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Accidents due to Dumpers from Braking and Steering Failures in Mines – DGMS Analysis & Preventive Measures

Periodic Medical Examination of Mine Workers Above 60 Years – DGMS Circular, Rules & 25 MCQs

🧾 1. Detailed Notes

1.1 Introduction

Mining is a physically demanding occupation involving risk, heat, noise, dust, and strenuous activity. Employees above **60 years of age** require periodic health examinations to ensure that they are medically fit for their assigned duties. This requirement is governed by **DGMS guidelines** and The Mines Rules, 1955.

1.2 Legal Framework

Reference Description
The Mines Rules, 1955 – **Rule 29B** Periodic medical examination of workers employed in mines.
**DGMS Circular (Medical) 1 of 1986** Medical examination of workers above 60 years of age.
The Mines Act, 1952 – **Sec. 23** Health and safety of persons employed in mines.
**CMR 2017 – Reg. 123** Fitness of persons employed belowground.
**ILO Convention No. 176** Health and safety in mines – international standards.

1.3 DGMS Guidelines

  • Every employee who has attained the age of 60 years shall be medically examined **periodically**.
  • The examination must be conducted by a qualified **medical officer approved by DGMS**.
  • The frequency of examination: **Once every year** after the age of 60.
  • The scope of examination includes: General physical examination, Cardiovascular fitness, Vision and hearing, Respiratory function and **chest X-ray**, Blood pressure, sugar, **ECG**, and other relevant tests.
  • If found **unfit**, the employee shall not be assigned duties in **operational or hazardous zones**.

1.4 Purpose of Periodic Examination

  • To ensure the health and physical capacity of aged employees.
  • To prevent accidents due to **reduced reflexes or poor vision**.
  • To maintain safe working efficiency in mines.
  • To identify early signs of occupational diseases like pneumoconiosis, silicosis, or hearing loss.

1.5 Procedure

  • The **mine manager** prepares a list of employees aged 60 and above.
  • The employees are examined by the company’s medical officer or DGMS-approved doctor.
  • Medical reports are recorded in **Form M** as per Mines Rules, 1955.
  • Copies of medical fitness certificates are kept in the **mine office**.
  • Unfit workers may be shifted to **non-hazardous or supervisory duties**.

1.6 Responsibilities

Official Responsibility
Manager Ensures compliance and scheduling of examination.
Medical Officer Conducts examination and certifies fitness.
Agent/Owner Maintains record and ensures no unfit person works underground.
DGMS Supervises and audits medical fitness records during inspections.

1.7 Record Maintenance

  • Maintain register of employees above 60 years.
  • Record date of examination, medical officer’s name, and result.
  • Keep certificates for **DGMS verification**.
  • Display compliance status during safety audits.

1.8 Case Example

In 2022, during a DGMS inspection at a metal mine, three workers above 60 years were found working without annual medical examination. DGMS directed the management to **suspend them temporarily** and conduct fitness checks, emphasizing strict compliance with **Rule 29B** of the Mines Rules, 1955.

1.9 Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Violation of Mines Act and Rules.
  • DGMS notice or **prosecution under Section 72** of the Mines Act.
  • Suspension of manager’s certificate in case of negligence.
  • Increased risk of accidents or health breakdowns.

1.10 Summary

Periodic medical examination of workers above 60 years is **mandatory** to ensure safety and efficiency in mining operations. This promotes worker welfare, prevents accidents, and fulfills DGMS statutory obligations under the Mines Act, 1952.

⚙️ 2. Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)

  • **Rule 29B** – Mines Rules, 1955: Periodic examination of mine workers.
  • **DGMS Circular 1/1986**: Annual medical check for employees $\ge 60$ years.
  • Fitness certificate valid for **12 months** only.
  • Conducted by **DGMS-approved medical officer**.
  • Covers vision, hearing, **ECG, BP, chest X-ray**.
  • Unfit persons to be **transferred to surface** or non-hazardous work.
  • **Manager** responsible for maintaining records.
  • **Form M** – used for recording medical fitness.
  • Non-compliance punishable under Mines Act **Section 72**.
  • Promotes health, safety, and efficiency of aged workers.

🧩 3. Descriptive Model Answer

Q. Explain the DGMS requirement for periodic examination of mining employees above 60 years of age.

Answer:

As per **Rule 29B** of the Mines Rules, 1955 and **DGMS Circular (Medical) 1/1986**, all mine employees who have attained 60 years of age must undergo **annual medical examination** to determine their fitness for duty.

The examination should be carried out by a **DGMS-approved medical officer**, covering cardiovascular, respiratory, vision, and general health aspects. The result is recorded in **Form M**, and a certificate of fitness is issued for **one year**.

Unfit employees must not work underground or in hazardous areas and should be **transferred**. This ensures safe mining operations and compliance with DGMS health and safety regulations.

🧮 4. 25 DGMS-Based MCQs (Instant Feedback)

Q1. Rule governing medical examination of mine employees:

Solution: Rule 29B of the Mines Rules, 1955 mandates the periodic medical examination of workers employed in mines.

Q2. DGMS Circular related to employees above 60 years:

Solution: DGMS Circular (Medical) 1/1986 gives specific instructions for the medical examination of workers above 60 years.

Q3. Frequency of medical examination after 60 years:

Solution: The examination must be done once every year after the age of 60.

Q4. Medical examination is conducted by:

Solution: Only a qualified medical officer approved by DGMS can conduct the PME.

Q5. Fitness certificate validity:

Solution: The PME certificate in Form M is valid for a maximum of 12 months (1 year).

Q6. The Mines Act section dealing with health and safety:

Solution: Section 23 of the Mines Act, 1952 deals with the health and safety of persons employed in mines.

Q7. Form used for medical record:

Solution: Form M is the prescribed form under Mines Rules, 1955 for recording medical fitness.

Q8. If employee found unfit, management must:

Solution: Unfit employees must be transferred to non-hazardous duties, often on the surface.

Q9. Periodic exam ensures:

Solution: The core purpose of PME is to ensure worker safety and health in the mine environment.

Q10. DGMS-approved doctor qualification:

Solution: A DGMS-approved doctor requires relevant medical degrees and specialized training in occupational health (All of the above).

Q11. Examination includes:

Solution: The scope of PME covers all major systems, including cardiovascular (ECG), respiratory (X-ray), and sensory (Vision/Hearing).

Q12. Manager’s role is to:

Solution: The manager is responsible for the overall execution, record-keeping, and compliance of the PME program.

Q13. DGMS may verify records during:

Solution: DGMS has the authority to audit and verify statutory records under any circumstance (All of the above).

Q14. Rule 29B applies to:

Solution: Rule 29B applies to all workers employed in the mine, regardless of their working location.

Q15. Failure to comply leads to:

Solution: Non-compliance with statutory rules can result in warnings, fines, and prosecution under the Mines Act, 1952.

Q16. Annual examination ensures prevention of:

Solution: PME helps in early detection, preventing accidents due to health issues, and addressing fatigue related to age (All of the above).

Q17. Medical report kept in:

Solution: All statutory records, including the medical reports (Form M), must be maintained in the mine office.

Q18. Fitness certificate signed by:

Solution: The medical fitness certificate is issued and signed by the DGMS-approved medical officer who conducted the exam.

Q19. Workers above 60 must not:

Solution: The fundamental prohibition is working without the mandatory annual medical checkup (fitness certificate).

Q20. Primary benefit of medical examination:

Solution: PME contributes to all these factors, ensuring worker health, safety, and operational compliance.

Q21. Record of medical test retained for:

Solution: PME records are generally required to be retained for at least 5 years as per DGMS/Rules guidelines.

Q22. DGMS Circular (Medical) issued in:

Solution: DGMS Circular (Medical) 1 of 1986 established the specific requirement for the PME of aged workers.

Q23. Medical officer must have:

Solution: For statutory purposes, the medical officer must hold specific approval from the DGMS.

Q24. Examinations help identify:

Solution: PME is crucial for identifying all major occupational diseases and health issues (All of the above).

Q25. DGMS ensures compliance through:

Solution: DGMS uses all these instruments to enforce health and safety regulations in mines.

🔗 5. Internal Linking Suggestions

Related Topic Read More On...
Mine Health and Safety Regulations Mine Health and Safety Regulations | DGMS Notes
Occupational Diseases and Medical Surveillance Occupational Diseases and Medical Surveillance in Mines | DGMS Guide
Workmen’s Inspector & Welfare Provisions Workmen’s Inspector & Welfare Provisions | Mines Act, 1952

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