This guide is developed to provide information for miners� representatives to better prepare them to work with miners, mine operators and federal inspectors in a collaborative effort to improve the safety and health in the nation�s mines.
Introduction Section 2 of the Mine Act (Act) says that mine operators ��with the assistance of the miners have the primary responsibility to prevent the existence�� of health and safety hazards at mines. All miners, of course cannot assist the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in every one of their inspections or investigations. However, the Act does provide miners the right to designate a representative or representative to act in their behalf in certain aspects of enforcement activities. It is MSHA�s hope that this guide will be useful to everyone involved in mining in realizing the vital role of a miners� representative. A good safety and health program depends on the active participation and interest of everyone at the mine site. If you and your fellow miners know your rights and responsibilities, workplace deaths, injuries, and illnesses can be prevented. What is a Miners� Representative? A miners� representative is any person, group or organization designated by two or more miners to represent their interest during health and safety enforcement processes at their mine. Roles and Responsibilities as a Miners� Representative As a miners� representative, you play an important role in helping to ensure healthy and safe working conditions and practices at your mine. Your knowledge of the work site can provide MSHA�s inspectors with a great deal of useful information. Also, by observing what happens during an inspection, you can better understand how MSHA enforces health and safety regulations. The roles of the miner�s representative also come with responsibilities. These responsibilities may include:
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