Statutory rights in mining are legal rights specifically granted and protected by mining laws and regulations enacted by governments. These rights are enforceable by law and are designed to ensure that miners, mining companies, and sometimes landowners or communities have clearly defined entitlements and protections throughout the mining process.
Some miner’s rights and duties include:
- Effective health and safety training during normal working hours at the regular rate of pay.
- File or make a complaint of a safety or health violation to a federal or state agency, a mine operator, an operator’s agent or a miners’ representative.
- Have an inspection of the mine where there is belief that an imminent danger, or a violation of the Act or of a safety or health standard exists.
- Withdraw from the mine for not having the required health and safety training.
- Be paid during certain periods of time when a withdrawal order has closed a mine or part of a mine.
- Take part in proceedings under the Mine Act including testifying, assisting, or filing a complaint with the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.
- Comply with all federal and state laws, regulations, and your mine’s safety and health policies.
- Notify the operator when refusing to work in unsafe or unhealthy conditions(Miners’ Rights and Responsibilities, n.d.).
What’s one legal right you believe is essential for workers in the mining industry? Let’s discuss its importance!
