The Vice President, Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat has called for evolving a new safety ethos in the mining industry. Speaking at a function after giving away National Safety Awards (Mines) for 2002 & 2003 here today, Shri Shekhawat said that we need a new safety paradigm wherein the safety is fully integrated into production and safety norms become part of the work culture. Referring to the protection of traditional rights of local people in and around the mines, the Vice President said that these rights must be recognised particularly those of the tribals and the forest dwellers to avoid conflict and tension between them and the Managements. Shri Shekhawat also stressed the importance of sustainable mining and cautioned against over exploitation of nature’s wealth in order to protect environment. Felicitating the awardees, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, Shri Oscar Fernandes called for introduction of state of the art technology in the mines particularly in underground coal mines to improve productivity and also reduce exposure of miners to hazardous conditions. Appreciating the improvement in accident rate per 1000 persons employed in coal mines in the past few years which are comparable to the rates in US & Australia, Shri Fernandes said that the country is still far away from much desired “Zero Accident” scenario. Referring to the coal mine explosion near Dhanbad last year which resulted in loss of 50 lives, Shri Fernandes said that anguish turns into anger when such accidents take place due to technological inadequacy and human error. The Minister said that a host of private entrepreneur and multi national companies are either entering or expected to enter the country’s mining industry which has added a new dimension to health and safety aspects in this industry. He said that effective safety programmes will become a reality only when safety is fully accepted as an integral part of industry. Referring to Government’s commitment to welfare and well being of all workers, Shri Fernandes said, “the UPA Government recognises the need for some changes in labour laws but such changes must fully protect the interest of workers and families and must take place after full consultation with trade unions.” 64 safety awards comprising 16 first prizes and an equal number of second prizes(runners up) each for 2002 and 2003 were given away. The awards were given for safety performance in two categories, viz., longest accident free period and lowest injury frequency rate during the last three consecutive years ending with the contest year. The winners are decided by an Awards Committee constituted by the Labour Ministry with the Director General of Mines Safety as its Chairman and 8 representatives each of mine management and trade unions. All mines in the country have been divided into different groups depending upon the type of mineral and nature of working. These awards were given for the first time in 1984. 32 mines out 318 participants were selected for 2002 awards while as much mines out of 343 participating mines won the 2003 awards.
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