MUSCAT: The Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) recently unveiled a comprehensive guide on Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards for Oman’s minerals sector. The launch event, held under the auspices of HE Mohsin bin Hamad al Hadhrami, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, gathered various stakeholders, including representatives from government entities, mining companies, and health and safety experts.
In his opening speech, HE Al Hadhrami underscored the critical need for a fundamental transformation in the management of mining projects, particularly at the leadership level. He emphasized the importance of implementing work practices that prioritize the health and safety of workers, protect neighboring communities, and ensure environmental preservation.
HE Al Hadhrami cited successful practices and standards from the oil and gas sector that have significantly reduced accidents and enhanced safety for individuals and facilities. The ministry is dedicated to applying HSE standards to the mining sector, aligning it with the high standards achieved in the oil and gas sector through well-thought-out plans.
The MEM’s HSE Guide is designed to support mining companies, service providers, and operators in identifying and managing health and safety risks throughout their diverse operations. Its ultimate goal is to attain zero fatal accidents and severe injuries in the workplace while considering environmental concerns. The guide also aims to ensure that mining operations are conducted in a safe and sustainable manner and outlines the minimum requirements for work areas.
Furthermore, the guide references the legal framework for occupational HSE compliance, taking into account potential impacts on workers, the environment, and local communities. It covers various risks related to health, safety, and the environment, both for workers and society, as well as the environmental consequences of mining operations, worker well-being, and livelihoods, and the repercussions of non-compliance with the law.
According to a statement from the Ministry,, mining companies are entrusted with the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a robust occupational HSE management system in their projects. This system must be sustained by identifying risks to workers and the local community stemming from mining activities, including issues like waste management, operational risks (electrical and mechanical hazards), road safety (on-site and off-site), air and waterborne pollutants, psychosocial and social hazards, and corporate social responsibility and training requirements.
The Ministry will actively monitor the commitment of these companies to implementing the guidelines to ensure the safety of workers and the work environment at mining sites. As per the Ministry’s guidelines, licensed companies are required to submit two separate reports. The first report should outline the types and nature of risks at work sites, along with a plan to mitigate these risks by the end of March 2024. The second report should detail plans to rectify any deficiencies in occupational health, safety, and environmental practices at mining sites in compliance with the HSE guide, meeting all standards and guidelines by the end of September 2024.
Source: MEM
Date: 31 Oct 2023
