The role of the consultation of workers and workers participants in the extractive industries Vlastimil ALTNER Czech Union of Mine, Geology and Oil Industry Workers (OS PHGN)

Communications between employers and employees Not only from provisions of labour legislationNot only from provisions of labour legislation Complex of customary law started since 16 th centuryComplex of customary law started since 16 th century H&S problemsH&S problems –High risk in extraction work –Difficult climate conditions –Heavy technology used to extract the minerals –High accident rate

The role of the consultation EmployersEmployers Workers representativesWorkers representatives Legal regulations, collective agreements, long term experienceLegal regulations, collective agreements, long term experience Good practices in consultation process in the field Health and Safety of WorkGood practices in consultation process in the field Health and Safety of Work

Health and safety audits at workplace Obligation of the employer to organise once a year H&S auditsObligation of the employer to organise once a year H&S audits Agreement with trade unions - H&S CommitteesAgreement with trade unions - H&S Committees –One-day audits H&S audits organised by trade unions in the mines –Least once a year a OKD mine is subject to the Trade Unions audit

H&S Committees audits Controlled are underground and opencast working placesControlled are underground and opencast working places Invited inspectors National Mining Authority, Hygiene Authority, Labour inspectorate, professional H&S technical from OKD head officeInvited inspectors National Mining Authority, Hygiene Authority, Labour inspectorate, professional H&S technical from OKD head office Audits are performed by H&S inspectors from other OKD minesAudits are performed by H&S inspectors from other OKD mines

The audits aim H&S regulations at the workplaceH&S regulations at the workplace Used health protection toolsUsed health protection tools Fire protectionFire protection Evacuations waysEvacuations ways Mining documentationMining documentation Etc.Etc.

Own H&S Committees audits High professional prestige of auditsHigh professional prestige of audits The mines do all they can to prepare duly for the auditsThe mines do all they can to prepare duly for the audits 10 – 15 trade unions inspectors from other OKD mines take part of audits10 – 15 trade unions inspectors from other OKD mines take part of audits The audits perform 3-4 member teamThe audits perform 3-4 member team

Audits Information about present situation in the mineInformation about present situation in the mine Performed special routes to visitsPerformed special routes to visits Convening the management of mine, technicians, team of auditsConvening the management of mine, technicians, team of audits Team leader after visit can point out some defectsTeam leader after visit can point out some defects To conclude management of mine inform all audits members to inform how and when such defects will be eliminatedTo conclude management of mine inform all audits members to inform how and when such defects will be eliminated

The Committees audits – one from method prevention Mine has to possibility to get preparedMine has to possibility to get prepared Technical management get prepare mine workplace before auditsTechnical management get prepare mine workplace before audits Eliminated possibility defectsEliminated possibility defects Eliminated deffects at fire protection, health protection at work, safety of machines etc.Eliminated deffects at fire protection, health protection at work, safety of machines etc.

H&S structure of our Trade unions (OS PHGN) Prague H&S department – 1 head inspector Nord Moravian District Black coal 2 inspectors 28 inspectors at OKD mines 250 voluntary inspectors at workplace Nord Bohemia District Brown coal 1 inspector 1 inspector at mine 58 voluntary inspectors at workplace West Bohemia District Brown coal 1 inspector 1 inspector at mine 30 voluntary inspectors at workplace

Thank you for your attention