1️⃣ Introduction

Mining is a high-risk industry involving operations like drilling, blasting, excavation, and transportation that pose multiple hazards. To systematically manage these risks, DGMS introduced the Safety Management Plan (SMP) framework for both coal and metalliferous mines. The SMP is a structured, documented, and site-specific safety system integrating hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, monitoring, and continual improvement. DGMS emphasizes an integrated approach, combining all safety aspects—technical, organizational, and behavioural—to build a proactive safety culture.

2️⃣ Legal Framework

3️⃣ Objectives of an Integrated SMP

• Prevent accidents and occupational diseases.
• Develop a culture of safety ownership at all levels.
• Integrate safety with production and planning.
• Encourage risk-based decision making.
• Ensure compliance with DGMS and statutory norms.

4️⃣ Components of a Safety Management Plan

(a) Safety Policy & Commitment: Statement of mine management’s intent toward safety, signed by the owner, agent, and manager.

(b) Organizational Structure: Defines responsibilities and authority levels, establishes Safety Committee and Risk Control Teams.

(c) Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA): Identifies potential hazards in all mining operations, determines likelihood, severity, and control measures.

(d) Risk Control Measures: Engineering and administrative controls, emergency preparedness, and training programs.

(e) Monitoring & Review: Regular safety audits, inspections, feedback, annual review, and updating of SMP.

(f) Documentation & Communication: Safety procedures, SOPs, and checklists maintained in SMP file.

5️⃣ Steps in Developing an Integrated SMP

1. Form a multidisciplinary Safety Management Team.
2. Conduct baseline hazard and risk assessment (HIRA).
3. Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
4. Define measurable safety objectives (KPI-based).
5. Implement control measures and allocate resources.
6. Train workforce and conduct mock drills.
7. Review performance through internal audits.
8. Submit plan to DGMS for verification and record.

6️⃣ Integration with Other Systems

An effective SMP integrates with:

• Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
• Emergency Management Plan (EMP)
• Training & Competency Management System (CMS)
• Contractor Safety Management Plan (CSMP)

This ensures holistic risk control across technical, environmental, and human domains.

7️⃣ DGMS Guidelines (Circular 08/2017 Highlights)

• SMP must be site-specific, practical, and participatory.
• Review annually or after any major accident/modification.
• Signed by Manager and counter-signed by Agent.
• Include hazard control hierarchy – eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, PPE.
• Keep SMP available for DGMS inspection at all times.

⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)

• SMP is mandatory under CMR Reg. 99A.
• DGMS Circular 08/2017 gives SMP guidelines.
• SMP is part of Safety Management System (SMS).
• HIRA forms the base of SMP.
• Safety policy signed by management.
• Review SMP annually.
• SMP integrates technical, environmental & behavioural controls.
• Records must be updated and inspected.
• DGMS verifies SMP implementation.
• Safety audit essential for continual improvement.

🧠 Descriptive Model Question & Answer

🎯 25 MCQs – Safety Management Plan in Mines