The occupation safety and health of workers in coal mines: filling in the lacuna in Kenyan Legislation

Abstract

Mining is essential in the economic development of any country endowed with mineral resources. In Kenya, for instance, one block of coal in the Mui Basin has enough coal to bring in Kshs. 3.4 trillion into the economy. However, disasters in coal mines such as the Monongah disaster in a coal mine in the United States have resulted in the loss of lives of many persons who work in the mines. It is therefore important to ensure that the workers in the coal mines have legislation safeguarding them as they work in the mines. This research seeks to assess the extent to which the occupation safety and health act is safeguarded. It will also examine best practices employed in Australia and South Africa in safeguarding the safety and health of workers in coal mines. Finally, the research will make recommendations on how Kenya can follow suit and adopt various aspects of the legislation