Occupational Safety and Health in Subsoil Use in Uzbekistan

Subsoil use is associated with increased industrial risks: from working in hazardous conditions to interacting with heavy equipment, explosives, and toxic materials. Therefore, occupational safety and health (OSH) in the mining and geological exploration sector are of paramount importance.

The legislation of Uzbekistan, including the Law “On Subsoil” (Chapter 14) and the Labor Code, establishes comprehensive measures to prevent accidents, protect the life and health of workers, and ensure safe working conditions.

General OSH Requirements

The subsoil user is obliged to:

• create and maintain safe working conditions for all employees;
• provide them with personal and collective protective equipment (PPE);
• conduct regular briefings and training on OSH rules and safety procedures;
• appoint persons responsible for safety at the site;
• take into account the specifics of mining operations, including work at depth, under pressure, at high temperatures, or in explosive environments.

State Control and Supervision

Supervisory Authorities

Compliance with OSH requirements in subsoil use is monitored by:

• The Inspectorate for Control in the Mining Industry and Geology under the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
• Environmental inspectors of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan — in terms of safety related to environmental aspects.

Powers of Inspectors

Inspectors are authorized to:

• visit facilities at any time of day with appropriate authorization;
• check compliance with OSH, safety, and environmental standards;
• require the presence of managers or responsible persons during inspections;
• take samples, make copies of documents, and record violations using photo and video equipment;
• suspend operations when serious violations or threats to workers' lives are identified.

Organization of Safe Operations

At the Design Stage

• take into account industrial safety standards;
• provide for ventilation, drainage, and gas monitoring systems;
• design safe evacuation routes and emergency access paths.

During Operations

• use properly maintained equipment that has passed inspections;
• comply with technological regulations and instructions;
• ensure constant monitoring of workplaces and equipment;
• keep logs of safety briefings and inspections.

In Emergency Situations

• have an accident response plan;
• ensure the availability of emergency rescue services;
• conduct evacuation and first-aid drills.

Duties of Employers and Employees

Employer:

• ensures that working conditions meet state standards;
• arranges medical examinations for employees;
• takes measures to eliminate identified violations within established deadlines.

Employee:

• must comply with OSH and safety regulations;
• use PPE (helmets, respirators, safety goggles, special clothing);
• immediately report identified violations and emergencies.

Liability for Violations

Violation of OSH and safety regulations may result in:

• administrative fines;
• suspension or termination of operations;
• compensation for damage to affected persons;
• criminal liability in cases of serious harm to health or death.

OSH in subsoil use in Uzbekistan is not only a legal obligation but also a key element of sustainable and responsible mining activity. Strict standards, state control, and a corporate safety culture reduce production risks and help preserve workers’ health, ensuring long-term project efficiency.

 

Obligations of Subsoil Users, Rights of Workers, and Powers of Inspectors

Area	Obligations of Subsoil Users	Rights and Duties of Workers	Powers of Inspectors
Provision of Working Conditions	- Create safe and compliant workplaces. - Provide workers with PPE (helmets, respirators, protective clothing, etc.). - Maintain equipment and infrastructure in proper condition.	- Use PPE. - Follow safety instructions. - Report violations and hazardous situations.	- Verify that workplaces meet OSH standards. - Assess the condition of equipment.
Briefings and Training	- Conduct induction, primary, and periodic safety briefings. - Train workers in safe work practices. - Keep briefing logs.	- Attend briefings and training. - Apply acquired knowledge in practice.	- Verify the existence and maintenance of training documentation. - Assess personnel competence.
Process Control	- Monitor compliance with technological regulations. - Appoint responsible safety personnel. - Conduct internal audits.	- Follow instructions of responsible persons. - Avoid breaching technology and safety rules.	- Conduct inspections at any time with authorization. - Require accompaniment by officials. - Record violations with photos/videos.
Emergency Preparedness	- Develop and implement accident response plans. - Provide emergency and rescue equipment. - Conduct evacuation drills.	- Know and apply measures in case of accidents. - Participate in drills.	- Verify the presence and readiness of emergency services and equipment. - Suspend operations when a threat to life is identified.
Liability	- Eliminate violations within the specified timeframe. - Compensate damage to victims. - Comply with inspector orders.	- Avoid actions endangering safety. - Cooperate with supervision and inspections.	- Impose sanctions for violations. - Suspend or terminate operations. - Submit materials to law enforcement authorities in case of serious violations.