Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908
Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908
The Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1908 altered working conditions in coal mines. The legislation introduced limits to the hours that workers could be underground. For most workers in the coal industry this was a period of 8 hours per day underground as a maximum. Times upon which miners had gone underground were to be posted at the mine head so that conformity with the legislation was highly visible. Managers of the mines were required to establish a pattern of shifts that ensured that the limits could not be exceeded. These requirements were subject to inspection. Mine owners had the right to take any concerns about inspectors findings to the local courts who would rule on their practises.
There were some exemptions to the rule. Repair crews were permitted to enter the mine on a Saturday evening if they had a gap of 8 hours since their previous shift. This overcame other legislation about working on Sundays. Other exemptions related to work in the aftermath of an accident or emergency. Some workers hours were set down at slightly higher hours.
The legislation improved working conditions for miners and reduced the risk of accidents being caused by exhaustion. The text of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908, is available here.
British History – Liberal Reforms – Homepage
Trade Disputes Act 1906 Workmens Compensation Act 1906 Merchant Shipping Act 1906
Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906 Education (Administrative Provisions) Act 1907 Matrimonial Causes Act 1907
Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908 Children’s and Young Persons Act (Children’s Charter) 1908 Old Age Pensions Act 1908
Labour Exchange Act 1909 Trade Board Act 1909 Housing and Town Planning Act 1909
National Insurance Act 1911 Shops Act 1911 Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act 1912
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