On January 18, a collapse occurred at the Fon-Yagnob coal mine in Ayni district, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.  

An official source within the State Supervision Service for Industrial Safety (Service) told Asia-Plus in an interview that specialists have been dispatched to the site to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and causes of the incident.

According to him, the investigation will determine whether violations were committed by the employer or employees.

"The issue of financial assistance to the families of the deceased will be decided only after the investigation is completed," the source added.

What compensation is due to victims and the families of the deceased?

Under the law, insurance for workplace accidents provides for both a one-time payment and monthly compensation.

For example, in cases where a breadwinner dies due to a workplace incident, a lump sum payment equivalent to 60 months' salary is due under the law.  If an employee suffers an occupational injury that limits their abilities, they are entitled to a one-time payment equal to 12 months' wages.

If the family includes minors or elderly parents who have lost their caretaker, they are entitled to receive the breadwinner’s monthly salary from the date of the commission’s ruling until the children reach adulthood (or in the case of elderly dependents, for the duration of their dependence).

The State Supervision Service for Industrial Safety emphasizes that they closely monitor such cases. If victims encounter difficulties in receiving their legally guaranteed compensation, the service is prepared to assist them in obtaining the due payments.

Hazardous Work Warrants Additional Benefits

Discussing the causes of workplace incidents, the Service highlighted that “technical safety rules are often violated, or there is inadequate organization of work.”

To mitigate the risks of workplace accidents, an annual plan is developed, which includes seminars and training.  “During these meetings, explanatory sessions are held with employees, and special assessments of working conditions are conducted on time at every site," the Service stated.

Speaking about additional benefits and vacation days provided under Tajik labor laws for work in hazardous conditions, the Service explained that the Labor Code and other regulatory documents clearly define which professions fall under this category.

Industries considered potentially hazardous include metallurgy, mining, various chemical enterprises, and other underground and environmentally challenging operations.

The law requires employers to provide such benefits to workers.  However, the specific amounts are determined based on individually signed agreements between employers and employees or collective agreements if a labor union committee is present within the enterprise, according to the State Supervision Service for Industrial Safety.