Tokayev Orders Strengthened Industrial Safety Measures Following Mine Collapse
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for stricter industrial safety regulations following the Feb. 17 mine collapse at Kazakhmys Corporation in the Ulytau Region, emphasizing the urgent need for improved labor protections, according to Akorda.
Tokayev cited gross violations of safety regulations, inadequate industrial safety systems, and insufficient investment in worker protection as key factors contributing to man-made accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
To address these concerns, he directed the government to:
- Audit industrial facilities for compliance with safety standards.
- Implement modern safety systems, including gas alarms and seismic sensors.
- Digitize facilities with automated forecasting and warning systems.
- Increase investment in industrial safety, adjusting subsoil users’ work programs.
- Enhance supervision and control mechanisms for industrial safety.
On Feb. 21, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting to discuss the implementation of these directives.
As part of the Industrial Safety Concept, the government plans to:
- Revise regulatory frameworks to incorporate digital safety solutions.
- Introduce stricter safety requirements for industrial operations.
- Strengthen scientific research and establish specialized safety centers.
- Improve workforce training and enhance the legal status of labor inspectors.
Additional measures under review include:
- Tighter regulations for emergency rescue services.
- Stricter production control standards.
- New obligations for hazardous facility owners to upgrade equipment regularly.
- Stronger oversight of mining plans and early mine degassing requirements.
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Collaboration with domestic IT specialists to develop advanced industrial safety solutions.
Photo credit: Kazakhstan Today
