Under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, individuals employed as miners, designated representatives of miners, and applicants for employment in mine related jobs are granted a variety of rights.
Miners have the right to:
- be protected against discrimination when exercising their rights under the Act, including reporting violations and unsafe conditions;
- request the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to inspect the mine if they believe that an imminent danger, a violation of the Act, or a violation of a safety or health standard exists;
- receive health and safety training during normal working hours and be paid for that time at their regular rate of pay;
- have a representative accompany an MSHA inspector during inspections; and
- refuse to work in unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
The Federal Miner’s Rights poster lists these rights, and provides MSHA’s contact information to report any violations, hazardous conditions, or imminent danger.
Employers can use this poster to inform employees about their rights under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, and encourage employees to report hazardous conditions. By encouraging employees to take an active role in matters of safety and health, they can help decrease workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses.