§ 40-2-302. Reporting of an unsafe condition in coal mines -- Adverse action prohibited.

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this section, upon the office's receipt of information from a person of a possible unsafe condition in a coal mine located in Utah, the office may:

(a) notify the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration;

(b) notify another appropriate federal, state, or local government agency;

(c) contact the operator of the coal mine;

(d) refer the information to the council on a confidential basis; or

(e) take any other authorized action.

(2) The commission, council, or office may not disclose or otherwise make public the identity of a person who reports a possible unsafe condition in a coal mine located in Utah unless that person authorizes the commission, council, or office to disclose the person's identity.

(3) A coal mine operator may not take adverse action against a person because that person:

(a) reports an alleged unsafe mine condition; or

(b) testifies, assists, or participates in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this chapter.

Enacted by Chapter 113, 2008 General Session