State Supervision of Mines (SSM) is also taking measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus as much as possible.
SSM is following the recommendations of the RIVM and the government.
Inspection activities
In cases where operations that SodM supervises are continuing under current conditions, SSM will be carrying out inspections to verify that these activities are being carried out safely both for employees and the environment. Inspections that are carried out on-site will be subject to the following measures:
- Inspections of low-risk operations have been provisionally postponed until 28 April;
- Inspections of high-risk operations will in principle continue. These are inspections in relation to accidents, disasters, incidents and drilling operations. Given the rapidly changing circumstances, SSM will continue to assess what is required for each specific situation at that time. During inspections, our inspectors will maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others where possible.
- Inspections that can be carried out remotely, such as assessments of work programmes of mining companies, will continue as usual.
Monitoring of coronavirus measures in mining sector
The measures in relation to coronavirus also affect the sectors supervised by SSM. The first priority in that regard is ensuring the safety of our people and the environment. For that reason, SSM will be monitoring the measures of companies it supervises regarding coronavirus to ensure that safety is and remains effectively guaranteed.
Availability
SSM is adhering to the recommendations to work from home as much as possible until at least 28 April. This is not set to impact our availability for the time being. Any disasters can be reported to our control room 24/7. Our information provision activities will likewise be able to continue. We will be available for contact by email and by phone during business hours. At present, SSM is receiving a large number of questions from the sector regarding measures in relation to coronavirus. This is our top priority. For that reason, responses to less urgent questions may take longer than usual.
