KIGALI, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Rwanda Workers' Trade Union Confederation (CESTRAR) on Monday called for tighter workers' protection and safety regulations, especially in the country's mining sector.

In a message to mark Labor Day, the CESTRAR also urged employers in the mining sector to "conduct regular health checks for workers for respiratory diseases" which may be contracted from their work, so as to ensure their timely treatment.

"We appeal to all employers to tighten safety regulations to protect the health of workers through the provision of safety equipment and put in place regulations as per the work conditions," the CESTRAR said in a statement. "Relevant authorities should pay particular attention in enforcing regulations in the mining sector through regular professional inspections to prevent fatal accidents which have often been reported."

The issue of the safety of Rwandan miners entered public debate following a recent report by the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board showing there were 337 mine accidents from July 2018 to July 2022.

Mine accidents claimed the lives of at least 429 people and injured 272 in a period of five years, according to the report. The mining sector is Rwanda's second largest revenue earner. - Xinhua