In older coal mining operations, a headsman was the senior member of a hauling team responsible for moving loaded tubs or corves of coal away from the active face. They often worked in tandem with a younger or less experienced worker, known as a foal, to push or drag the heavy loads through low, narrow passages to the horseways.
The headsman and his foal struggled to get the loaded tub up the incline before the end of the shift.
This is a legacy term from the era of manual coal hauling, long since replaced by conveyors and mechanical haulage.
Also heard as
- Hod boy
Related terms
Foal
A historic term for a young boy who assisted older workers in moving coal tubs.
Putter
A historic mine worker who pushed loaded coal tubs from the face to the main haulage road.
Barrowman
An underground worker responsible for pushing tubs or carts of extracted material.
Hurrier
A historic occupation for a person who dragged tubs of coal from the working face to the shaft.