Mining helpline - every report is investigated

The mining helpline has been operating at the State Mining Authority since 2011, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It enables employees to report any irregularities or hazardous incidents that may threaten their health, life or safety at work by calling (+48) 32 736 19 47.

In addition to the telephone line, reports may also be submitted via the SMA’s e-mail address: bhp.uwagi@wug.gov.pl, or by traditional post sent to the Authority’s office. Reports may be submitted anonymously. In most cases, reports of irregularities are investigated by inspectors of the Authority; in other cases, they are referred to other authorised institutions, such as the National Labour Inspectorate. Where justified, following inspections, the mining supervisory authority may issue decisions, for example suspending part of a plant’s operations or ordering the rectification of irregularities.

In 2025, the State Mining Authority received a total of 100 reports, including 79 concerning irregularities in the safety of mining operations. Of these, 16 were confirmed as justified, while 3 are still under investigation. In comparison, 72 reports were received in 2024 (10 confirmed), 53 in 2023 (15 confirmed), 70 in 2022 (27 confirmed), and 87 in 2021 (26 confirmed).

In 2025, the most frequently reported irregularities in the operation of mining plants concerned:

• exceeding permissible temperature limits (14 cases; 1 confirmed),
• the improper condition of machinery and equipment, including the incorrect operation of mining machinery (5 cases; 1 confirmed),
• methane hazards, including faulty methane detectors (4 cases; 1 confirmed),
• illegal operations (4 cases; none confirmed),
• the use of unsafe working methods (3 cases; 2 confirmed),
• the improper condition of powered supports (3 cases; 2 confirmed),
• non-compliance with regulations (3 cases; 2 confirmed),
• the application of incorrect accident response procedures (3 cases; 1 confirmed),
• breaches of working time regulations (3 cases; 1 confirmed),
• the effects of tremors on the surface (3 cases; none confirmed),
• lack of order and cleanliness in the workplace (2 cases; 1 confirmed),
• exceeding noise and dust exposure limits, including those generated by mechanical coal processing equipment (2 cases; none confirmed),
• exceeding permissible concentrations of mine gases (2 cases; none confirmed),
• malfunctioning of the mine rescue station (2 cases; none confirmed).

Other reports concerned, among other matters, theft of mining plant property, the poor condition of sanitary facilities, and requiring employees to perform tasks outside the scope of their duties.

Between 2021 and 2025, the State Mining Authority received a total of 361 reports concerning irregularities in the operation of mining plants, of which 94 were confirmed by mining supervision inspectors. This means that approximately one in four reports proved to be justified, confirming that the helpline fulfils its purpose and facilitates the detection of breaches of health and safety regulations in mining.

All reports concerning irregularities in the operation of mining plants are examined without delay. Cases falling outside the competence of the President of the SMA are referred to the appropriate institutions.