This historic British mining title refers to the official who physically inspected the underground workings every day. The underlooker checked ventilation, roof support, and general safety conditions before and during shifts. They served as the immediate subordinate to the viewer or manager, acting as their eyes and ears in the deep levels.
The underlooker flagged a buildup of firedamp in the lower bord, so nobody goes in until the brattice is fixed.
In older British coalfields, this role evolved into what later regulations officially called the underground manager or overman.
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.