A new international report funded by NEBOSH has highlighted the occupational health and safety challenges facing people working in artisanal and small scale mining around the world.
Published by the Society of Occupational Medicine and the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative the report examines risks affecting both workers and communities surrounding mining operations.
Millions depend on small scale mining
Artisanal and small scale mining provides livelihoods for an estimated 100 million people worldwide.
However, workers can face significant occupational health and safety risks, often alongside limited access to healthcare, training and appropriate protective measures.
The report draws on research undertaken in Brazil, Colombia, Uganda and Zimbabwe to examine these challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
Occupational health systems explored
Researchers considered how occupational health systems could be strengthened to better protect people working within the sector.
The report also identifies opportunities to improve prevention measures and inform future policy and practice around occupational health and safety in artisanal and small scale mining.
The project forms part of a wider international collaboration focused on improving the health, safety, livelihoods and wellbeing of people working in, and living alongside, ASM operations.
Report targets industry stakeholders
The findings are intended to support policymakers, occupational health professionals, researchers, NGOs, mining organisations and other stakeholders working to improve health and safety standards within the sector.
