Mining companies step up efforts to reduce accidents

State-run and private mining companies have stepped up efforts to reduce accidents in mines.

A recent compilation by the Ministry of Coal and Mines says Coal India Ltd (CIL) has completed risk assessment across all but eight of its open-cast mines of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL). CIL operates 473 mines, of which 279 are underground, 163 opencast and 31 mixed. It has also prepared a safety management plan based on the risks identified. It is carrying out periodic reviews to assess the efficacy of action taken under the safety management plan.

Neyveli Lignite Corporation, which carried out risk assessment and safety audit of mines in 2003, now conducts inter-unit safety assessments every quarter. Besides, it carries out analysis of accidents and counsels near-miss/serious accident victims.

Tata Steel has adopted a risk assessment methodology of OHSAS-18001 (Occupational Health & Safety Assessment Series) in all its five underground mines in the Jharia division as well as open-cast mines in west Bokaro, Jharkhand. It identifies critical activities and evaluates hazards associated with them. Action is being taken in areas that have been identified as the most in need of risk reduction.

Sources at the Ministry of Coal and Mines told Business Standard the Directorate of Mines Safety (DGMS) had called upon companies to introduce mechanised loading in mines. In fact, DGMS has asked coal companies to follow the practice of analyzing near-miss incidents by cement companies, which take punitive action if a person is involved in three incidents in succession.

These safety measures would be reviewed on March 25 by the Standing Committee on Safety of Mines attached to the ministry.

According to the ministry, Eastern Coalfields has drawn up plans to gradually convert at least two manual districts in each area. BCCL has reduced the number of manual districts to 29 in 2009-10 from 47 in 2008-09.

Further, Central Coalfields Limited has worked out a plan to convert manual loading into continuous miner in the Churi underground mine. Western Coalfields Ltd has mechanised 37 out of 47 mines. Seven have been partially mechanised, while manual loading is going on in the remaining three.

Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) has prepared a risk assessment and management plan for its 34 underground mines and 14 opencast ones.

Private miner Jindal Steel & Power, too, has taken up a risk assessment study. It has documented the risks and is monitoring them.

Integrated Coal Mining, promoted by CESC Ltd, has identified hazards and implemented control measures. It is also carrying out a continuous upgrade of risk assessment.

Bengal Emta Coal Mines is keeping tabs on overloading of coal lumps and carrying out regular inspection of transport dumpers to ensure their roadworthiness.