Meeting of Experts develop a Revised Code of Practice on Safety and Health in the Iron and Steel Industry

The Meeting of experts (composed of 23 Worker, Employer and Government experts from the following countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Romania, Russian Federation, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom and United States) reviewed a draft and adopted a code of practice to improve the safety and health in the iron and steel industry.

The practical recommendations of the code reflect the changes that have taken place in the iron and steel industry over the last 20 years and changes to the ILO's approach to developing codes of practice. A leaner, flexible, more highly skilled workforce, new technology and a less prescriptive, more systems-oriented approach to addressing safety and health are reflected in the Code.

As is the case for all other codes of practice, its practical recommendations are intended for the use of all those, in both the public and the private sector, who have responsibility for OSH management in relation to specific occupational hazards, sectors of activity, or equipment. The code is not intended to replace national laws or regulations or accepted standards, but provides guidance to those who may be engaged, through social dialogue, in the framing of provisions or to elaborate programmes of prevention or protection at the national or enterprise level.

The Code’s general provisions cover: general responsibilities, duties and rights; the legal framework; safety and health management; reporting, recording and notification of work-related injuries and diseases, ill health and incidents and health services. Guidance on industry-specific prevention and protection includes: furnaces and ovens, foundries; handling molten material; rolling mills and coating lines; and recycling. There are also sections on: competence and training; personal protection; emergency preparedness; and welfare.