A traditional colliery worker whose pay was based on a daily rate (oncost) rather than a piece-rate system tied to production volume. These workers handled essential maintenance, ventilation, and transport tasks that kept the mine running but did not directly produce coal.
Heard on the job
The oncostman spent his shift repairing the ventilation brattice in the main return.
Also heard as
- dataler
- day-wage man
Related terms
Stoneman
A specialized miner tasked with excavating through hard rock rather than the coal seam.
Wasteman
A historic colliery worker tasked with inspecting and maintaining the abandoned areas of a mine.
Shifter
A mine worker responsible for repairing haulage roads, clearing debris, and maintaining ventilation pathways.