.S. commitment to
safety and health protection for workers in one of the world's most dangerous
occupations," said Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman. "Without changing any
existing U.S. law or regulation, Convention 176 also enhances the ability of
the U.S. mining industry to compete on a more level playing field in the global
economy.
"I would like to commend the Mine Safety and Health
Administration's former assistant secretary, Davitt McAteer, the United Mine
Workers of America, and the National Mining Association for their work in
negotiating Convention 176," Herman said. "I would also like to express thanks
to Senator Byrd, Senator Helms and other mining state senators who worked to
make this happen."
"Experience under U.S. mine safety law has shown that most
mining deaths are preventable. Convention 176 reflects that experience and
helps to strengthen labor standards worldwide," Herman said.
Under recent U.S. mine safety laws, fatal mine accidents
have declined significantly. U.S. mining deaths dropped from 425 in 1970 to 236
by 1980, 122 in 1990, and 85 (preliminary figure) last year.
President Clinton signed the ILO convention on Jan. 5,
2001 at the White House, making the U.S. the sixteenth ILO member nation to
ratify it. The United States has ratified two other international labor
conventions during the Clinton Administration: Convention 150 on labor
administration and Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labor.
Convention 176 specifies responsibilities for government,
employers and workers. Ratifying states are to formulate, carry out and review
mine safety and health policy, including designating a competent authority to
monitor and regulate safety and health in mines. Employers are responsible for
ensuring adequate underground ventilation; preventing fires and explosions;
providing emergency response, evacuation plans and training; and conducting
accident investigations. Workers must comply with safety and health measures.
They have the right to report accidents and dangerous conditions and must be
allowed to exercise safety and health rights without discrimination or
retaliation.
In related international activities, MSHA has conducted
mine safety and health information exchanges with several countries during the
past several years, and the Mine Health and Safety Academy in Beckley, W.Va.,
has opened its classrooms to visiting delegations from mine operations around
the world, including South Africa, Poland and Ukraine. In 1999 and 2000, MSHA
hosted the International Mine Rescue Conference and Competitions to coincide
with national competitions for mine rescue teams.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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