Global best practice in occupational health and safety in mining : Zamfara lead poisoning case

BACKGROUND: The International Labour Organization has declared mandatory adequate provision of safe and healthy workplace for all workers, in all occupations including the mining sector. As stipulated in the Health and safety convention in Mines 1995 N0 176 and its recommendations 183. Early scientist like Agricola (1559) who studied the health of Miners found out peculiarity in health problems associated to mining. Further recent studies by Heinrich – the Heinrich Domino theory, revealed chains of events of safety issues at workplaces including the mining sector. All over the world, the mining industry is known as one of the most dangerous Occupations, it accounts for 1% of employment and 7% of accidents globally. In Nigeria, mining operations have recorded the worst disaster in mining history – the Zamfara Lead poisoning Crisis that claimed the lives of hundreds of children (full details be discussed). OBJECTIVES: Analyze the Zamfara lead poisoning crisis, health and economic implications.Discuss the causes of Lead Poisoning and mining in Nigeria. Evaluate existing Legislation, enforcement and implementation. Recommend global best practice options for prevention of community mining hazards and exposure. METHOD: Power point, illustrations, data and study reports with photo exhibition . CONCLUSION: Strategies and principal mechanism for achieving Occupational health and safety best practices globally and locally in the mining sector, are paramount given the rate of disasters and accidents that occur in mining operation every year and also consideration the death toll in rural community like Bagegu in Zamfara state Nigeria.