Bulldozer Operator, Universal Operator, Heavy Equipment Operator, Operating Engineer fatality

March 20, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Vortex Mine · Blue Ice Sapphire Mining, Inc. · Judith Basin County, MT

Investigator narrative

This accident has already been investigated by MSHA. The victim was found approximately 250 feet inside the mine. He was working alone and had been struck by a fall of rib.

Record details

Classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Accident type: Struck by falling object
Activity at time: Unknown
Subunit / location: UNDERGROUND
Source of injury: CAVING ROCK,COAL,ORE,WSTE
Nature of injury: MULTIPLE INJURIES
Total mining experience: 25 years
Experience at this mine: 2 years
Experience in this job: 2 years
Mine type: Surface
Sector: Metal/Nonmetal

Similar incidents in MSHA records· same classification: FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL

February 28, 2025 · Marfork Coal Company, LLC · WV · Bull Gang Foreman, Labor Foreman, Leadman, Section Foreman, Shift Boss
EE had been jack hammering to set a water trap for seals and traded off with coworker to take a break went over to rib sat down when rib roll 68""L x 24"" W x 8"" T came off at spad #3002/7483 on EE striking EE in the chest and abdomen area.
January 29, 2025 · Lexington Coal Company, LLC · WV · Drill Operator
The employee was drilling a test hole in the surface pit floor to see if the rider coal seam was under the seam they were taking. Due to the freezing and thawing of the highwall a large chunk of rock approximately 4'x2'x3' came down striking the enclosed cab of the mobile drill, ripping the cab off and striking the…
August 22, 2024 · Onyx Corporation · MA · Rotary Bucket Excavator Operator
A miner died when a highwall collapsed on the excavator the miner was operating.