Coal mining stakeholders reminded to take health, safety precautions

COAL mining companies have been reminded to observe laws and guidelines for occupational safety and health of workers in coal mining.

“Coal mining has several risks like any other mining activities. For instance, a person who breathes in polluted air in coal mines risks to get lung-related ailments such as pneumoconiosis,” said Mr Wilbert Ngowi, OSHA’s Southern Zone Manager.

Mr Ngowi was speaking recently during four-day training on safety and health at workplaces for leaders and workers of the coal mining companies in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region.

“Since the coal mining has a number of risks to workers, we saw it important to start taking precautions by conducting special training with a view of educating workers over possible risks and how to avoid them,” he said.

“Let me urge employers and investors in coal mining to ensure they adhere to all procedures for health and safety at their workplaces by taking all precautions including reducing dust and put in place all protective gears,” he said.

At the training, Director of Operation at the Jitegemee Holdings, which deals with coal mining, Mr Boscow Mabena, said the company was motivated to strengthen systems of safety and health after participating in the training.

“We thank the OSHA for training us, apart from the training the authority has been visiting and giving us guidance over improving the work environment. We have already set aside a budget for training our staff over safety and health matters,” he noted.

Some participants admitted that the training would add efficiency when carrying out duties at their workplaces.

“I have been really educated and this will help me effectively supervise my subordinates as far as safety and health is concerned,” said Mr Rajabu Miraji.