WORK ACCIDENTS IN THE CONTEXT OF HUMANITARIAN DEMINING ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The counter mine operation with a focus on humanitarian demining activities is an extremely dangerous activity at which accidents at work are very common. The International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) distinguish between a mine accident and a demining accident. A demining accident occurs during the performance of counter-mine operations. Data on demining accidents is not easily available and is not collected centrally. The base “Database of Demining Accidents” is organised by private initiative. Assistance to the injured in demining accidents is provided in four phases: first aid, hospital care, rehabilitation and social-economic reintegration. The quality of these phases varies depending on the states in which counter-mine operations are conducted. They also vary depending on whether the personnel are local or international. The majority of demining accidents occur as a result of anti-personnel pressure mines. Most deaths are caused by anti-personnel bounding mines. The most famous such mine is the Yugoslavian PROM 1, predominantly used in the Balkan area. In most cases, demining accidents happen due to negligence or non-compliance with rules and procedures and most of these accidents are considered preventable. As a rule, every demining accident must be investigated by an independent body, but this is not always the case. Within the counter-mine operation programme in Kosovo there were 33 demining accidents; one person died and 39 were wounded. IMAS only prescribe personal protective equipment, which can never really provide full protection. In the future, the number of such accidents may be minimised through the development of personal protective equipment and the improvement of anti-mine operation procedures.