On Wednesday, May 20, a two-day intensive practical seminar started in Ust-Kamenogorsk within the framework of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global project “Advancing Occupational Safety and Health through Social Dialogue in Kazakhstan’s Mining Industry.” Trade union leaders, technical inspectors and occupational safety and health specialists from enterprises across the region are learning to implement advanced international practices in occupational safety management systems and apply the principle of continuous improvement.
The event marks the third East Kazakhstan stage of the large-scale educational program, which has already proven its relevance in Karaganda and Ekibastuz.
Unlike standard lectures, the training program is designed as an in-depth immersion into the specific challenges of the mining sector. A special focus of the educational process is placed on the professional investigation of incidents: today, specialists are tasked not with identifying those responsible, but with conducting a detailed analysis of the root causes of incidents in order to draw lessons for the future.
In addition, in the realities of heavy industry, issues of occupational hygiene, professional health monitoring and psychosocial risk assessment are becoming increasingly important. Training in these areas is conducted by certified ILO trainers.
“This event is intended to reinforce the systemic transition from formal control to the actual prevention of incidents. Holding this series of regional seminars — in Karaganda, Ekibastuz and now in Ust-Kamenogorsk — is a fundamental step toward building a conscious safety culture at our production facilities. We see how, from region to region, the engagement of specialists continues to grow and how their approach to risk management and protection of every worker’s health is qualitatively changing,” emphasized Marat Imash, Chief Technical Inspector of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who is representing the FTURK position at the seminar.
According to the organizers and participants, the main value of such seminars is measured not by the number of certificates issued, but by the lives saved.
“A new professional environment is being formed, where specialists return to their mines and plants with a clear understanding that behind every line of safety standards are human lives. Investments in systematic knowledge and the development of social dialogue are the very foundation that makes the concept of ‘zero injuries’ not just a slogan, but an everyday working reality,” noted Marat Imash.
Tomorrow the seminar will continue its work. Participants will work in groups to develop practical recommendations for mining industry enterprises.
FTURK Trade Union Communications Center