At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- State the definition of the line of authority
- Identify your main responsibilities as a miner
- Describe the responsibilities of supervisors
- Describe the responsibilities of safety personnel
- Describe the responsibilities of miners' representatives
- Describe the responsibilities of mine operators
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is the 'line of authority'?
The line of authority at your mine is the formal chain of command supported by job roles, shift responsibilities, and communication protocols as established by the mine operator.
How and when should you learn about your mine's line of authority?
During training and orientation, your supervisor or the mine operator should provide you with information on the mine's organizational structure, policies, and procedures as they pertain to your specific role.
Where does the line of authority begin?
The true line of authority begins with the individual miner. It is your right and responsibility to act on the behalf of your own health and safety with consideration to everyone else at the jobsite.
Why is it important to understand a mine's line of authority?
In addition to MSHA's requirement that miners receive training on the line of authority at their mine, it's important to know who to contact and individual responsibilities regarding safety concerns and emergencies.
What is unique about the responsibilities of a miners' representative?
A miners' representative helps facilitate independent communication between federal authorities and individual miners.
What limits do mine operators have with regard to granting access to their mine sites?
Mine operators have the authority to limit access to their site, with the exception of inspection and other authorized personnel.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
The true line of authority begins with the individual miner. It is your right and responsibility to act on the behalf of your own health and safety, with consideration to everyone else at the job site. Therefore, it is your responsibility to: work safely, following established health and safety standards or decline to work in unsafe conditions as appropriate, maintain a safe working area and recognize and report health and safety concerns or request an inspection of unsafe conditions.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- US Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) – www.msha.gov
- MSHA Title 30 Codes - http://arlweb.msha.gov/REGS/30cfr/
- US Government Publishing Office (GPO) – www.ecfr.gov
- GPO Part 45 Electronic Code - http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=0610a06bf5fda61adf7f713b1b94fec0&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title30/30cfr46_main_02.tpl
- GPO New Miner Training - http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f329d54bc2e608e7878a535fed031129&mc=true&node=se30.1.46_15&rgn=div8