MINERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

UNDERGROUND COAL MINES – PLANS

Emergency preparedness is an essential competency for all miners. You have the right to be informed about, and trained in, the appropriate procedures and best practices to follow in the event of a mine emergency.

MSHA requires comprehensive emergency preparedness measures for underground coal mines. As a result, underground coal miners are afforded the most extensive set of rights related to health and safety during emergency situations. This section will also address emergency preparedness provisions applicable to surface coal mines and metal and nonmetal mines.

ROOF CONTROL PLANS

Section 302(a) of the Mine Act grants you and your miners’ representative the right to inspect a copy of the approved roof control plan at the underground coal mine where you are employed. You and your representative are also entitled to review any revisions made to the approved roof control plan in accordance with 30 CFR 75.220(e).

Under 30 CFR 75.220(d), you and all other affected miners must be instructed on the provisions of any revision to the roof control plan before the revised plan is implemented. In addition, if you are assigned to rehabilitate an area where a roof fall has occurred, you have the right to receive instruction on proper cleanup and roof support procedures.

MINE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (MERP)

You and your miners’ representative have the right to review and access your coal mine’s emergency response plan, which is evaluated by MSHA every six months. You and your representative may also submit comments or recommendations on the plan for MSHA’s consideration as part of the review process.