site.btaOrdinance to Update Working Conditions in  Ferrous, Non-ferrous Metallurgy  for First Time since 1970 

Minister of Economy and Industry Korneliya Ninova and Minister of Labour and Social Policy Georgi Gyokov together with their teams signed an ordinance on the provision of healthy and safe working conditions in the ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, the Economy Ministry said in press release Wednesday. This is done for the first time since 1970. 

At present, the employed in the production of basic metals (excluding founding) number around 10,000. Their production amounts to 10 billion leva, or 12 per cent of the total industrial production in Bulgaria. 

Minister Ninova said that the ordinance aims to protect the life and health of those employed in metallurgy, provide good working conditions for them and make this profession attractive for young people. 

The document lists in detail the measures in each sector of industry. Among the general health and safety measures are: wearing of personal protective equipment and special clothing provided by the employer; provision of appropriate microclimate (temperature, relative humidity, lighting, ventilation, emergency shower for the eyes and body, dry and clean spaces); restricted movement of external persons; information for the workers on all possible sources of danger.

The ordinance is expected to improve the working conditions in metallurgy and to prevent the risk of illnesses, thus making working in this sector more attractive.