According to the head of the Iranian Mining Engineering Organization, more than 80% of mines with more than 25 workers lack independent safety officers, which is in violation of safety regulations, IRNA reported. Hormoz Nasernia warned that safety is among the last issues considered in mining activities in the country. He the majority of injuries in mining accidents is due to lack of training on the part of the workers. Article 2 of the Mine Safety Act specifies that a safety officer as well as an occupational health officer must be employed in mines with more than 25 workers. The official’s comments come after Minister of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, Ali Rabi’ie, said earlier that mining accidents decreased by 40% last Iranian calendar year (ended March 20) compared to the preceding year.
