Supervisor Responsibilities

Within a mine, a supervisor's actions directly affect worker attitudes about safety. A supervisor must encourage safe behavior and set an example for his or her workers. Within the MSHA regulations, the term "agent of the company" refers to any person charged with responsibility of all or part of a mine, as well as someone who directs the workforce. A supervisor falls under this category.

Supervisors have a legal responsibility to uphold and enforce mining regulations and can be charged with civil or criminal penalties for abusing these regulations. Miners must be sure to obey any rules or regulations set by the supervisor, as the supervisor is typically the most competent person within the mine work site.

Supervisors and other responsible persons must take appropriate action to address safety and health issues and concerns at a mine site. The following regulations are applicable:

• Supervisors are prohibited from interfering with or hindering any investigation or inspection carried out under the Mine Act.
• Supervisors must admit an authorized representative (such as an MSHA investigator or inspector) onto a coal or metal or nonmetal mine for the purpose of carrying out an investigation or inspection.
• Supervisors must allow access to and copying of any documentation that an authorized representative requests during an investigation or inspection.

Familiarity with Code Violations

Directors, officers, and agents of a mining corporation have additional responsibilities under Section 110(c) of the Mine Act:

• They may not knowingly authorize, order, or carry out a violation of a mandatory health and safety standard.
• They may not knowingly violate or refuse to comply with any order issued by or incorporated in a final decision under the Mine Act.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in civil penalties, fines, and imprisonment.

To learn more about MSHA Part 48 training requirements visit our MSHA Part 48 Subpart B Surface Mining Online Training web page.