Soren emphasises need to improve safety standards in coal mining

New Delhi, Nov 17 (UNI) Coal Minister Shibu Soren has said enforcement of safety legislation, safety at places of production of coal, maintenance of machinery and training of workers, education about new ideas and technology were important steps for the safety of miners and mining operations.

Inaugurating the 29th meet of the Standing Committee on Safety of Coal Mines here today, Mr Soren said the frequent occurance of accidents in the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) mines indicated that there was scope for further improvements to prevent such accidents.

He underlined the need to make every effort to improve and enhance safety standards relating to coal mining.

Addressing the members, Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayan Rao, urged all coal mining companies to be most sensitive to the safety concerns. He said modern technology should be used in all mining operations.

Mr Rao asked coal companies to learn from the previous experiences and implement suitable measures to prevent mining-related incidents. He added that inundation and roof falling were proving to be the main causes of major accidents which should be avoided at all costs. He also suggested that shortages of officers and staff in the safety regulation areas should be taken care of on priority basis.

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