Each coal mine operator shall provide every new employee with the opportunity for 8 hours of first-aid training as prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources within 6 months of the date of his employment. Each coal mine employee shall be provided with an opportunity for refresher first-aid training of not less than 4 hours within each 24 months of employment. The employee shall be paid regular wages, or overtime pay if applicable, for all periods of first-aid training.