In 1998, the Philippines was the 5th country to ratify the Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995 (No. 176) which outlines the international framework on standards concerning the safety and health of workers in mines. To effectively enforce the said Convention, DAO No. 2000-98 or the Mine Safety and Health Standards was issued. Drawing on elements of C176, this study seeks to examine policies and regulations that govern mine safety and analyze the working conditions of those engaged in the industry. Using qualitative data, the research results underscore that both employers and workers have duties and responsibilities to undertake to ensure safe and healthy workplaces. Further, based on the findings, the research puts forward policy options such as strengthening inspection and safety audits, formation of tripartite councils, and harnessing relevant statistics for a coherent implementation of an industry-specific occupational safety and health (OSH) policy. This comprehensive and integrated approach is necessary to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the mining sector.
