Suiting Up and Closing Down: Why Mining Companies Owe You More Than You Think

The overlooked minutes that could add up to thousands in unpaid wages.

Every shift, miners suit up in personal protective equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves in dangerous working conditions. This process isn’t just routine—it’s essential. But did you know that the time spent putting on and taking off PPE might be time for which you’re owed wages? Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), these minutes count as compensable work, and mining companies are legally required to pay for them.

The FLSA recognizes activities as “integral and indispensable” when they are necessary to perform your job safely and effectively. In mining, PPE isn’t optional; it’s a requirement. Helmets, gloves, boots, respirators, and other protective gear are crucial for keeping miners safe in hazardous environments. If suiting up and closing down is mandatory, then the time you spend on those tasks qualifies as part of your workday. Failing to compensate for it isn’t just unfair—it’s a violation of federal law.

So how much could this unpaid time really add up to? Consider this: even if putting on and removing PPE takes just 30 minutes per shift, that adds up to over 2.5 hours of unpaid work each week. Multiply that by weeks, months, or even years, and you’re looking at thousands of dollars in wages you’ve earned but never received. If you’re paid overtime, these minutes could also push you into higher compensation brackets, entitling you to even more back pay.

We are leading the country and representing workers who are not paid their fair wages and would love to hear your questions.  Miners across the country are speaking up to write this wrong, and recover their back wages going back three years.

If you think you’ve been shortchanged, start by keeping track of how long it takes you to suit up and close down. Record the time spent daily and calculate it against your hourly wage. It’s important to remember that mining companies may not willingly disclose their liability, so pursuing your claim with legal help is often necessary to recover what you’re owed.

Protecting your rights as a worker is just as important as protecting your safety on the job. Contact Kennedy Law Firm today for a free case review.