OREANDA-NEWS. On November 29, 2007 State Industrial Safety Inspectorate met in Kiev to discuss industrial health and safety at Krasnodonugol following results of unscheduled inspection carried out after a group fatal accident on 28 October 2007 in 50-Lyetiya SSSR Mine, reported the press-centre of SCM.

The meeting that included senior management of Krasnodonugol pointed out drawbacks in ensuring a trouble-free operation. Having listened to the company delegates that presented a comprehensive situation analysis and an action plan to improve industrial safety level, the panel called efforts of the company in this area as insufficient.

The panel obliged administration of Krasnodonugol to step up activity for accidents and industrial injury reduction at subunits of the company.

Krasnodonugol Coal Mining allocated over UAH 150m during 11 months 2007 within health and safety improvement program on a wide range of activities. In particular, they included purchase of individual and group protectors; regular improvement of ventilation schemes; appropriate driftage; degasification with invitation of renowned western companies; improving ventilation of drifts through installation and reconstruction of fans; construction of new shafts; and application of modern mining techniques that ensure a higher industrial safety level.

Krasnodonugol will also introduce OHSAS 18001 standard. Project realization process will make required changes in the current safety system and train employees of appropriate departments of structural DTEK units. Today Bureau Veritas is at the final stage of Krasnodonugol certification. Working to international safety standard OHSAS 18001 will help Krasnodonugol increase efficiency of safety management system, reduce production injury rate, and ensure maximum safety of miners’ labour.

After Industrial Safety Inspectorate panel made its decision, the Krasnodonugol senior management started preparing activities for further improvement of industrial health and safety. There are negotiations with another globally recognized company Dupon to develop and implement additional industrial safety control systems. Funding of appropriate activities will be noticeably increased compared to the current year.

Information for journalists:
Krasnodonugol is the biggest coal company in Ukraine the produces and enriches coking coal of "Ж" and "К" grades. It consists of seven mines and colliery administrations, two enrichment plans, and service divisions. The company employs 20,000 people. Avdeyevka Coke and Chemical Plan owns over 99% of Krasnodonugol.