A. Any person aware of a violation of this Act may report the violation to a mine inspector or to any other employee of the Department, in person, in writing, or by telephone call, at the mine, at an office of the Department or at the mine inspector's residence.

B. The operator of every mine, or his agent, shall deliver a copy of this Act to every miner upon the commencement of his employment at the mine, unless the miner is already in possession of a copy.

C. The operator of every mine, or his agent, shall display on a sign placed at the mine office, at the bath house, and on a bulletin board at the mine site, a notice containing the office and home telephone numbers of mine inspectors and other Department personnel, and office addresses, which may be used to report any violation of this Act.

D. The Department shall keep a record, on a form prepared for such purpose, of every alleged violation of this Act which is reported and the results of any investigation. The Department shall give a copy of the complaint form, with the identity of the person making the report, and any individuals identified in the alleged violation being omitted or deleted, to the operator of the mine or his agent. The Department shall not disclose the identity of any person who reports an alleged violation to the owner or operator of the mine or his agent, or to any other person or entity. Information regarding the identity of the person reporting the violation shall be excluded from access under the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (§ 2.2-3700 et seq.).

1994, c. 28; 2005, c. 3.