National Workshop on Occupational Health in Mines Held in Udaipur

A national workshop on "Occupational Health Services in Mines – Current Scenario, Challenges, and the Way Forward" was organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), North Western Zone, Udaipur, at Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

The event was graced by Shri Ujjwal Tah, Director General of Mines Safety, as the Chief Guest, while Shri Bhagwati Prasad, IAS, Director, Mines and Geology Department, Rajasthan, attended as the Guest of Honor. Prominent dignitaries such as Shri R.T. Mandekar, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, North Western Zone; Shri Arun Mishra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited; and Shri Mangilal Lunawat, President of Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industries, were also present.

The workshop saw participation from DGMS officials, trade union representatives, medical professionals and scientists from various occupational health institutes, representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Employment, and delegates from multiple mining companies.

Key speakers included Dr. P.K. Sisodia, Expert Consultant, Rajasthan Government; Dr. R.R. Tiwari, Director, NIREH; Dr. D. Kolekar, Director (Medical), DGFASLI; Dr. B.B. Mandal, Associate Professor, IIT Kharagpur; and other esteemed professionals from institutions like ESIC Medical College, NIOH, JK Cement, Hindustan Zinc, and WCL.

Highlights of the Workshop

Inaugural Session:
In his address, Shri Ujjwal Tah emphasized the need for a robust strategic policy for the unorganized mining sector, focusing on the identification, treatment, compensation, and rehabilitation of occupational diseases among miners. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts by institutions like DGFASLI, ESIC, DMG, CM&HO offices, NIOH, and trade unions to ensure effective measures.

Shri Bhagwati Prasad highlighted the critical role of the mining sector in the nation's infrastructure, energy, and industrial development, particularly Rajasthan’s significant contribution through its mineral wealth. He also underscored the risks associated with the industry and the necessity of prioritizing the occupational health and safety of miners.

Key Discussions:
The workshop featured presentations and discussions by experts from DGMS, DGFASLI, ESIC, and renowned institutes like IIT and NIOH. Speakers shared insights on occupational health challenges, risk mitigation, and improving miners' safety and welfare.

Participation and Contributions:
The event witnessed the active participation of approximately 191 senior officials and medical professionals from mining companies and the Mine Owners Association. Special invitees included Dr. H.L. Tabiyaar (CMHO, Banswara), Dr. Shankar Bamaniya (CMHO, Udaipur), and Shri Kalyan Singh Shekhawat, Chief Secretary, Hindustan Zinc Workers Federation.

Outcome:
The workshop concluded with a consensus on formulating a detailed action plan aimed at enhancing occupational health standards for workers in the mining sector at the national level.

The event was successfully conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kaushik Sarkar, Inspector of Mines (Occupational Health), DGMS, and marked a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of miners across the country.