(a) If an operator fails to discharge its insurance obligations
under the Act, the provisions of subpart D of part 726 of this
subchapter shall apply.
(b) Any employer who knowingly transfers, sells, encumbers,
assigns, or in any manner disposes of, conceals, secrets, or destroys
any property belonging to such employer, after one of its employees has
been injured within the purview of the Act, and with intent to avoid
the payment of benefits under the Act to such miner or his or her
dependents, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by
imprisonment for not more than one year, or by both. In any case where
such employer is a corporation, the president, secretary, and treasurer
thereof shall be also severally liable for such penalty or imprisonment
as well as jointly liable with such corporation for such fine.
(c) No agreement by a miner to pay any portion of a premium paid to
a carrier by such miner's employer or to contribute to a benefit fund
or department maintained by such employer for the purpose of providing
benefits or medical services and supplies as required by this part
shall be valid; and any employer who makes a deduction for such purpose
from the pay of a miner entitled to benefits under the Act shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished
by a fine of not more than $1,000.
(d) No agreement by a miner to waive his or her right to benefits
under the Act and the provisions of this part shall be valid.
(e) This section shall not affect any other liability of the
employer under this part.
