44Government officials to consult with mine safety and health representatives

44 Government officials to consult with mine safety and health representatives

44 Government officials to consult with mine safety and health representatives

(1) A government official who proposes to inspect a coal mine in connection with any matter that may affect the health and safety of workers at the mine must (if it is reasonably practicable to do so)—

(a) consult regarding the proposed inspection with—

(i) a site safety and health representative for the coal mine, and

(ii) an electrical safety and health representative for the coal mine, if the matter relates to electrical installations and electrical equipment and any issues and risks arising from their use, and

(b) permit each such mine safety and health representative to accompany the government official on the inspection.

(2) A failure by a government official to comply with this section does not affect the exercise of any function by the government official.