Ministry of Steel Establishes Steel Industry Safety Council to Strengthen Safety Standards
The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has decided to form the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) to enhance safety standards, accident prevention, and awareness within the industry.
The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, has decided to establish a top-level body called the 'Steel Industry Safety Council' (SISC) with the objective of strengthening safety standards, work practices, accident prevention, and safety awareness in the steel industry. The council will operate under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
The council will be chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Steel. Its members will include senior officials from the ministry as well as the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of integrated steel producing companies. Additionally, representatives from key technical and statutory organizations, including the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and recognized steel technology institutes, will be included.
The primary responsibilities of the SISC include assessing the current state of safety in the steel industry, promoting the study and improvement of safety practices, and approving industry safety standards and recommended work procedures. The council will review serious accidents and 'near-miss' incidents and issue guidelines for safety awareness, training, and preventive measures.
To provide technical and professional assistance to the council, the 'Steel Industry Safety Directorate' (SISD) will be established. This directorate will include experts in various fields such as process safety, blast furnaces, steel melting, rolling mills, coke ovens, refractory systems, electrical and mechanical safety, occupational health, fire engineering, and disaster management.
The SISD will monitor the implementation of the council's decisions and conduct periodic safety audits and reviews. The directorate will maintain information related to accidents, investigate serious safety incidents, and review emergency preparedness and training programs. Furthermore, it will develop and issue safety standards and guidelines tailored to Indian conditions.
The initiative of the SISC and SISD is a significant institutional step toward implementing uniform safety practices in India's steel industry and developing a robust culture of safety through the prevention of industrial accidents.
