Occupational accidents kill 6

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The local Manpower Office here recorded six deaths and 72 permanently disabled due to industrial accidents throughout the province last year.

The victims were part of the total of 962 recorded accidents occurring in the workplace in East Kalimantan in 1999.

The head of the Manpower Office, Kirnadi, said here on Thursday that last year's number represented a 10 percent rise compared to 1998.

Most of the accidents occurred at coal mines and wood cutting plants which are abundantly found here, Antara reported.

"To raise awareness on Wednesday we launched a campaign on safety and health in the workplace," Kirnadi said while adding that the campaign will last till Feb 12. (mds)