Study of whistleblower protections. -- The Board of Coal Mine Health and Safety is directed to conduct a study of the need to expand protections for whistleblowers and other miners who refuse to work in situations they perceive as unsafe in underground mines. The board shall study the benefits and appropriateness of requiring additional protections that will encourage miners to withdrawal from and report unsafe working conditions. The board shall investigate whether any pattern of retribution exists against these persons and, if so, make recommendations to the Legislature regarding implementing additional protections. The board shall report to the Legislature's Joint Committee on Government and Finance by December 31, 2011, with recommendations regarding whether it is appropriate to implement any additional protections.