Mining Clothing

Before the beginning of his or her shift, which usually lasts 10 hours, the miner reports to the dry or change house. Street clothes are exchanged for work clothes and then there is time to chat with friends while waiting for the cage to go underground.

Warm underclothes, a pair of overalls that are lightweight but strong, steel-toed rubber boots, and gloves are standard work wear. The miner straps a heavy safety belt around the waist to support a battery pack for a head lamp. A hard hat is worn, to which the lamp is attached.

The miner also wears safety glasses, and ear plugs or ear muffs for protection from excessive noise. If the mine is wet, the miner will wear a set of waterproof outer clothing often referred to as oilers.