General provisions

• Author: International Labour Organization
• Pages: 3-4

MEISI05-R-2005-02-0159-1-En.doc

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1. General provisions

1.1. Objectives

1.1.1. This code of practice, which is a revision of the one adopted in 1981, should

contribute:

(a) to protecting workers in the iron and steel industry from workplace hazards and to

preventing or reducing work-related injuries and diseases, ill health and incidents;

(b) to assisting and facilitating the improved management of occupational safety and

health (OSH) issues at the workplace;

(c) to promoting effective consultation and cooperation between governments and

employers’ and workers’ organizations in the improvement of OSH in the production

of iron and steel.

1.1.2. This code of practice should assist in:

(a) establishing a coherent national policy and principles on the occupational safety and

health and welfare of workers in iron- and steel-making facilities and on the

protection of the general working environment;

(b) establishing the respective duties and responsibilities of the authorities, employers,

workers and others involved and making arrangements for a structured cooperation

between them;

(c) improving knowledge and competence;

(d) promoting the implementation and integration of consistent OSH management

systems with a view to improving working conditions.

1.1.3. This code of practice provides practical guidance on the role and obligations of

the competent authorities and the responsibilities, duties and rights of employers, workers

and all other parties involved, with regard to workplace hazards. In particular it covers:

(a) the setting up of legal, administrative and effective frameworks for the prevention and

reduction of hazards and risks;

(b) the aims of any mechanisms for identifying, eliminating, minimizing and controlling

hazards;

(c) the assessment of risks and hazards to the safety and health of workers and the

measures that need to be taken;

(d) the surveillance of the working environment and workers’ health;

(e) emergency procedures and first aid;

(f) the provision of information and training to workers;

(g) the establishment of a system to record, report and monitor occupational accidents

and diseases, and dangerous occurrences.