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 DGMS- ABOUT ME
Directorate General of Mines Safety, DGMS in short, is the Regulatory Agency under
the Ministry of labour and employment, Government of India in matters pertaining to
occupational safety, health and welfare of persons employed in mines (Coal,
Metalliferous and oil-mines).

Under the Constitution of India, safety, welfare and health of workers employed in
mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55-Union List-Article 246). The
objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed
there under. These are administered by the Directorate-General of Mines Safety
(DGMS), under the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment. Apart from
administering the Mines Act and the subordinate legislation there under, DGMS also
administers a few other allied legislation, including the Indian Electricity Act.

The organization has its headquarters at Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and is headed by

Director-General of Mines Safety. At the headquarter, the Director-General is assisted
by specialist staff-officers in mining, electrical and mechanical, occupational health, law,
survey, statistics, administration and accounts disciplines. The headquarters has also a
technical library and S&T laboratories as a back-up support to the organization.

Officers appointed to different technical posts in DGMS are seleted by U.P.S.C. They
are required to have Degree in Mining or Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and
several years of experience, varying from seven to ten years of working in responsible
capacity in Mines and allied Industry. Besides officers of mining cadre posses First Class
Mine Manager's Certificate of Competency. The Occupational Health cadre is manned
by qualified and experienced medical personnel. Due to the nature of work performed by
the officers of DGMS, the Govt. of India decleared the organization as S & T
Institution" on the recommendation of Science and Technology Department of Govt. of
India, in November 1987. To

Vision of DGMS

To attain risk and hazard free conditions of work and welfare of persons employed in
mines.

Mission of DGMS

To identify and reduce risk of accidents and diseases in and around the mine through:-
Development of suitable legislation, rules, regulations, standards and guidelines;
Adequate measures to ensure compliance and Awareness initiatives to inculcate safety
and health culture amongst work-persons and stakeholders.

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 DGMS:The History

In 1895, the Government of India initiated steps to frame legislative measures for safety
of workmen. In 1897 first major disaster in mining hit the Kolar Goldfields killing 52
persons, to be soon followed by the Khost Coal Mine disaster in Baluchistan (now in
Pakistan) killing 47 persons. The disaster hastened the process of formulation of safety
laws and the first Mines Act was enacted in 1901. With further experience, this Act was
superseded by the Indian Mines Act, 1923, which was again replaced by the present
Mines Act, 1952. This Act came into force on the 1st July 1952. Major changes were
incorporated in this Act in the years 1959 and 1983. The Mines Act, 1952 applies to
mines of all minerals within the country including the offshore mines within the limits of
territorial water.

For administering the provisions of the Indian Mines Act, 1901, the Government of
India set up a "Bureau of Mines In spection & quot; on the 7th January 1902 with
headquarters at Calcutta. The name of the organization was changed to Department of
Mines in 1904 and its headquarters shifted to Dhanbad in 1908. On 1.1.1960, the
organization was renamed as "Office of the Chief Inspector of Mines". Since 1.5.1967,
the office has been re-designated as Directorate-General of Mines Safety (DGMS in
short).

Role and Function of DGMS

Inspection of mines
Investigation into -
o accidents
o dangerous occurrences - emergency response
o complaints & other matters
Grant of :
o statutory permission, exemptions & relaxations
o approval of mine safety equipment, material & appliances
Interactions for development of safety equipment, material and safe work
practices through workshop etc.
Development of Safety Legislation & Standards
Safety Information Dissemination
Conduct of examinations for grant of competency certificates.
Safety promotional initiatives including :
o Organisation of -
Conference on Safety in Mines
National Safety Awards
Safety Weeks & Campaigns
o Promoting -
safety education and awareness programmes
workers participation in safety management through -
workmens inspector
safety committee
tripartite reviews

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1.What are the Existing Legislative Provisions regarding safety, health and welfare of
mine workers?
Ans. Under the Constitution of India, safety, welfare and health of workers employed in
mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55- Union List- Article 246).
The objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed
thereunder which are administered by the Directorate- General of Mines Safety (DGMS),
under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment. A list of the subordinate
legislation under the Mines Act administered by DGMS are Coal Mines Regulations,
1957. Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961. Oil Mines Regulations, 1984. Mines
Rules, 1955. Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966. Mines Rescue Rules, 1985.
Mines Creche Rules, 1966.

2. How the Compliance of the Provisions are ensured?

Ans. The owner, agent or manager of the mine is required to comply with the provisions
of health and safety provisions of the Mines Act and the rules framed thereunder, as
required under Section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952.

3. How the Provisions of Health, Safety and Welfare Amenities are enforced?
Ans. DGMS is the enforcement agency which ensures compliance of the stated
provisions through inspections by inspecting officers. The health, safety and welfare
provisions of Mines Act and Rules are invariably checked during the course of general
inspection of the mines. The violations observed during the course of general inspection
of the mines. The violations observed during the course of such inspections are being
followed up by subsequent follow up inspection. In case of noncompliances, the
improvement notices, prohibitory orders etc. are also being issued till it is complied.

4. What is the Role and Function of DGMS?

Ans. 1. Inspection of mines. 2. Investigation into a) accidents b) dangerous
occurrences emergency response c) complaints & other matters 3. a) Grant of : i)
statutory permission, exemptions & relaxations - pre-view of project reports & mining
plans ii) approval of mine safety equipment, material & appliances b) Interactions for
development of safety equipment, material and safe work practices through workshop
etc. c) Development of Safety Legislation & Standards d) Safety Information
Dissemination. 4. Conduct of examinations for grant of competency certificates. 5. Safety
promotion initiatives including : (a) Organisation of Conference on Safety in Mines
National Safety Awards Safety Weeks & Campaigns. (b) Promoting - Safety education
and awareness programmes - Workers participation in safety management through-
Workmens inspector Safety committee Tripartite reviews

5. What are the provisions of law in respect of accidents in mines?

Ans. The DGMS organisation at the apex level is headed by Director-General based at
Dhanbad in the Jharkhand State. He is assisted by seven Deputy Directors-General (DDG)
in Mining discipline one Deputy Director-General in Electrical discipline and one Deputy
Director-General in Mechanical discipline. . For administrative convenience, whole of

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country is divided into six zones and each zone is headed by a DDG. Each Zone is further
sub-divided into 3 or 4 Regions. Each Regional Office is headed by a Director of Mines
Safety. Each Director in-charge of a Regional Office is assisted by 2 to 3 Deputy
Directors. All technical officers in DGMS are appointed through UPSC and are at least
graduate engineers in Mining, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. At the entry level,
each officer also has at least 7 years experience of working in the Industry. In addition,
officers in Mining Cadre are also required to possess First Class Managers Competency
Certificate (Post Graduate Statutory qualifications for managing a mine).

The DGMS has a total sanctioned strength of 167 technical officers/Inspecting officers
at different levels. Of these, 15 to 20% of posts remain vacant at any given time due to
time lag in recruitment etc.

The jurisdiction of DGMS extends to whole of India upto the limits of Territorial waters in
all types of mines coal mines, metalliferous mines, stone quarries and Oil mines (Oil
well drilling, exploration and production).
Ans. Following provisions are existing in the Mines Act & the Rules & Regulations made
thereunder on accidents in mines: Section 23 of the Mines Act5, 1952: Notice of
Accidents Notice of accidents by the mine management of DGMS Enquiry in to such
accident by DGMS Regulation 9: Prescribes nature of accidents and the forms in which
notices are to be sent to specified persons which include Coal Mines Welfare
Commissioner in cases of Fatal and Serious accidents. Regulation 199: Places of
accidents not to be disturbed unless otherwise permitted by Chief Inspector or Inspector.
Regulation 199A:Enforcement of Emergency Plan in the mine immediately after
occurrence of accident. Section 24: Power of Central Govt. to appoint court of inquiry in
cases of Accidents: Central Government normally appoints court of inquiries in cases of
major accidents and disasters in mines.

6. What are the major cases of accidents in mines?

Ans. Coal mines are considered more risky than Metalliferous mines all over the world.
The incidences of accidents and number of fatality in coal mines are higher than non-
coal mines. The major causes of accidents in mines are :- Explosions and Fires :
Methane & Coal Dust Explosions Spontaneous Heating of Coal Inundation (Sudden
inrush of water into the mines: From surface Underground Strata Failure : Roof and
Side Fall in Underground Mines Pit and Dump Slides & Failure in opencast mines
Heavy Earth Moving machinery : Shovel, Dumper, Trucks & Tippers

7. What steps are being taken by the Government to prevent such accidents in mines?
Ans. (i) All fatal and serious accidents including dangerous occurrences especially due to
fires, explosives, gases and many other important subjects are enquired by DGMS. (ii)
After completion of enquiries, legal actions as deem fit including prosecution against the
persons found responsible for the accidents are taken. (iii) Accidents are also technically
analyzed in details and based on findings of such analysis, technical circulars,
instructions and guidelines are issued on various causes and failures to improve the
standards of safety in mines and to prevent such recurrences. (iv) Accident Prone Mines
are also identified on the basis of such analysis and focal attentions are given on such
mines through inspections and follow up action so that their conditions are brought to

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safe levels.

8. What are the Remedial measures taken to bring down the rate of accidents in Mines?
Ans. (i) Strict enforcement of existing statute. (ii) Close monitoring of the working of the
mines by Safety Supervisors in the mines, Internal Safety Organisation of the mining
companies and by the Inspecting officers of DGMS. (iii) Taking suitable actions as per the
statute for non-compliance such as stoppage of work, issue of violation letters, issue of
prohibitory notices/orders, launching of prosecutions under the court of law etc. (iv)
Strengthening the mechanism of training & re-training or workers & supervisors. (v)
Inquiry into accidents, analysis for ascertaining the causes and circumstances leading to
accidents and taken suitable action for preventing similar accidents in future. (vi)
Introducing the concept of Safety Management through risk assessment for identification
of hazards, assessment of risks in the hazards, evolving control measures,
implementation of control measures and monitoring the effectiveness of the control
measures through safety audit. This is a new concept and is being introduced gradually
in conjunction with existing practices of legislative safety management. Workers at all
levels are involved in the process of decision making on risk management for its effective
implementation through greater involvement. (vii) Improving the awareness of workers at
all levels regarding safety issues involved in the work process and the safe operating
procedures for each job.

9. What are the Legislative Provisions relating to Safety and Health in industries?
Ans. The safety, health and welfare or workers employed in factories are covered under
the Factories Act, 1948 which is a central legislation. The Act contains detailed
provisions on health, safety welfare, working hours, leave, penalties etc. and is
applicable to premises wherein 10 or more workers are employed without the aid of
power. The State Governments are empowered under Section 85 of the Act to bring
those factories wherein less than 10 workers with the aid lf power or 20 or more workers
are employed without the aid of power under the purview of this Act. The provisions of
the Factories Act and Rules framed thereunder are enforced by the State Governments
through the State Factories Directorate/Inspectorates.

10. What are the important provisions in the Factories Act?

Ans. The important provisions in the Factories Act, 1948 relates to Appointment of
Inspectors, Responsibility of the Occupier and Manufacturer of Articles used in
factories, (This provisions was incorporated in 1987 after the Bhopal Tragedy) Health
Provisions Safety provisions Welfare Provisions Working Hours. Employment of
Young Persons. Annual Leave With Wages. Special Provisions (power to apply the Act
to certain premises, dangerous operations, notice of accidents and occupational
diseases, power of enquiry, etc.) Penalties and Procedures. The important provisions
relating to Safety and Health of workers are given below. Health Provisions Every factory
must take the following measures as per the provisions of the Act to ensure health of the
workers. To keep its premises in a clean state; To dispose of wastes and effluents:
To maintain adequate ventilation and reasonable temperature; To prevent
accumulation of dust and fume; To avoid over crowding; To provide sufficient
lighting, drinking water, latrines and urinals. Safety Provisions Every factory must take

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the following measures as per the provisions of the Act to ensure safety of the workers?
to fence certain machinery; to protect workers repairing machinery in motion; to
protect young persons working on dangerous machines; to ensure hoists and lifts and
pressure vessels are of sound construction and maintained in good working conditions;
Floors, stairs and means of access in every factory shall be of sound construction and
properly maintained to ensure safety of the works. to protect workers from injury to
their eyes; to protect workers from dangerous dust, gas, fumes and vapours; to
protect workers from fire, explosives or flammable dust or gas, etc.

11. What are the powers of the Inspectors appointed under the Factories Act, 1948?
Ans. An inspector appointed under the Act has power- to enter any place which is used
as a factory; to make examination of the premises, plant and machinery. to require
the production of any register and any other document relating to the factory , and to
take statement of any person, for carrying out the purposes of the Act. To initiate legal
action for violation or non compliance of the provisions of the Act and Rules made
thereunder.

12. What is the system of reporting of occupational diseases in the Factories?

Ans. Where any workers in a factory contacts any notifiable disease as specified in the
Third Schedule the manager of the factory shall send a notice to inspector of factories in
such a form and in the manner prescribed (Section 89).
13. What actions are initiated against the management for violation of the provisions of
the Act?
Ans. The inspectors visit the factories and violations of the provisions of the Act and the
Rules framed thereunder are brought to the notice of the occupier/manager for taking
necessary actions particularly when building, machineries and equipment are likely to
lead conditions detrimental to the health and safety of the workers. The inspectors also
have power to prohibit employment on account of serious hazards, initially for a period of
three days. The occupier is directed to remove the hazard before re-employing the
workers. In case the occupier/manager do not abide by the written order issued by the
inspector prosecution is initiated for the violation of any of the provisions of Act and
Rules. (Powers of Inspectors are given in Section 9, 40-A and Section 87-A).

14. What are the major initiatives taken by DGFASLI to improve safety and health of the
workers in the manufacturing sector?
Ans. The major initiatives undertaken by DGFASLI are: DGFASLI undertook the framing
of model factories rules in consultation with the Chief Inspector of Factories/Union
Territories for guidance and adoption by the State Governments to ensure uniformity.
Organizes annual conference of Chief Inspector of factories. National and consultancy
studies are undertaken to assess the status of occupational health of the workers in
factories and ports to formulate appropriate standards/guidelines for inclusion in the
statutes. Conducts professional and academic training programmes for supervisors,
safety officers, factory medical officers, specialised certificate course for competent
supervisions in hazardous process industries.

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15. How does DGMS carry out its mission?
Ans. In order to fulfil its mission, DGMS performs the following functions:

Periodic inspections of mines to keep vigil over the status of safety.

Investigations into accidents, dangerous occurrence and complaints.

Granting statutory permissions for specific mining operations and laying down
precautionary measures while working.

Developing Safety Legislation and Standards.

Undertaking safety promotional initiatives through safety campaigns, awareness

programmes and workers participation in safety management.

16. Then, why do accidents take place in mines?

Ans. Accident causation is a complex process. But generally these are caused due
to Unsafe Acts and Unsafe conditions . Acombination of factors at the same moment
may lead to accident causing injury or persons may escape without any injury.

17. Should the DGMS not be made to account for the accidents in mines?
Ans. Working the mines, obtaining mineral and ensuring protection of their Human
Resource is primarily the management functions. Management makes necessary
provisions for the purpose keeping in view the profitability of operations and statutory
provisions in this regard. Just as profits from the operations go to the managements, any
consequences in the process including accidents must also be the responsibility of the
management.

18. Why DGMS should also not be held responsible for accidents?
Ans. As an arm of the Ministry of Labour, the role of DGMS is to act as a watch dog to see
that the mine management comply with the statutory provisions relating to occupational
safety and health in mines. DGMS officers make periodic inspections to make sample
checks. Keeping in mind, the limited resources available by way of inspecting officers
and associated infrastructure, it is humanely impossible for them to ensure compliance
by management at all times and at all work places.

19. If DGMS is not responsible for accidents, then what is the need for having a
regulatory agency at all?
Ans. Whenever DGMS officers, during the course of inspection or enquiry, detect an
urgent and immediate danger to life and safety of persons, an order prohibiting work is
immediately issued in accordance with the provisions of the Mines Act. Each such order,
in effect, prevents an accident. In other cases, whenever, a contravention is noticed, an
action is initiated which could be punitive, retributive or corrective in nature. The role of
DGMS in mining industry and in ensuring safety of workers is of paramount importance

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and more so in the context of globalization of economy.
20. What is the staff strength of DGMS and what is its jurisdiction?
Ans. The DGMS organisation at the apex level is headed by Director-General based at
Dhanbad in the Jharkhand State. He is assisted by seven Deputy Directors-General (DDG)
in Mining discipline, one Deputy Director-General in Electrical discipline and one Deputy
Director-General in Mechanical discipline. For administrative convenience, whole of
country is divided into six zones and each zone is headed by a DDG. Each Zone is further
sub-divided into 3 or 4 Regions. Each Regional Office is headed by a Director of Mines
Safety. Each Director in-charge of a Regional Office is assisted by 2 to 3 Deputy
Directors. All technical officers in DGMS are appointed through UPSC and are at least
graduate engineers in Mining, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering. At the entry level,
each officer also has at least 7 years experience of working in the Industry. In addition,
officers in Mining Cadre are also required to possess First Class Managers Competency
Certificate (Post Graduate Statutory qualifications for managing a mine).

The DGMS has a total sanctioned strength of 165 technical officers/Inspecting officers
at different levels. Of these, 15 to 20% of posts remain vacant at any given time due to
time lag in recruitment etc.

The jurisdiction of DGMS extends to whole of India upto the limits of Territorial waters in
all types of mines coal mines, metalliferous mines, stone quarries and Oil mines (Oil
well drilling, exploration and production).

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