1. Whenever the inspectors of mines receive a complaint in writing, signed by one or more persons, employed in a mine, or the certified collective bargaining agent of the employees, setting forth that the mine in which he is employed is being operated contrary to law, and is dangerous in any respect to the health or lives of those employed therein, the inspector must examine such mine as soon as possible. The names of the persons making such complaint shall not, under any circumstances, be divulged to any person by said inspector except such action be necessary in the administration of justice in the courts of the state; provided, however, that such complaint shall in all cases set forth the alleged violation of law observed, the nature of the danger existing at the mine, and shall distinctly set forth whether or not any notice of such defect or danger has been given by the complainants, or anyone else, to their knowledge to the superintendent or other person in charge of the mine.

2. If, after such inspection, the inspector finds the conditions, in his opinion, dangerous to the health and lives of those employed in such mine, he shall serve a notice in writing, setting forth fully the facts upon which his opinion is based, upon the operator or any person having charge of such mine, and shall thereafter take such steps to remedy such danger and to compel compliance with the provisions of this chapter, as the inspector could take in any case arising under section 293.660.

3. It shall be the duty of the inspector to forward every such original complaint, so received, to the division of mine inspection, where it shall be indexed and filed among the official papers of the said division.