Safety and health in the iron and steel industry

This new code, which reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations, and on the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health, focuses on the production of iron and steel and basic iron and steel products, such as rolled and coated steel, including from recycled material. It does not deal with the mining of raw materials for iron and steel production nor does it deal with the fabrication of commercial steel products. The original code of practice on safety and health in the iron and steel industry was adopted in 1981.

The first two chapters deal with the objectives and application of the code. The next two chapters address, within a national framework, the responsibilities, duties and rights of the competent authority, the labour inspectorate, employers, workers and their organizations, suppliers, manufacturers and designers, and contractors, and occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems and services and OSH reporting.

Part II of the code addresses different operations commonly used in the production of iron and steel – from coke ovens to steel furnaces and foundries, to rolling mills, coating lines and recycling. It also covers transport, competence and training, personal protective equipment, emergency preparedness, and special protection and hygiene issues. Each section describes hazards, assesses risk and provides guidance on eliminating or controlling risk.

The annexes include information on hazard identification, risk assessment and control and, drawn from relevant ILO instruments, information on workers’ health surveillance, surveillance of the working environment and on establishing an OSH management system. There is also information on exposure limits and on chemicals used in the iron and steel industry.

Meeting of Experts develop a Revised Code of Practice on Safety and Health in the Iron and Steel Industry