On April 22, a two-day tripartite validation seminar began in Astana, organized within the framework of the International Labour Organization (ILO) project “Promoting Occupational Safety through Social Dialogue in Kazakhstan’s Mining Sector.”
The main focus of the event was the discussion of the updated National Occupational Safety Profile, the GAP analysis of ILO Convention No. 176 “Safety and Health in Mines,” and an analysis of the labor inspection system in accordance with the provisions of ILO Conventions No. 81 and No. 129.
The seminar brought together representatives of all sides of social partnership: the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of Kazakhstan, employers represented by mining enterprises, trade union organizations including the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan (FPRK), and national and international ILO experts.
Particular attention was drawn to issues such as the insufficient legal and statistical framework for recording occupational diseases, difficulties in determining degrees of work capacity loss and obtaining compensation, flawed procedures for certifying industrial facilities and working conditions, as well as a shortage of personnel and resources in the labor inspection system, especially in the regions.
International ILO experts shared their experience in implementing systemic prevention of occupational injuries and integrating digital solutions for workplace risk monitoring.
Marat Imash, Head of the Occupational Safety Department of the Committee on Socio-Economic Relations and Social Partnership of the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan, delivered a welcoming address to the participants.
The FPRK expert emphasized that occupational safety is not only a legal matter but also a reflection of the maturity of social dialogue in the country.
“Unfortunately, the mining industry still leads in the number of workplace accidents. We cannot accept this as the norm. Only through the united efforts of the government, employers, and trade unions can we change the situation. The institution of social partnership must become not a formality but an effective platform for joint action. The Federation insists that occupational safety be prioritized at all levels—from legislative initiatives to workplace enforcement,” said Marat Imash.
He reminded participants that the General Agreement between the government, employers’ associations, and trade unions for 2024–2026 includes specific commitments by all parties to promote international standards in occupational safety.
“One such initiative is the ratification of ILO Convention No. 176, which will set higher requirements for ensuring safety and health in mines. This is an important step forward, and we call on all stakeholders to support this process,” the FPRK expert emphasized.
During the seminar, the updated National Occupational Safety Review, prepared with ILO support and focused on working conditions in the mining industry, was presented.
Participants also reviewed a GAP analysis of Kazakhstan’s legislation in comparison with the requirements of Convention No. 176.
Additionally, an analysis of the functioning of the state labor inspection system was discussed, in the context of compliance with ILO Conventions No. 81 and No. 129.
The reports were accompanied by in-depth presentations, analytical notes, and examples of best practices from countries with high levels of occupational safety.
As a result of the discussions, participants unanimously agreed on the need to accelerate Kazakhstan’s preparation for the ratification of Convention No. 176, modernize the labor inspection system, develop tools for assessing occupational risks at enterprises, and continue training for all stakeholders in the labor process.
Media Center of the Federation of Trade Unions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.