In a decision applauded as a victory for miners' rights, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit rejected an appeal by Cordero Mining LLC of Gillette, Wyo., in a worker discrimination case. The worker, a shovel operator with 28 years of experience as a miner, filed a complaint with the Mine Safety and Health Administration in May 2010, claiming she was terminated in retaliation for her repeated safety complaints.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is making good on MSHA head Joseph A. Main’s vow to “vigorously investigate” all discrimination complaints.

Stepped-up efforts by the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to educate miners about their safety and health rights, investigate discrimination complaints,and take legal action have led to a marked increase in the number of miners temporarily reinstated to their jobs after filing complaints of discrimination in the form of a suspension, layoff, discharge or other adverse action.

The number one concern of small business HR Departments (small businesses typically employing 10-500 workers) is exposure to workplace litigation risks not being addressed.