Missouri Revised Statutes Title XVIII. Labor and Industrial Relations § 293.450. Coal miners to be brought to surface for lunch period of hour, penalty

1. On and after the passage and taking effect of this section all owners, lessees and operators of any coal mine in this state, the work of which is located below the surface of the ground, entrance to which is had by any shaft, cut or tunnel, shall allow the laborers and miners in the several mines to come to the surface of the ground for the purpose of eating their noonday meal or any other meal for which, under the rules of any mine a time is set apart; and that at least one hour shall be allowed any miner or laborer for that purpose, and for rest after he reaches the surface of the ground, and before reentering into any mine where he may be engaged as laborer or miner. Also, that the owner, lessee or operator of any coal mine in this state is hereby required to run his cage or hoisting apparatus to the surface of the ground for the purpose of carrying any such miner or laborer, who may be going to or returning from any such aforementioned meal and rest, free of cost to any such miner or laborer.

2. Any owner, lessee or operator of any coal mine in this state who shall fail or refuse to carry out any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not less than one dollar nor more than twenty-five dollars; and each failure or refusal shall constitute a separate offense.