Safety in China

Patrick Crow
Washington, D.C.
[email protected]

The Chinese Bureau of Mine Safety and Health Inspection is working with the U.S.-based China Industrial Information Institute (C3I) to improve China's mining and oil and gas safety and health laws.

Within 2 years, the Labor Ministry plans to establish a uniform statutory and regulatory framework and issue a system of about 100 safety and health standards for industries, all to be carried out simultaneously at local and central levels.

In proposing the changes, the ministry noted that China lacks a complete, systematic body of workplace safety laws, rules, and standards, and has inefficient enforcement of current regulations.

The nonprofit C3I and its member companies have been providing the Chinese with technical aid for nearly 2 years.

A delegation of Chinese officials recently visited the U.S. to learn more about the U.S. approach to oil and gas and mining safety.

It visited a Phillips Petroleum Co. refinery and field in Texas, a molybdenum mine in Colorado, and research facilities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

The delegation also is examining systems in other countries.

Need seen

The changes were prompted by problems with China's existing safety and health system and the influence of foreign oil and gas companies that often operate in China under their own standards, stricter than those required by the government.

China currently has about 80 health and safety rules issued by the central government and by 28 of its 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.

C3I said, "The Chinese government has encountered increasing occupational safety and health problems caused by inconsistent enforcement practices and disorganized management."

Labor officials estimate about a third of China's workplace is employed in toxic environments.

In 1995, industrial accidents killed 18,160 workers in China's factories and mines. About 60% of those occurred in the oil and mining industries.

San Chun Chang, director general of the Mine Safety and Health Inspection bureau, said China has about 150,000 oil industry workers.

He said, "Oil and gas is one of the better areas" but still reported 200 fatalities last year. "I'm confident that through a consistent effort, oil and gas safety will be improved."

Timetable

Harold Engel, C3I president, said it is hard to predict when the new regulations will be approved.

In the Chinese legislative process, the critical stage is when the ministry gathers input and drafts the proposed law. The National People's Congress usually approves the legislation.

Chun Chang said the regulations will rely on international standards as much as possible, especially where foreign firms are involved, but will be adapted to fit China's industry and practices.

He said there will be major emphasis on better worker training and education programs.

While drafting the documents, the ministry plans to continue consultations with China's three major state oil and gas companies.

It hopes to send initial draft legislation to the state council by early in 1998, but further modifications are possible after that.

Copyright 1997 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.