Effective Utilization of Health & Safety Management System in Mines – DGMS Notes

Accidents due to Fall of Persons from Height/Depth in Mines – DGMS Analysis & Safety Measures

🏗️ Detailed Notes

1️⃣ Introduction

Falls from height or into depth remain one of the most frequent and fatal accident causes in both coal and metalliferous mines. DGMS data for 2014 revealed several serious incidents attributed to unsafe practices, lack of PPE, and inadequate supervision. These accidents typically occur during shaft sinking, ladder climbing, bench/dump edge work, roof work, maintenance on high structures, and crossing unprotected openings.

2️⃣ DGMS 2014 Accident Review

Major Fatal Accidents: Due to fall from high benches, platforms, or into unprotected pits.
Common Causes: Absence of safety harness/lifelines, inadequate edge protection, unsupervised work, slippery surfaces, improper scaffolding/ladders.
Key Observation: 90% of such accidents were preventable with standard PPE and compliance.

3️⃣ Regulatory Provisions

Regulation / Rule	Provision
CMR 2017 – Reg. 99 & 100	Protective measures for benches and dump edges.
MMR 1961 – Reg. 123	Safety in working at height or depth.
Mines Act 1952 (Sec. 23)	Employer’s duty to ensure safe working conditions.
DGMS Circular (Tech.) No. 08/2015	Mandatory use of safety belts and lifelines at elevated work.

4️⃣ Common Locations of Fall Accidents

Opencast benches and dumps – fall from edge.
Shaft sinking operations – slips from staging or ladders.
Coal handling plants – during maintenance.
Underground stopes – fall into ore passes or winzes.
Surface sumps and pits – falls into open pits.

5️⃣ Preventive Measures

Provide proper edge protection, guardrails, and warning signs.
Compulsory use of IS-approved safety belts, lifelines, and helmets.
Conduct risk assessment before working at height.
Supervision by a competent person.
Periodic training in height safety and fall arrest systems.
Install barricades and illumination near pits and openings.
Ensure safe access ladders, platforms, and walkways with anti-slip surfaces.

6️⃣ DGMS Safety Recommendations

Mandatory use of full-body harness with double lanyard.
Use of man-cages during shaft work instead of rope ladders.
Edge barricades for benches >1.5 m height in opencast mines.
Warning lights and reflective tapes in night operations.
Training through Virtual Reality (VR) and Safety Awareness Programs.

7️⃣ Lessons from 2014 Accidents

DGMS Finding	Preventive Action
No harness used	Enforce 100% PPE policy
Unbarricaded openings	Install guardrails immediately
Slippery surface	Apply non-skid flooring
Untrained worker	Conduct refresher training
Working alone	Enforce supervision & buddy system

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

Falls from height = major cause of mine fatalities.
DGMS Circular 08/2015 = fall prevention guidelines.
Edge protection mandatory above 1.5 m height.
Full-body harness with double lanyard must be used.
Unsafe access = leading contributor to falls.
Use of man-cage instead of rope ladders in shafts.
Visual inspection & supervision compulsory.
Reportable under Section 23 of Mines Act.
Training and toolbox talks reduce fall risk.
Majority of accidents are preventable with discipline.

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

Q. Discuss the causes and preventive measures of accidents due to fall of persons from height or into depth in mines, with reference to DGMS findings.

Answer:
Accidents due to fall of persons from height or into depth are among the most common fatal incidents in Indian mines. As per DGMS 2014 analysis, most such accidents occurred during bench work, shaft sinking, and maintenance activities, mainly due to non-use of safety belts, lack of barricades, and poor supervision. Preventive measures include:

Provision of guardrails and edge protection.
Use of IS-approved full-body harness and lifelines.
Supervised work under competent persons.
Proper illumination and communication.
Conducting risk assessment and refresher training.

Regulations such as CMR 2017 (Reg. 99, 100) and DGMS Circular 08/2015 mandate these measures. With strict adherence, such accidents can be minimized, ensuring a Zero Harm working environment.

🎯 25 MCQs – Fall of Persons from Height/Depth (DGMS Focus)

Q1. Major cause of fatal accidents in mines:

Solution: DGMS data shows falls are a leading cause of mine fatalities.

Q2. DGMS Circular for fall prevention:

Solution: Circular 08/2015 specifically addresses mandatory use of safety belts and lifelines.

Q3. Edge protection required for benches above:

Solution: DGMS guidelines specify 1.5 m as the threshold for requiring edge protection.

Q4. Full-body harness type:

Solution: The standard requires IS-approved full-body harnesses, ideally with double lanyards for continuous anchorage.

Q5. Shaft sinking safety device:

Solution: Man-cages provide a safer means of transport in shafts compared to ladders.

Q6. Regulation for opencast bench safety:

Solution: Regulation 99 of CMR 2017 deals with precautions against dangers from sides (including benches).

Q7. Common cause of fall accidents:

Solution: All listed factors significantly contribute to fall accidents.

Q8. Unsafe access leads to:

Solution: Improper ladders, steps, or walkways directly cause slips and falls.

Q9. Regulation 123 of MMR 1961 deals with:

Solution: Regulation 123 of MMR 1961 specifically covers safety precautions when working at height or depth.

Q10. PPE most effective for height work:

Solution: A full-body harness is the primary PPE for fall arrest.

Q11. DGMS mandates safety training for:

Solution: Specific training is required for tasks involving work at height.

Q12. Common location of such accidents:

Solution: Open edges of benches and dumps are high-risk areas for falls in opencast mines.

Q13. Work at height must be done under:

Solution: Supervision by a competent person is mandatory for high-risk jobs like working at height.

Q14. Warning lights required for:

Solution: Warning lights are crucial for visibility near edges during night operations.

Q15. Report such accidents to DGMS under:

Solution: Section 23 of the Mines Act deals with the notice of accidents.

Q16. Best practice to avoid falls:

Solution: Conducting a risk assessment helps identify hazards and plan controls before starting work.

Q17. DGMS recommends use of:

Solution: Secure lifelines and anchor points are essential components of a fall arrest system.

Q18. Unsafe practice during height work:

Solution: Using unstable or improperly secured ladders is a major cause of falls.

Q19. Inspection of harness should be done:

Solution: Pre-use inspection is critical to ensure the harness is free from defects.

Q20. Slip hazards can be reduced by:

Solution: Anti-skid surfaces improve grip and reduce the risk of slipping.

Q21. Majority of such accidents are:

Solution: DGMS analysis consistently shows that most fall accidents could be prevented by following safety procedures.

Q22. DGMS stands for:

Solution: DGMS is the Directorate General of Mines Safety.

Q23. Fall protection systems include:

Solution: All these components form part of a comprehensive fall protection strategy.

Q24. Reportable fatal accident must be informed within:

Solution: As per regulations, fatal accidents require immediate intimation and written notice within 24 hours.

Q25. Ultimate aim of DGMS safety circulars:

Solution: The overarching goal of DGMS safety initiatives is to achieve zero harm and prevent fatalities.

🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions

Related Topic	Read More On...
DGMS Safety	DGMS Role in Safety Plans
Legislation (CMR)	CMR 2017 Part 2 - Working & Supervision Rules
Safety Equipment	Behavioural Safety & Risk Matrix (TARP)
Rescue & Response	Emergency Management Plan for Mines

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Effective Utilization of Health & Safety Management System in Mines – DGMS Notes

🏗️ Detailed Notes

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ DGMS 2014 Accident Review

3️⃣ Regulatory Provisions

4️⃣ Common Locations of Fall Accidents

5️⃣ Preventive Measures

6️⃣ DGMS Safety Recommendations

7️⃣ Lessons from 2014 Accidents

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

🎯 25 MCQs – Fall of Persons from Height/Depth (DGMS Focus)

🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions

⚠️ Prepare for DGMS Exam with Real Case Studies!

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📚 Daily Quiz • DGMS Prep

Effective Utilization of Health & Safety Management System in Mines – DGMS Notes

🏗️ Detailed Notes

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ DGMS 2014 Accident Review

3️⃣ Regulatory Provisions

4️⃣ Common Locations of Fall Accidents

5️⃣ Preventive Measures

6️⃣ DGMS Safety Recommendations

7️⃣ Lessons from 2014 Accidents

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

🎯 25 MCQs – Fall of Persons from Height/Depth (DGMS Focus)

🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions

⚠️ Prepare for DGMS Exam with Real Case Studies!

OUR COURSES View More

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