Browman

nounStandard termMining

The surface worker stationed at the top of a mine shaft to manage the loading and unloading of cages.

The browman controls the flow of personnel, empty tubs, and loaded ore cars at the surface entrance of the shaft. They coordinate directly with the hoist operator and the bottomer to ensure cages are safely secured before anyone steps on or off. This role requires strict attention to signaling protocols to prevent fatal falls or hoisting accidents.

Heard on the job

Wait for the browman to ring the bell before you try to pull that empty tub off the cage.