Suit Up and Get Paid: The Hidden Wages of PPE Time for Miners

Donning and doffing is work—and it’s time to demand your pay.

In the mining industry, safety is non-negotiable. Every shift begins and ends with putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE)—helmets, gloves, respirators, boots, and more. But did you know that this time, known as “donning and doffing,” is considered paid work under federal law? If your employer isn’t compensating you for this essential part of your job, you may be losing out on wages you’ve rightfully earned.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay workers for time spent performing activities that are “integral and indispensable” to their primary job duties. For miners, donning and doffing PPE is not optional—it’s a mandatory safety requirement that directly enables you to do your job. Courts have consistently ruled that this time counts as compensable work. For example, in key cases across industries like manufacturing and mining, workers have successfully recovered unpaid wages after proving that donning and doffing PPE was integral to their work.

If you’re spending 15 to 45 minutes each shift suiting up and closing down, that time adds up quickly. Over the course of weeks, months, or even years, those unpaid minutes could amount to hundreds or thousands of dollars in back pay. The law is on your side: you have the right to pursue compensation for this time, and under the FLSA, you may also be eligible for double damages if your employer violated wage laws.

To get started, track how much time you spend on donning and doffing PPE each day. Keep detailed records, including the type of gear you wear and the time it takes to put on and remove it. Compare this with your paycheck to identify any unpaid time. If you suspect wage violations, legal action may be necessary to recover what you’re owed.

Don’t let your employer undervalue your time and safety. Contact Kennedy Law Firm today for a free case review.