According to the media reports, on December 3, 2016, P.G., a driver of a locomotive, has died in the Chiatura mine.

The Public Defender expresses sympathy at the death of the miner, offers condolences to his family and reiterates that it is necessary to adopt proper safety regulations and to ensure strict monitoring of their implementation, which can minimize the number of casualties in the workplace.

The Public Defender calls on the law enforcement agencies to conduct a prompt and effective investigation into the death of a person that might be caused by the violation of safety rules in the workplace.

The Public Defender also calls on the Government to immediately take active measures to ensure labour safety and start the process of ratification of Convention No 81 (labour inspection), Convention No 129 (agriculture labour inspection) and Convention No 155 (labour safety and hygiene) of the International Labour Organization, as well as Article 3 of the European Social Charter (right to safe and hygienic working conditions) in order to ensure safe and healthy environment for employees.

The Chiatura mine accident once again underscores the severity of the problem relating to the safety in the workplace.