(1) All commercial coal mines shall employ a certified mine foreman therein to properly carry out the plans and rules when approved by the commissioner of the department and to be responsible for compliance with the provisions of KRS Chapter 351 and this chapter.
(2) When the mine workings become so extensive that the mine foreman is unable personally to carry out the duties required of him by law, the operator, superintendent, or mine manager shall employ a sufficient number of persons holding suitable certificates of qualifications to act as assistants to the mine foreman, and under his instructions.