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20 April, 2009
The ICEM and affiliated unions United Steelworkers of America (USW) and the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) of South Africa will host a seminar on worker exposure to radiation in underground mines. The seminar, a non-technical introductory workshop aimed at union leaders and worker representatives, will be held on 27 May at Gallagher Estate near Johannesburg, South Africa.
The workshop will occur on the concluding day of the 12th Congress of the NUM, the Geneva-based ICEM’s largest African trade union affiliate with 300,000 members. It will focus on the presence of radioactive gases, or radon, which is common in the world’s uranium mining industry, as well as in other mineral extractions.
The day-long workshop will feature Dr. Fergal Nolan, President of the Independent Radiation Safety Institute of Canada. He will discuss the necessary measures needed for protection from radiation exposure, as well as the importance of incorporating radiation safety into a mine’s design.
The seminar will also cover effective government regulatory procedures, changing management culture on radiation safety, and building trade union training and awareness on the issue.
“The effects of radiation exposure, even low levels over many years, will often occur after a miner has retired,” said Joe Drexler, ICEM’s Director of Industry and Corporate Industry Affairs. “We’re hopeful this workshop will be the first step in more extensive radiation training for trade union safety representatives in Africa’s mining industry.”