Turkey’s worst mining disaster a poignant reminder for UK workers

Turkey’s worst-ever mining disaster serves as a strong reminder to those working in mines and other industries of the importance of health and safety regulations in the workplace, says one personal injury law firm.

This month’s tragedy in the western Turkish town of Soma killed just over 300 people. Police have made 25 arrests in the wake of the disaster, and the mine’s general and operations managers are among those who were detained, while recent days have seen fierce demonstrations against both the coal mine operators and the government.

An explosion sent carbon monoxide gas into the tunnels of the mine while nearly 800 workers were below the surface. But Soma Holdings has stressed negligence was not the cause, and that the collapse was caused by an unexplained build-up of heat. Others say it was due to an electrical fault.

In the UK, a leading personal injury law firm has issued a warning that the explosion should remind all employers of just how vital health and safety rules are to all workers but especially those who work underground in the nation’s mines.

The Turkish tragedy has occurred at a time when the British government has set out to “cut red tape” by consulting on health and safety in the country’s mining industry. The plan is to have one, fresh guidance document as a replacement for all current mining safety legislation.

But some personal injury solicitors say they are concerned about how this would enhance health and safety, or even maintain existing standards if this change went ahead.

Commenting on the Turkish situation, one firm of personal injury solicitors said: “The devastating events in Turkey remind us of the perils those who work in mines face every day. Any changes made in UK rules should improve and not lessen safety to avoid a similar tragedy happening in this country.”

The last British mining disaster took place in autumn 2011, at Gleison Colliery, in the Swansea Valley, South Wales, claiming four lives.

Mine owners MNS Mining Ltd and ex-pit manager Malcolm Fyfield are currently on trial for manslaughter for the deaths.

Making A Personal Injury ClaimMay 14th, 20140 comments