The Industrial Accidents Convention aims to protect human beings and the environment against the effects of industrial accidents. It applies to the prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents capable of causing transboundary effects, including the effects of such accidents caused by natural disasters. It also applies to international cooperation concerning mutual assistance, research and development, exchange of information and exchange of technology in the area of prevention of, preparedness for and response to industrial accidents.
Parties are obliged to take appropriate measures and cooperate within the framework of the Convention by preventing such accidents as far as possible, by reducing their frequency and severity and by mitigating their effects. The Convention supports countries in their efforts to do so, including, for example, to prevent industrial accidents at tailings management facilities with risks of accidental water pollution within and across countries. Under its flagship Assistance and Cooperation Programme, the Convention also supports countries with economies in transition in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia and South-Eastern Europe in implementing the Convention, enhancing their industrial safety and transboundary cooperation.