Innumerous fatalities and tragic accidents such as methane gas poisoning, suffocation, underground explosions, and collapsion of mine walls, occur in the mines of Pakistan due to lack of enforcement of proper workplace safety, making it hazardous for employees, who are exposed to coal dust that contaminates the air they breathe, causing serious occupational illnesses.
Just within this year, over 90 workers have lost their lives and around 40 have been seriously injured in Pakistan’s mines, according to industrial affiliates.
On the 18th of August, a meeting between the Australian Manufacturing and Energy Union and the Pakistan Central Mines Labour Federation (PCMLF) was conducted to discuss the implementation of proper workplace safety measures. It was also proposed that safety equipment such as rescue apparatus, adequate lighting, firefighting equipment, methane gas detection equipment, and proper ventilation system, should be installed in each mine in case of any emergencies or hazards.
It was clearly established that it is the responsibility of the mine owners to adhere to safety regulations at mines, even when workers refute, or display negligence. There should be a doctor and an ambulance on site at all times and this should be implemented with immediate effect.
Union members, when saying their side of the story, mentioned the lack of access to drinking water or restroom facilities at work, as well as the fact that workers are paid poverty wages and are not covered by social security. They also added that in a lot of cases, no compensation was provided for death or injuries.
This was the kind of mismanagement and irresponsibility that plagued the mines of Pakistan, losing human lives to carelessness and ignorance. However, there is hope that in the future, there will be better enforcement of security and safety for mine workers.
