A maintenance miner who works primarily on the back shift or night shift to prepare the mine for the main production crews. Their duties include repairing damaged track, replacing broken timber or roof bolts, clearing small rock falls, and ensuring that haulage routes and airways remain open and safe. They handle the essential upkeep that cannot be done while heavy production traffic is moving.
The heavy equipment tore up the track at the junction, so send a shifter down there tonight to replace the ties.
Related terms
Wasteman
A historic colliery worker tasked with inspecting and maintaining the abandoned areas of a mine.
Stoneman
A specialized miner tasked with excavating through hard rock rather than the coal seam.
Timber drawer
A specialized miner tasked with safely removing wooden support props to allow the roof to collapse.