LABOUR AND SAFETY IN MINES

The Mines Act, 1952 seeks to regulate the working conditions in mines by providing measures to be taken for the safety of the workers employed therein. To ensure the implementation of the Mines Act, 1952, the Union Legislature has framed the Mines rules, 1955, Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, and the Maternity Benefit (Mines) Rules, 1963, etc.

The Mines Act, 1952, prescribed duties of the owner (defined as the proprietor, lessee or an agent) to manage mines and mining operation and the health and safety in mines. It also prescribes the number of working hours in mines, the minimum wage rates, and other related matters. The Mines Rules, 1955, provide the procedural aspects.

Both penal and pecuniary punishments are prescribed for contravention of obligation and duties under the Act.

The Metalliferous Mine Regulation, 1961 provides for the certification of the competency and fitness for the managers of mines, mine engineers, supervisory staff, foreman, and surveyors. The regulation also prescribes the types of mining plans, the types of survey and mining instruments to be used, the equipment used for access and egress of workers to the mines, transportation of men, minerals, and other related matters.