Pilot Survey of Miners' Voice in the Workplace

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace
Implementation Mode: Telephone Interview
The following survey is the phone version. This version will be implemented by recruiting miners to call an 800
number to take the survey. Recruitment will be done through advertisements placed in local newspapers and
radio stations in a test market. This approach was recommended by the Technical Working Group for this
project.
The skip patterns for this version will be programmed into a Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI)
software program. Given that this version is being done over the phone, no visuals are possible or needed.
Thus, the script reflects what will be read to respondents who call the 800 number. Additionally, the wording
and format for some questions were altered to fit the phone implementation. Specifically, questions where
respondents are asked to “select all that apply” from a list of potential items were transferred into a set of
yes/no questions or an open-ended question where list items are coding options for the interviewer.
This document uses the following conventions:
Text that the interviewer will read, excluding actual question and response option wording, appears in
italics.
Instructions for CATI coding (e.g., skip patterns) appear in hard brackets (e.g., “*…+”).
Instructions for the interviewer (e.g., what to read, etc.) appear in curly brackets (“,…-”).
For questions 9-26 which ask whether miners are aware of, read, and would recommend specific MSHA
outreach materials, the interviewer may make minor adjustments for text flow. For example, from the second
item onward, the read-out text starts with “Next, I would like to ask about…”. Interviewers may vary from that
text to make the interview more conversational.
Finally, we have included refusal codes (coded as “99”) to allow respondents to refuse to answer specific
questions. This is necessary in a phone script.

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace
OMB Control No. xxxx-xxxx. Expires xx/xx/2014
Implementation Mode: Telephone Interview
This survey is estimated to take 25 minutes to complete.
[Interviewer introductory text]
First, your honest answers are very important. They will help MSHA promote safe work practices in mines.
Second, individual responses to these surveys will not be shared with any employer, union, government agency.
Your answers are voluntary, and the survey is expected to take about 25 minutes to complete. It has been
approved for use under Control Number 1219-XXXX. We could not conduct this survey without that
authorization. We will protect your privacy to the extent allowed by law. Please do not provide your name or
any other identifying information. If you have any questions about this survey, please call Eastern Research
Group, Inc. (ERG) at 1-877-xxx-xxxx. Do you have any questions before we begin? {IF YES – Refer to FAQ to
answer.}
SCREENING QUESTIONS
First I would like to ask you a few questions to see if you are eligible to take the survey. Please answer “yes” or
“no” to the following questions.

a) Do you work in coal mining or have you worked in coal mining in the last 2 years?
01 Yes
00 No

[Continue to b).]
[NOT ELIGIBLE text:] Thank you for your time. If you are not a current or recent coal
mining worker you do not need to complete the rest of the survey. {End survey.}
99 Refused
{End survey.}

b) Would you describe yourself as {Read options to respondent} (please select only one):
01 A Miner

[ELIGIBLE, continue to Questionnaire introductory text.]

02 A Front Line Supervisor or Foreman [ELIGIBLE, continue to Questionnaire introductory text.]
03 A Mine Manager

[NOT ELIGIBLE text:] Thank you for your time. If you are a mine
manager you do not need to complete the rest of the survey.
{End survey.}

99 Refused

{End survey.}

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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QUESTIONNAIRE
First, I would like to ask you a few questions about unions. After I read each statement to you, please
answer “yes” if the statement is true and “no” if it is not.
,Read question to respondent. Prompt with “yes” and “no” instructions if needed.-

1. I work in a union mine.
01
02
98
99

Yes
No
Don’t know
Refused

2. I belong to a union.
01 Yes
02 No
99 Refused

[Go to Question 4]
[Go to Question 3]

3. I belonged to a union within the last 2 years.
01 Yes
02 No
99 Refused

4. Now I would like to ask about your mine. After I read each statement, please tell me if you “strongly
agree,” “agree,” “are neutral,” “disagree,” or “strongly disagree.”
{Read statement to respondent. Prompt with response options if needed. Provide the following definition
for the statements that include the phrase “safety hazard.” In this survey, “safety hazard” means: A
condition or practice that, if not fixed, could cause a serious accident, injury, illness, or death. Provide the
following definition for statements that include the phrase “my mine.” In this survey, “my mine” means the
mine site where you work, or where you last worked.}
a. I trust my mine management to provide a safe workplace.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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b. My mine is a safe mine.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
c. If I point out a safety hazard, my mine management fixes the problem.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
d. I can point out a safety hazard without worrying about the consequences.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
e. If I could, I would leave my job to work at a different mine.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

Thank you! Next I would like to ask you about safety practices in your workplace. After I read each statement,
please answer “yes” if you agree or “no” if you do not.

5. ,Read question to respondent. Prompt for “yes” or “no” answer if needed.- I can tell my mine
management about a safety concern by using our:
a. Suggestion system
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
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b.

Regular meetings with supervisors
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

c. Hotline
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
d. Some other way?
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

What other way? ________________________________

6. ,Read question to respondent. Prompt for “yes” or “no” if needed.- My mine management gives me
information about my mine safety rights by:
a. Posting information on a bulletin board
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
b. Providing or paying for safety training
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
c. Holding regular meetings to discuss safety issues
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
d. Some other way?
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

What other way? ______________________________

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7. Now I would like to ask about mine safety rights. After I read each statement, please tell me if you “strongly
agree,” “agree,” “are neutral,” “disagree,” or “strongly disagree.”
{Read question to respondent. Prompt with agreement scale if needed.}
a. I know where to get information about my mine safety rights.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
b. I know enough about the Mine Act to recognize a violation when it happens.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

8. If I wanted to learn more about my mine safety rights, I would:
a. Ask a coworker.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
b. Ask my supervisor.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

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c. Ask someone in mine management.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
d. Ask the safety committee.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
e. Ask a miners’ representative.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
f.

Ask a union representative.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

g. Talk to a state or federal mine inspector.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

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h. Read a brochure or poster at my mine.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
i.

Visit the MSHA website.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

Now I’m going to ask you about materials created by MSHA to tell miners about their rights.
The first item is a 5” by 8” brochure called “A Guide to Miners' Rights and Responsibilities under the Federal
Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977”. The cover has the title and pictures of miners on a red, white, and blue
background.

9.

Have you seen this brochure?
01 Yes
02 No
[Go to question 12]
98 Don’t know
[Go to question 12]
99 Refused
[Go to question 12]

10. Have you read it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 12]
[Go to question 12]
[Go to question 12]

11. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 12]
[Go to question 12]
[Go to question 12]

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The next item is a pamphlet called “Miners’ Rights and Responsibilities.” It’s a white trifold pamphlet with the
Department of Labor seal and title on the front.

12. Have you seen this pamphlet?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]

13. Have you read it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]

14. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]
[Go to question 15]

The next item is a small folded card with “Miners’ Rights” on one side and the Department of Labor seal on the
other.

15. Have you seen this card?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]

16. Have you read it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]

17. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]
[Go to question 18]

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The next item is MSHA’s “One Call Does it All” telephone hotline.

18. Have you heard of this hotline?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]

19. Have you called it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]

20. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]
[Go to question 21]

The next item is the MSHA.gov website.

21. Have you seen this website?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]

22. Have you visited it to find information?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]

23. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]
[Go to question 24]

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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The last item is MSHA’s “Miners Rights Poster.” This is an 11” by 17” wall poster with a blue and red
background. The title and text are in white type, and it includes pictures of miners in lower right corner.

24. Have you seen this poster?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]

25. Have you read it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]

26. Would you recommend it?
01 Yes
02 No
98 Don’t know
99 Refused

[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]
[Go to question 27]

Thank you. Now I would like to ask about your knowledge of your rights under the Mine Safety and Health Act.
This is not a test. Your honest answers will help MSHA know how to tell miners about their rights.

27. After I read each statement, please say “Yes” if you were fully aware of the right before taking this survey.
“Fully aware” means you already knew about the right and would not need to ask anyone. Please say “No”
if you were not fully aware of the right.
{Read each statement to the respondent. Prompt, if needed, by asking if they were fully aware of the right
(“Yes”) or not fully aware of the right (“No”) before hearing you read the statement. If respondent says
“not sure” then code as “No”}
a. Make a complaint about a possible danger or safety violation to my mine management.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
b. Tell MSHA or a state agency about a possible safety hazard.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

B-11

c. Choose a representative to participate in all aspects of a mine inspection.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
d. Get an X-ray for signs of Black Lung, paid for by my employer.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
e. Ask to transfer to a less dusty job if I am diagnosed with Black Lung.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
f.

Refuse to operate equipment I am not trained to use, and tell my supervisor.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

g. Refuse to work in conditions I believe to be unsafe.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused
h. Complain to MSHA if I have been retaliated against for exercising my rights under the Mine Act.
01
Yes
02
No
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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This time, please tell me how comfortable you would feel in exercising these rights at your current workplace.
“Comfortable” means that you could exercise the right without fear of retaliation or negative consequences.

28. At my mine, I would feel comfortable:
,Read each statement to the miner. Ask if they “strongly agree,” “agree,” “are neutral,” “disagree,” or
“strongly disagree” that they would feel comfortable exercising the right.a. Making a complaint about a possible danger or safety violation to my mine management.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
b. Telling MSHA or a state agency about a possible safety hazard.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
c. Choosing a representative to participate in all aspect of a mine inspection.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
d. Getting an X-ray for signs of Black Lung, paid for by my employer.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

B-13

e. Asking to transfer to a less dusty job if I am diagnosed with Black Lung.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
f.

Refusing to operate equipment I am not trained to use, and telling my supervisor.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

g. Refusing to work in conditions I believe to be unsafe.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
h. Complaining to MSHA if I have been retaliated against for exercising my rights under the Mine Act.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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Now I would like to ask how you would respond to a safety hazard. In this survey, “safety hazard” means a
condition or practice that, if not fixed, could cause a serious accident, injury, illness, or death.

29. If I saw a safety hazard, I would:
{Read each statement to the respondent and ask if they strongly agree,” “agree,” “are neutral,” “disagree,” or
“strongly disagree” that they would take that action if they saw a hazard.}
a. Fix the hazard myself.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
b. Tell someone outside the mine.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
c. Tell a coworker.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
d. Tell a union representative.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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e. Tell a miner’s representative.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
f.

Tell my supervisor.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

g. Tell my mine management.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
h. Tell the mine inspector next time they come to the mine.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
i.

Call MSHA’s hotline.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

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j.

Call MSHA’s field or district office.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

k. Tell a state agency.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
l.

Not say anything.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

m. Would you do something else that is not included on this list?
01
Yes
What would you do? ________________________________
02
No
99
Refused

Now I would like to ask about the last safety hazard you saw in your workplace. Just as a reminder, in this
survey, “safety hazard” means a condition or practice that, if not fixed, could cause a serious accident, injury,
illness, or death.

30. The last time I saw a safety hazard, I told someone at my mine or a Federal or state agency.
01
02
03
99

Yes
No
I have never seen a safety hazard.
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

[Go to question 32]
[Go to question 31]
[Go to question 38]

B-17

31. I did not tell anyone about the safety hazard because: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use
as a guide to code responses. Allow respondent to provide as many reasons as needed. After each reason,
ask respondent: Are there any other reasons that caused you to decide not to report the hazard?}
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
99

Someone else told before I had the chance.
The hazard was fixed before I could tell anyone.
The hazard was going to be fixed whether I told someone or not.
I didn’t know who to tell.
I didn’t know how to tell someone.
I was concerned about being treated differently by mine management.
I was concerned about being treated differently by my supervisor.
I was concerned about being treated differently by peers or coworkers.
I was concerned that it might close part of the production area and cost time off the job.
Some other reason.
What is that reason? ________________________________
Refused
[Go to question 38]

32. I told: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use as a guide to code responses. Allow respondent
to provide as many reasons as needed. After each reason, ask respondent: Did you tell anyone else about
the hazard?}
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
99

Someone outside the mine.
A coworker.
My supervisor.
Some other supervisor or person in a position of authority.
A union representative.
A miner’s representative.
A mine inspector.
MSHA field or district office.
MSHA hotline.
State government agency.
Someone else.
Who else? ________________________________
Refused

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33. After I reported the hazard: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use as a guide to code
responses. Allow respondent to provide as many reasons as needed. After each reason, ask respondent:
Did anything else happen?}
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
99

I’m not sure what happened.
The hazard was fixed.
The hazard was not fixed.
Someone was injured.
That section of the mine was temporarily closed.
The mine operator got a citation for a safety violation.
Something else.
What else happened? ________________________________
Refused

34. After I reported this hazard, I felt some negative reactions from my coworkers.
01 Yes
00 No
99 Refused

[Go to question 35]
[Go to question 36]
[Go to question 36]

35. The negative reaction from my coworkers included: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use as
a guide to code responses. Allow respondent to provide as many reasons as needed. After each reason, ask
respondent: Are there any other ways that your coworkers treated you differently after you reported the
hazard?}
01
02
03
04
05
06
99

“Silent treatment”.
Left out of social get-togethers outside of work.
Lost friendships.
Criticism or teasing.
Mild threats.
Some other reaction. What was the reaction? ________________________________
Refused

36. After I reported this hazard, I felt some negative reaction from management:
01 Yes
00 No
99 Refused

[Go to question 37]
[Go to question 38]
[Go to question 38]

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

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37. The negative reaction from management included: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use as
a guide to code responses. Allow respondent to provide as many reasons as needed. After each reason, ask
respondent: Did management take any other actions against you?}
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
99

Lost my job.
Lost work hours.
Lost “perks” (such as time off for personal matters, use of company vehicle, etc.).
Transfer to a worse job.
Reassignment to another shift, or rotated between shifts.
Lost pay, or had pay cut due to work reassignment.
Lower raise or lower bonus than expected.
More frequent on-the-job discipline or criticism.
Unexpected drug/alcohol test.
Some other reaction.
What was the reaction? _______________________________
Refused

38. Now, please tell me if you “strongly agree,” “agree,” “are neutral,” “disagree,” or “strongly disagree.” I
trust MSHA to: ,Read each statement to the respondent and ask if they strongly agree,” “agree,” “are
neutral,” “disagree,” or “strongly disagree” that they would take that action if they see a hazard.}
a. Stand up for my rights as a miner.
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused
b. Keep what I tell them confidential (not tell my employer).
01
Strongly agree
02
Agree
03
Neutral
04
Disagree
05
Strongly disagree
99
Refused

National Survey of Miners’ Voice in the Workplace – Phone

B-20

39. In the past two years, I had at least one mining-related injury or illness that needed medical attention
beyond first aid.
01
Yes
00
No
98
Don’t know
99
Refused

[Go to question 40]
[Go to question 42]
[Go to question 42]
[Go to question 42]

40. I told my mine management about the last injury or illness that I had that needed medical attention.
01
00
99

Yes
No
Refused

[Go to question 42]
[Go to question 41]
[Go to question 42]

41. I did not report the injury or illness because I did not want to: {Do not read the following list to
respondents, use as a guide to code responses. Allow respondent to provide as many reasons as needed.
After each reason, ask respondent: Are there any other reasons that caused you to decide not to report the
injury or illness?}
01 Lose a bonus or prize for myself.
02 Lose a bonus or prize for coworkers.
03 Face discipline or criticism.
04 Face a drug/alcohol test.
05 Break the mine’s record for low numbers of reportable or lost-time accidents.
06 Be seen as an accident-prone or careless worker.
07 Go through a workers’ compensation investigation.
08 Other reason.
What was the reason? ___________________________________
99 Refused

42. On a scale from “1” which means “not free at all” to “5” which means “extremely free” to exercise your
rights, how free do you feel to exercise you rights in your mine without fear of retaliation?
01 Not free at all.
02
03
04
05 Extremely free.
99 Refused

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B-21

To finish this survey, please tell us a little more about you and your mine. We do not ask for your name. We will
protect your privacy to the greatest extent allowable by law.

43. What is the name of the mine you currently work in?
________________________Mine Name
01 I don’t know.
02 I do not want to name my mine.
99 Refused

[Go to question 56]
[Go to question 44]
[Go to question 44]

44. I work in: {Read options to respondent, check only one.}
01 Underground - Coal
02 Surface - Coal
99 Refused

45. I work for a contractor.
01
Yes
00
No
99 Refused

46. My job title is: {Do not read the following list to respondents, use as a guide to code responses. Confirm
response with respondent if unsure of which option to choose.}
01 Beltman/Boom Operator
02 Car Dump/Grizzly/Screen
03 Cleanup/Ventilation
04 Electrician
05 Haul, Dump
06 Hoist/Cage/Skip
07 Laborer
08 Loading Machine Operator
09 Mechanic/Maintenance
10 Mining Machine Operator
11 Powderman/Blaster
12 Rail Transportation And Hauling
13 Rock/Roof Bolter
14 Supervisor/Foreman
15 Technical/Professional/Clerical
16 Timberman/Jacksetter
17 Truck Driver
18 Welder/Machinist
19 Other Please describe: ________________________________
99 Refused

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47. Every year, my mine produces:
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
98
99

Less than 50,000 tons of coal
50,000 – 100,000 tons of coal
100,000 – 250,000 tons of coal
250,000 – 500,000 tons of coal
500,000 – 750,000 tons of coal
750,000 – 1,000,000 tons of coal
1,000,000 or more tons of coal
Don’t know
Refused

48. The total number of workers at my mine is:
01
02
03
04
05
06
98
99

1 to 9
10 to 19
20 to 34
35 to 99
100 to 249
250 or more
Don’t know
Refused

49. The total number of workers at all mine sites managed by my mine company is:
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
98
99

1 to 19
20 to 99
100 to 249
250 to 500
500 to 1,000
1,000 to 3,000
3,000 or more
Don’t know
Refused

For the next three questions, please tell us how many years…

50. I have worked for my current employer:
___years
99 Refused

51. I have worked at my current location?
___years
99 Refused
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52. I have worked with my current supervisor or foreman?
___years
99 Refused

53. The highest level of education that I have completed is: {Read options to respondent}
01
02
03
04
05
06
99

Some High School
High School degree or GED
Associates degree
Trade, technical, or vocational education
College degree
Postgraduate degree
Refused

54. Are you, yourself, of Hispanic or Latino origin or descent, such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or other
Spanish background?
01 Yes, I am of Hispanic or Latino origin or descent.
02 No, I am not of Hispanic or Latino origin or descent.
99 Refused

55. What is your race? (Please select one or more.)
01
02
03
04
05
99

American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White
Refused

56. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your freedom to exercise your rights in your
workplace? {Record response verbatim. Remind respondent not to provide name or identifying
information.}

Thank you! The results of this survey will help MSHA give coal miner’s better information about their rights. To
report a safety or other problem, call MSHA’s hotline at 1-800-746-1553. If you have any questions about this
survey, please call ERG at 1-877-xxx-xxxx.

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FAQ
Who is Eastern Research Group?
ERG is a private consulting firm (website: www.erg.com) hired by the Department of Labor to conduct this
survey. ERG will keep all information provided in this survey anonymous. No names will be collected and no
other identifying information will ever be provided to anyone – including the Department of Labor and MSHA.
Do you have approval to conduct this survey?
Yes. This survey has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget, the approval (OMB control
number) is XXXX-XXXX. Without this approval we would not be able to conduct this survey.
Who is conducting this study?
The study is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor hired Eastern
Research Group of Lexington, MA to conduct this survey to provide information for the study.
Will MSHA or my employer know I participated in the survey?
No, no one outside of ERG will see the information collected under this survey. No names will be collected and
no other identifying information will ever be provided to anyone – including the Department of Labor and
MSHA. Your confidentiality will be protected to the extent allowable by law. Also, you have the right to
participate in this survey without discouragement or retaliation from your employer, if your employer or their
representative is pressuring you not to participate in survey efforts, please call MSHA’s hotline at 1-800-7461553.
I’m unhappy with my employer/I would like to report a problem at my workplace?
Please call MSHA’s hotline at 1-800-746-1553 to discuss this issue – they will be able to provide you with
assistance.
What happens if I don’t participate in the survey?
Your participation is completely voluntary and you have the right to decide not to participate. If you choose to
participate, your answers will help the Department of Labor improve the information provided to miners.
There are no right or wrong answers: we are interested in your experiences and opinions.
I’m not interested in participating.
Let me reassure you that we are not selling anything. The questions are designed to help the Department of
Labor improve the information they provide to miners about their rights. There are no right or wrong answers:
we are interested in your experiences and opinions. If you participate, your answers will be combined with
those of others and your name will never be included in any report.
How long will this take?
It varies, but it usually takes around 25 minutes.

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