Chitradurga, Karnataka: Mines Safety Association Karnataka Zone-3 commemorated the ‘Mines Safety Observance Week 2023-‘24’, which was organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), and hosted by Vedanta Ltd., Iron Ore Karnataka, Chitradurga.
The Mines Safety Week 2023 commenced with a pledge-taking ceremony and formal programme at Vedanta Iron Ore Mines, Chitradurga. The event marked the official inauguration of the Mines Safety Week 2023.
The ceremony brought together industry leaders, safety advocates, workmen, union members, and company employees to reaffirm their commitment to promoting and ensuring the safety of mining operations. The key persons present at the event were: Mr. Ganesh Murthy, General Manager M/s Bannariyamama Sugars Ltd., Mr Shashank Patil, Manager SCB Stone Quarry, Mr Dhanush, Mechanical Engineer, L&T, P. Bala Surendranath, Sr. Manager, M/s. Vesco, Mr. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Iron Ore Karnataka, Mr. Umapathi T. R. Union Leader, Mr Vijay Mehta – Head, Logistics, Mr Sandeep Naik – Head, Operations (Mining) at IOK.
Mines Safety Week serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of safety measures in the mining industry and to recognize the outstanding contributions to safety protocols. The theme for the Mines Safety Week 2023-’24 is ‘Safety Together: Stronger, Safer, Smarter.’
Key highlights of the event included:
Pledge-Taking Ceremony:
The Mines Safety Week 2023 kicked off with a solemn pledge-taking ceremony where the participants pledged their dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety in mining operations. The pledge emphasized the shared responsibility of creating a secure and accident-free workplace.
Guest Speakers:
Esteemed speakers from the mining industry and safety regulatory bodies addressed the audience, sharing insights, best practices, and the latest advancements in mining safety. The key speakers at the event were Chief Guest – Mr. Ganesh Murthy, General Manager M/s Bannariyamama Sugars Ltd., Mr. Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka & Mr Umapathi T.R., Union Leader. Their valuable perspectives provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of safety in the mining sector.
Prize Distribution Ceremony:
Acknowledging and celebrating excellence in safety practices, the event featured a prize distribution program. Awards were presented to individuals and teams who demonstrated exemplary commitment to safety, innovation in safety measures, and consistent adherence to best practices.
Interactive Posters and Catchy slogans on Safety:
The workmen, along with the employees, participated in the slogan writing and poster-making competition on ‘Safety at the Workplace,’ and a display of all the slogans and posters was present at the Mines Safety Week event.
Speaking at the event, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, of Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka, said: “We, at Vedanta, prioritize the safety and security of our employees, workmen, and union members above all, and as we inaugurate the Mines Safety Week 2023- ‘24 at our Iron Ore Mines, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a secure and thriving work environment. Safety isn’t just a practice; it’s a mindset that guides us in every operation. Together, let’s make safety a way of life at Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka.”
Navin Jaju, CEO, of Sesa Goa Iron Ore said: “Safety is our foremost commitment to the workforce driving our operations at Vedanta Sesa Goa. With a robust track record, we prioritize individual and collective well-being. Mines Safety Week is a pivotal moment to reinforce our dedication to a safety culture that aims for Zero Harm across our mining sites and operational spheres.”
“Safety in the workplace is of utmost importance. The Mines Safety Week serves as a reminder that safety must be at the forefront of every mining operation. I commend Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka for their dedication to promoting best practices, sharing knowledge, and fostering a collaborative approach to safety in the mining industry. Together, let us strive to create a workplace where every miner can return home safely at the end of each shift,” said the Chief Guest of the event – Mr Ganesh Murthy, General Manager M/s Bannariyamama Sugars Ltd.
Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka is committed to fostering a culture of safety, and Mines Safety Week 2023 is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our workforce and the sustainability of the mining industry.