W. Va. Code § 22A-2-55a
All surface mine employees shall be required to wear safety helmets when working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns: Provided, That such employees shall not be required to wear such safety helmet while operating machinery equipped with a falling object protective structure which satisfies the impact and penetration requirements established by the American National Standards Institute, Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection, Standard Z89.1, unless the director finds that the dangers set forth herein may be present: Provided, however, That such employees shall be required to wear safety helmets while not operating such equipment including period of travel to and from such equipment.
The safety helmets required hereunder shall meet the specifications for such helmets as prescribed by the mine health and safety administration.
W. Va. Code § 22A-2-55a