The human factor is on the top of a large number of workplace accidents. In order to reduce the number of the accidents, which can be attributed to human error, a comprehensive and innovative approach is required to raise the level of employee awareness in that regard. This should include all the relevant departments, services and officers responsible for occupational health and safety.

The working environment in the coalmine can be potentially very dangerous. Despite the outstanding performance of the corporate OHS services and a top level information system along with other occupational health and safety systems, the analysis of the causes of workplace accidents between 1998 and 2004 showed that 70 % of all workplace accidents were due to human error.

The causes, which include improper use of tools and implements, carelessness, poor teamwork organisation, fatigue, lack of experience, disregard for the safety and regulations, inconsistent work practices, faulty work, lack of concentration, underestimating danger, can only be eliminated by raising employee awareness via a comprehensive project designed to address all aspects of occupational health and safety.

The key objective of the OHS project was twofold: a healthy workforce coupled with the reduction of sick leave related costs. The project included the following sub-projects and activities: organisation of work, technical measures and OHS; promotional activities, education, dissemination of information; health promotions; rewarding accident-free teams; compensation and liability; innovative practices.

Employee health is the area where the effects of the project are most easily apparent. Not only is the employee OHS awareness on the rise; health consciousness is fast becoming a way of life. Workers have begun to assume an ever-greater responsibility for their health, which has led to a reduction in the number of accidents on the way to work and at home.

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