Curated Collections

This report summarizes and analyzes gaps in the available educational and training material from projects and initiatives dealing with occupational safety and health (OSH) in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) sector. The review focused on cataloguing the various technical aspects of occupational safety and health that are covered by the materials, but also examined the presentation of strategies and methodologies to manage hazard exposure, communication and awareness raising. 

The report is available to download in English, French and Spanish. 

Three additional related materials on occupational safety and health and ASGM are included

This report compiles five case studies highlighting innovative approaches to improving occupational safety and health (OSH) in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Across different countries and contexts, these initiatives demonstrate practical strategies for addressing safety risks, enhancing working conditions, and fostering greater awareness among miners. 

The report is available to download in English, French or Spanish.

Three additional related materials in this series on OSH and ASGM are included at the bottom of this page. 

This report highlights findings from existing literature on occupational safety and health (OSH) in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). A comprehensive literature review confirms the multiplicity of inherent hazards in ASM, compromised OSH and gendered disparities pointing to the urgent need for enhanced OSH measures tailored to gendered OSH needs as well as the unique challenges faced in the sector. 

Through analyzing current conditions and identifying gaps in OSH, this report seeks to provide a roadmap and actionable recommendations for improving miners' health and safety outcomes for both men and women across various ASM contexts.

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Dr. Linda Forst, presents approaches and tools trainers of OSH in ASGM, might implement in the field. The recording of the webinar can be found here: OSH in ASGM

The guideline of Good Mining Practice (GMP) was developed based on the conditions of small-scale primary gold mining in Indonesia which is focusing on the technical level as well as mining safety and environmental management during the primary and post-mining gold mining processes.  GMP is a technical guideline for supporting small-scale primary gold mining in Indonesia. The information is also useful for stakeholders in the small-scale primary gold mining sector, small-scale mining operators, local governments and local communities living close to small-scale primary gold mining areas.

The purpose of the research was to look into the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices in Ghana’s ASGM sector, with a focus on ‘Ntotroso’, and uncover the flaws bringing awareness to regulators and other important stakeholders. 

This study investigates the prevalence of accidents and injuries, as well as the associated risks and existing safety practices in Zimbabwe's ASGM sector.

This systematic review, conducted as part of the World Health Organization’s Global Plan of Action for Workers’ Health, sought to assess the state of knowledge on occupational health programs and interventions for the informal ASGM sector.

The original code of practice, "Safety and health in opencast mines", was published in 1991. This revised code reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organizations, and the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health (OSH), including the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176).  Content also available in: español français 中文Українська

This site offers a list of safety and health related conventions and protocols.