THE news of six coal miners who died in a mine in Balochistan after inhaling deadly methane gas should surprise no one, considering the lax safety standards that govern this occupation.

Fatalities in the coal-mining sector in Pakistan are becoming far too common and there is a dire need for better labour protections.

It has become almost routine to hear of miners suffocating to death or being killed in an explosion following a methane gas leak which is ignited by the lanterns they use inside these dark, cavernous mines, or from a fall that leaves them buried in the mine hundreds of feet below the surface with no chance of being rescued.

Dying in a coal mine is one of the worst deaths imaginable, and it is heartbreaking to see how only their fellow miners understand the enormity of the ordeal they have to endure.

There is no doubt whatsoever that miners deserve far better workplace protection than they are currently being given.

Sending human beings into deep mines with lanterns as their only source of illumination is tantamount to endangering their lives deliberately.

In most countries where labour protections matter even minimally, the use of open flames inside coal mines is strictly banned, forcing mine owners and operators to invest in proper lighting equipment. In addition, oxygen masks and secure torches are also required for every miner to have attached on his body at all times.

All people entering mines have to go through training in emergency protocols, and wear special protective gear while inside the mine.

These measures are the bare minimum, and they should be made mandatory for all mine operators in Pakistan as well.

After this, laws that hold operators accountable for every loss of life in the mines are essential.

This may raise the price of locally produced coal — but then no fuel should ever be regarded as more precious than human life.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2018