§22A-1-1. Continuation of the office of miners' health, safety and training; purpose.

(a) The office of miners' health, safety and training is continued and is a separate office within the Department of Commerce, labor and environmental resources. The office shall be administered, in accordance with the provisions of this article, under the supervision and direction of the director of the office of miners' health, safety and training.

(b) The division of health, safety and training shall have as its purpose the supervision of the execution and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and, in carrying out the aforesaid purposes, it shall give prime consideration to the protection of the safety and health of persons employed within or at the mines of this state. In addition, the division shall, consistent with the aforesaid prime consideration, protect and preserve mining property and property used in connection therewith.