by Veena Krishnan

Created on: May 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 28, 2010

Mine inspectors should have the authority to shut down a mine if they find it unsafe.

A person becomes a Mine inspector because of the specialised educational qualifications and expertise gained with the experience while working in mines. Part of their job is to periodically check the mines are safe to send down workers.

The job is a very responsible one and like all responsible jobs, the person should be given the authority to take decisions and act upon these decisions.

Looking at other professions we find similar situations where immediate decisions and actions are called for. Pilots, doctors, drivers of public vehicles are some of the professionals who face similar situations.

In fact some of them will have to take split second decisions without even taking a second opinion. Do we as patients question the operating surgeons for the decisions they have to take when the patient is on the operating table?

We have entrusted the doctor with the responsibility of taking the most appropriate decision for the patient’s welfare. A pilot decides to change his course and fly to the nearest airport because of weather conditions or opt for an emergency landing consulting his co-pilot and we are thankful for the timely decision.

The person given the responsibility in this case, the Mine inspector is expected to study the situation at hand, assess the safety of the mine, weigh the risks involved in sending down workers into the mine and make the decision accordingly.

Once that decision has been made the inspector should also have the authority to take the necessary action. If the inspector is expected to send a report to someone else to make the decision, precious time is lost while waiting for the decision.

Besides the third person making the decision based on the report may underestimate the report or misjudge the seriousness of the situation and might take a wrong decision.  

The job of the Mine inspector becomes redundant and his/her expertise gets undervalued. If the decision is to be taken by someone sitting in an office and not on the field, then a report of the situation could be sent by a worker.

To ensure correct decisions are taken without compromising the safety or the losses incurred if the mine were to be shut down, a panel of inspectors could be given the responsibility of taking the decision.

The panel should consist of personnel who have the knowledge and field experience and definitely include workers too. Their on the job experience would be invaluable in taking such decisions.

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