Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Mining safety in Goa must move beyond reacting to accidents and focus more strongly on preventing them, the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) has said, urging workers and contractors to become active participants in identifying risks at worksites.
The issue came up during a safety committee meeting hosted by Fomento Resources Private Limited on Thursday as part of the review of measures recommended at the 12th National Conference on Safety in Mines.
The tripartite meeting included officials from the DGMS, representatives of the company, workers and contractors engaged at the Kalay Mineral Block and Advalpal–Tivim Mineral Block. DGMS Deputy Director General, Western Zone, Nagpur, Bipul Bihari Satiar, presided over the proceedings.
Rather than limiting safety measures to compliance after an incident, the discussions focused on detecting unsafe practices and conditions at an early stage. DGMS officials called for systematic risk assessments, stronger site supervision and regular training so that workers are better equipped to recognise and respond to potential dangers.
The committee reviewed a range of safety concerns, including workplace risk assessment, use of protective equipment, movement and handling of materials, transportation, emergency response arrangements and electrical and mechanical hazards.
The importance of documenting unsafe situations and near-miss incidents was also highlighted, as such reports can help management identify weaknesses before they result in injuries or fatalities.
Workers and contractors were given an opportunity to raise concerns arising from day-to-day operations. The discussions reinforced the view that safety cannot be confined to mine management or the regulator, but requires responsibility and participation from every individual involved in mining activity.
Fomento Resources said safety recommendations issued following the national conference were being taken forward at both its mineral blocks. The company reiterated that occupational safety, compliance with statutory requirements and strengthening the overall safety culture remained key priorities.
The programme commenced with a tribute to miners who had lost their lives in the line of duty. Participants subsequently took a Safety Oath, reaffirming their commitment to safe working practices.
The meeting ended with the DGMS, mine management, workers and contractors jointly pledging to maintain strong safety standards and reduce risks to personnel operating in and around the mining areas.
Nominated owner of the two mineral blocks Rajiv Kumar delivered the welcome address, while mineral block agent Sandeep Morajkar outlined the steps being undertaken to implement the safety recommendations at the Kalay and Advalpal–Tivim blocks.
