Mains GS3: GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Steel has decided to establish the Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) as an apex-level industry safety body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
The initiative aims to strengthen safety standards, accident prevention, safety practices and safety awareness across India’s steel industry.
Key Highlights
SISC will function as an apex-level industry safety body.
It will be headed by the Secretary, Ministry of Steel as Chairman.
Members will include:
Senior officials of the Ministry of Steel
Chief Executives of integrated steel producers
Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS)
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO)
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Recognised steel technology institutions
Key functions of SISC:
Assess safety conditions in the steel industry.
Facilitate studies and improvements in safety practices.
Approve industry safety standards and recommended practices.
Review serious accidents, accidents and near-miss incidents.
Strengthen safety awareness, training and preventive measures.
Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD)
A Steel Industry Safety Directorate (SISD) will provide technical and professional support to SISC.
Expertise will cover:
Process safety
Blast furnaces
Steel melting
Rolling mills
Coke ovens
Refractory systems
Electrical and mechanical safety
Occupational health
Fire engineering
Disaster management
SISD will:
Implement SISC decisions.
Conduct periodic safety audits and reviews.
Maintain and disseminate accident and near-miss information.
Investigate serious safety incidents.
Review emergency preparedness and safety training.
Develop and issue Steel Industry Safety Standards, Recommended Practices and Guidelines suited to Indian conditions.
Prelims Quick Revision
SISC is an apex-level safety body for the steel industry.
SISC will function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
Secretary, Ministry of Steel will be its Chairman.
DGMS, PESO and NDMA are among the organisations represented in the Council.
SISD will provide technical and professional support to SISC.
SISD will conduct safety audits, investigate serious incidents and maintain accident and near-miss information.
SISC will approve industry safety standards and recommended practices.
SISD will develop safety standards and guidelines suited to Indian conditions.
UPSC Prelims Trap
SISC vs SISD: SISC is the apex-level Council, while SISD is the technical and professional support Directorate.
DGMS is included in SISC, but the article does not state that DGMS will chair the Council.
SISC is under the Ministry of Steel, not described as an independent statutory regulator.
Near-miss incidents are explicitly included in the safety review framework, alongside accidents and serious accidents.
