A historic supervisory role in British coal mining denoting a senior overman who held authority over multiple districts or subordinate overmen. The fore-overman was responsible for the overall daily production and safety of a large section of the pit, reporting directly to the underviewer or mine manager.
Heard on the job
The fore-overman ordered the men out of the east district after the deputies reported a massive spike in firedamp.
Related terms
Underviewer
An assistant manager who directs a colliery when the chief manager is absent.
Viewer
The chief manager or engineer of a colliery who oversees all operations and ventilation plans.
Deputy
A supervisory coal miner responsible for the safety, ventilation, and roof support of a specific district.