Mining Incidents

Beulah MineCoal

Beulah, ND 58523, Mercer County, ND · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 3200043
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
70
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Feb 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

70 on file

2026 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was sweeping in truck shop. The broom handle broke and pinched finger resulting in 2 stitches

2024 · 1 incident

Struck against a moving object

While being loaded in an End Dump with dirt, the operator experienced bouncing in the cab when the excavator dropped a bucket load into the truck. The operator reported experiencing soreness in the neck and shoulders. After being evaluated at a local clinic, the operator was given work restrictions that prevent them from returning to work.

2023 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was fueling a water pump. The employee slipped in the mud and rolled left ankle causing a sprain. The employee continued to work. On 7/17/23 the employee received medical treatment for the injury, making this incident reportable. The employee was released to full duty.

2022 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The injured employee was removing a jack stand from under a D6 dozer. EE pulled the pin to collapse the extension and it did not collapse. When it did collapse, EE's finger was pinched, causing an avulsion to the little finger on EE's left hand. The employee did not return to work for EE's next shift making the incident reportable.

2020 · 1 incident

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A contractor was dismantling a building that the contractor purchased at auction. Contractor hired two temp workers to help. One of the temp workers fell approximately 20 ft and was injured.

2017 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Employee had taken a shower at the end of EE's shift. EE was walking from the shower to EE's locker when EE slipped. EE's right hand caught a sharp edge of a locker when EE fell. EE's right hand palm received an open wound requiring six (6) stitches to close. EE reported to work at the mine on EE's next scheduled shift. No time Lost!!!

2016 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

Employee was struck by a piece of metal while operating a truck mounted hoist about 20 feet away from another employee that was using a hammer tapping a metal dragline bucket shroud. A piece of metal broke loose & struck the injured employee in the neck area. Surgery 10/03/2016 removed the piece. Employee was released to return to work at no restrictions or time lost.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing cutting edges from a Cat 966 loader bucket. The bolt had a flat edge & when the nut was loosen the head (underside of bucket) of the bolt dropped & spun around lacerating EE's finger. EE received 4 stitches in left 1st finger.

2015 · 4 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking out of the maintenance shop in the dark & fell on a patch of ice covered from overnight snow. EE landed on EE's left side & arm. EE declined medical attention at the time. EE had a doctor's appointment for a physical on 12/29/2015. During the physical an x-ray found one of EE's ribs was fractured, thus the reason this report wasn't filed at the time of the incident.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a grinder to cut out an unused metal chute in the tipple. The grinder got caught & kicked back striking EE in the right leg above the knee cap. Seven (7) stitches were needed to close the wound.

Fall from machine

EE found lying on the ground by a D11 dozer. EE alleges he was about to climb onto the dozer slipped & fell. EE does not know what happen. EE is a large person & was complaining of severe headache, dizziness, nauseous & discomfort in the lower back. Company believes that a medical or medication condition caused EE to lose EE's balance and fall. Waiting for medical results.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stepped off of a raise platform(8"" high)to the floor of the 1570's house. When EE stepped off the raised area EE heard a pop in the L knee. Knee x-rayed, inconclusive. EE returned to work on restricted duty awaiting a MRI. EE due to swelling was unable to work on 03/20/2015 & will return after the MRI pending the results. To date no medical treatment has been performed.

2014 · 6 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Cleaning Service lady was taking garbage to a dumpster when she slipped & fell backwards hitting her head on the ground. She had walked to the wrong dumpster - a little used scrap metal dumpster not used for regular garbage. Light snow covered a layer of ice.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was turning a large spare point sheave for a BE 1570 dragline. Point sheave was mounted on a storage rack. It is recommended that the sheave be rotated from time to time to prevent the sheave from obtaining flat spots while on the stand. EE was slowly turning the sheave when EE's finger became stuck between the sheave and the frame of the storage rack. Laceration - Stitches

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was pulling a suction hose and float from a pond when the employee slipped on a muddy area, fell and twisted his lower back

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees was doing routine crack repair and at some point got metal debris in his left eye. Unknown when the debris actually entered the eye.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing a belly pan from a d-11 dozer. a bolt used to lift with broke causing the belly pan to wedge employee's right ankle between the belly pan & the framework of the ripper

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had finished assisting with the replacement of brake shoes on the 1570 dragline. As employee was leaving the area, employee felt a pop in his lower back. Employee was examined by the local doctor. CT scan was taken indicating a lower lumbar strain. Employee could not return to work. Employee was released to assume his normal duties on 01/20/2014.

2013 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was changing a filter on a rubber tire dozer in the grease shop. EE was extending his arm to loosen the filter. EE felt a pop in his right arm near the elbow. Medical examination was diagnosed as a tear in EE's bicep.

Struck against stationary object

EE was preparing to change shanks on a reclamation chisel plow. Bolts were covered with dirt. EE used gloved hand to remove dirt. EE felt a sharp pain on his left thumb. A sharp edge on the bolt head had cut through EE's glove & lacerated EE's thumb - requiring 5 stitches.

Fall from machine

Maintenance EE mounting a scraper at the rear engine to check engine. EE missed a step causing EE to lose balance & fall. EE landed on right wrist which was fractured.

Struck by flying object

EE removed & cut a door spring with a torch. EE was using a chisel & hammer to remove slag to free the spring. Injured EE was standing behind the EE when a sliver of slag flew off striking the injured EE in the face. Removing the sliver required opening the wound that then needed two stitches to close. EE was released to return to work performing his normal duties.

2012 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Employee banged his hand between the wire rope cable & cable hook as he was fastening the hook to a rail car. Employee's RT 4th finger was still swollen on 01/11/2012. X-ray's revealed a fracture between the fingernail & the 1st joint. The only medical treatment administered was taping the 3rd & 4th fingers together(one time taping & no prescriptions).

2011 · 3 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employees were assigned to assist in making a 6x6 truck operational. Employee was walking around the disabled truck when he tripped on a rut & fell. Employee was examined at the local hospital where a hairline fracture of his ankle was revealed. Employee was released to return to work. A reexamination two days later revealed the hairline fracture had widen.

Fall down raise, shaft or manway

Employees were using a port-a-power to hold steering tire at full turn position. Employee's did not have the proper length of ram so they were using a block to make up the difference. Ram snapped out of place and struck injured employee on his right chin area requiring five stitches. No Lost Time -Employee returned to work with a full released after the doctor visit.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Security Officer doing foot patrol and slipped on ice, falling backwards and landed on left wrist, breaking it.

2010 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Gear was being lowered in the revolving frame to be installed by a crane. Gear was hanging approximately one inch off the floor and slowly rotating on it's own. Employees finger was pinched between gear and wall of a 1570 Dragline.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Removing lower second gear on propel dragline gear that was stuck, the gear came free force, caused by realease of pressure on the gear and it created a pinch point.

2009 · 3 incidents

Struck by flying object

Welder removing wear plates from an old dragline bucket when a metal splinter flew off striking the welder in the right thigh. Employee was using a 20 pound hammer to hit the wear plate. Employee taken to the emergency room where three stitches and a tetanus shot were given.

Struck by flying object

Employee (temporary welder) was removing wear plates from an old dragline bucket when a metal splinter flew off striking employee in the right index finger. Employee was using a 20 pound hammer to hit the wear plate. Employee taken to emergency room where three stitches and a tetanus shot were given.

Struck by falling object

A mechanic was operating the shop overhead crane placing a planetary gear on a haul truck. While attempting to lift a tool to be attached to the gears the employee activited the high speed lift button, causing the tool to slip & tip the gear onto the employee's left foot.

2008 · 5 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing spacer plates from horizontal fairlead sheave. He was helping a welder break the bead off the plates. As he turned a plate the welder swung a hammer striking the employee on his right pinkie finger.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was climbing down off his Caterpillar track dozer, when he slipped and fell. Employee alleges he kept hold of the handhold but hit his lower back on the dozer's arm. Employee refused treatment on 08/20/08, but on 09/09/08 employee was seen by a chiropractor to relieve discomfort in his lower back that he attributes to the incident that occurred on 08/20/08.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing a bolt from a reclamation chisel plow.EE put hand on the top of bolt to hold it down, then used a air wrench to remove bolt.When the air wrench spun the bolt a sharp edge cut the left palm of the employees hand.EE's hand required five stitches.EE was released to return to work and completed his shift.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE had completed fueling his dozer. EE was attempting to reel the fuel hose back on the reel. It was dark so the EE was trying to feel the button. He reached passed the reel start button, when his arm hit the button. His right finger was pinched by the gear. EE received stichs in the fingertip and returned to work.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was on a break sitting on a work bench. Another employee pulled on the employee's legs causing the the employee to slide to the edge of the work bench. The employee reached down with her hands to prevent her from falling to the floor causing her to strain her lower back and hip.

2007 · 3 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

A BN train delivering limestone to the Coyote Station power plant started 4 spot fires along the railroad tracks. One spot fire was determined to be on the mine permitted area. This fire burned native grasses, but did not threaten any mine structures or equipment. No one was injured fighting the fire. The fire was extinguished in approx. 1 1/2 hours.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported to Dakota Westmoreland that he had been seen by a physician on Oct. 9, 2007 because he alleges that he was experiencing numbness in his left hand.

Struck by falling object

Employee was lifting a sheet of iron using a hook. The hook came loose from the sheet of iron. The sheet of iron struck his left wrist.

2006 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees were removing a bull gear from the house of a BE480 walking dragline. Employees were using an overhead crane to manuever the gear out of a side door. The gear was attached to the overhead crane and the lift started when the gear shifted striking the employee's lower legs. The employee suffer from bruises to the legs and a puncture wound requiring stitches.

2005 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS SETTING A TRAILER-MOUNTED WATER PUMP IN A WATER HOLE IN THE ""C"" PIT. THE WATER PUMP OVER BALANCED TO THE HITCH & THE STABILIZING DROP JACK FELL OUT OF THE FRAME. USING HIS BODY WEIGHT, EE REBALANCED THE PUMP WHILE TRYING TO REINSERT THE JACK. EE'S LITTLE FINGER ON HIS RIGHT HAND GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN THE JACK & THE FRAME. BRUISE/LACERATION - 2 STITCHES.

Struck by flying object

EE was moving a 55 gallon drum of coal from the bed of a pickup to the bucket of a front end loader. the barrel fell toward the ee and twisted ee anke. medical treatment was sought and ee was examined and release to return to work. on 2-28-05 ee sought additional treatment. as of 3-3-05 no lost days have occurred.

2004 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS INSTALLING A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ON A CAT SCRAPER IN OUR MAINTENANCE SHOP. HE ALLEGES THAT A PRY BAR HE WAS USING TO INSTALL THE CYLINDER SLIPPED CAUSING A STRAIN ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER. THE INCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED TILL 10/11/04. hE WAS RELEASED TO WORK WITH NO RESTRICTIONS. EE HAD SURGERY ON 2/15/05 MAKING THIS INJURY REPORTABLE.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had been working in the lower area of the BE1570 dragline. After climbing out of this area employee alleges he stepped on the edge of a manhole cover rolling & twisting his ankle.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE ALLEGES THAT WHILE SHUTTING THE DOOR TO THE OPERATORS CAB OF THE DRAGLINE, EE CAUGHT HIS FINGER BETWEEN THE DOOR & THE DOOR JAM FRAME. EE'S FINGER WAS CRUSHED & THE END (TIP) OF THE FINGER SEVERED.

Contact with hot objects or substances

EE WAS POWER WASHING SCRAPER WHEN HE RECIEVED 1ST & 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO THE TOP OF HIS LEFT FOOT. WHILE WASHING THE GOOSENECK, THE HOSE GOT HUNG-UP, EE PULLED ON THE HOSE IN DOING SO, THE TIP OF THE WAND CAME ACROSS HIS FOOT, CUTTING THRU HIS RUBBER BOOTS, POKING A HOLE IN HIS LEATHER SAFETY BOOT, AND FILLING THE BOOT WITH HOT WATER.

Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING A CAT 651 SCRAPER, WHEN HE ALLEGES THE REAR OF THE SCAPER STARTED SLIDING SIDEWAYS DOWN THE SLOPE HE WAS WORKING ON. THE TOP OF THE SLOPE OF THE PIT AREA WAS ICY CAUSING THE S CRAPER TO SLIDE UNTI IT HIT A SOFT SPOT IN THE SLOPE CAUSING THE SCRAPER TO ROLL LAND 1/2 TIMES.

2003 · 2 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

WHILE WALKING TOWARDS AN EMPLOYEE TO ASK A QUESTION, THE EMPLOYEE SLIPPED & FELL TO THE GROUND, SPRAINING HIS RIGHT ANKLE. THE ACCIDENT WAS NEAR A WATER TRUCK FILLING AREA. THE GROUND WAS WET, LOOSE SCORIA WAS PRESENT BUT THE WALKWAY WAS RELATIVELY SMOOTH.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE ALLEDGES THAT WHILE INSTALLING A CYLINDER ON A LOADER, HE WAS HITTING A PIN WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER WHILE IN AN AWKWARD POSITION CAUSING HIM TO STRAIN HIS LOWER BACK. EE DID NOT INDICATE TO THE MINE THERE WAS AN INJURY UNTIL 3/9/03. EE DID NOT FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT REPORT UNTIL 3/14/03.

2002 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE ALLEGES THAT HE & A WITNESS WERE PUTTING A MAIN BEARING CAP BACK ON A CATERPILLAR D-11 DOZER. EE ALLEGES THAT THEY TRIED TO LIFT THE BEARING BY HAND, BUT IT WAS TOO HEAVY TO HOLD, WHILE TRY ING TO GET THE BOLTS STARTED. EE STATED ON HIS ACCIDENT REPORT, THAT HE WAS LIFTING TOO MUCH WEIGHT OVER HIS HEAD.

2001 · 13 incidents

Unclassified, insufficient data

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS OPERATING A DOZER RIPPING COAL WHEN HE WAS JARRED WHEN THE DOZER WENT OVER A CHUNK. AT THE TIME HE DIDN'T THINK HE WAS INJURED, BUT AS TIME WENT ON HE REALIZED IT WAS WORSE THAN HE THOUGHT. HE FILLED OUT THE REOPRT ON OCTOBER 23 WHICH WAS 1 1/2 MONTHS AFTER THE INCIDENT.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS HANDING A COMEALONG TO ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL OVE A SHORT SPAN. WHEN HE HAD HIS ARM EXTENDED T6HE COMEALONG SLIPPED CUAISNG HIS ARM AND SHOULDER TO BECOME OVEREXTENDED.

Fall onto or against objects

THE DRAGLINE WAS DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE. THE INDIVIDUAL THAT WAS HURT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PUTTING AN AIR HOSE AWAY. WHEN HE COMPLETED THAT HE TURNED AROUND TO STEP OFF THE CATWALK AND IN DOING SO HE HIT A BOLT THAT WAS STICKING OUT OF THE W CATWALK INJURYING HIS KNEE.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS DISMOUNTING THE DRAGLINE WHEN HE SLIPPED ON THE HANDRAIL AND BENT HIS FINGER BACK. WHEN HE WAS INJURED THE DR. TRIED TO KEEP HIS FINGER IMOBILE SO SURGERY WOULD NOT BE REQUI RED, HOWEVER IT DID NOT GET BETTER SO ON A SCHEDULED DAY OFF HE HAD SURGERY ON THE FINGER.

Struck against stationary object

WHILE DOING REPAIR TO THE CAR PULLER CABLE THE INDIVIDUAL HAD TO WORK ON AND AROUND THE RAILROAD TRACKS. WHILE WALKING ON THE TRACKS HE TRIPPED ON A RAILROAD TIE AND INJURED HIS RIGHT FOOT.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS ASSISTING IN THE EXCHANGE OF TEETH ON THE DRAGLINE BUCKET. HE TURNED TO PICK UP A SLEDGE HAMMER AND IN SO DOING WRENCHED HIS BACK. HE DID NOT PICK UP THE HAMMER AS HIS LOWER BACK HAD ALREADY BEEN INJURED.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS UNDER A D11 DOZER WASHING THE UNDERSIDE OFF. THE SOAP WATER MISTURE HIT A PIECE OF IRON AND DEFLECTED BACK INTO HIS FACE KNOCKING HIS SAFETY GLASSES AND CONSEQUENTLY THE SOA P AND WATER AND DIRT GOT INTO HIS EYES.

Struck by falling object

A SCRAPER OPERATOR WAS REMOVING THE CENTER EDGE FROM 657 #16. ONE BOLT WOULD NOT COME OFF SO A WELDER WAS CALLED TO CUT IT OFF. THE WELDER WAS LAYING UNDER THE SCRAPER TO CUT THE NUT OFF. WHEN THE BOLT WAS CUT OFF IT CAUSED THE CUTTING EDGETO FALL ON HIS FOOT CAUSING THE DAMAGE.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHIE THIS INDIVIUAL WAS CUTTING A BOX WITH A UTILITY KNIFE HE SLIPPED AND CUT THE THUMB ON HIS OPPOSITE HAND. THE THUMB WAS CUT AT THE TIP OF THE NAIL AREA REQUIRING FIVE STITCHES.

Fall from machine

IT WAS A VERY COLD (-27 DEGREES F) AND FROSTY MORNING. THE OPERATOR WAS GOING TO DISMOUNT THE EXCAVATOR AND WHEN HE GRABBED THE HANDRAIL HIS HAND SLIPPED OFF CAUSING HIM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE AN D FALL TO THE GROUND. IT WAS A FALL OF ABOUT 8' - 9'. HE FELL ON HIS RIGHT SIDE CAUSING THE DAMAGE TO HIS PELVIS AND SHOULDER AREA.

Fall from machine

WHILE DROPPING RAIL CARS THE INDIVIDUAL HAD TO DISMOUNT THE MOVING CARS TO GET TO ANOTHER CAR TO SET THE BRAKE. THE AREA WAS SNOWY AND ICY AND WHEN HE DISMOUNTED HE SLIPPED AND FELL ON HIS KNE E CAUSING A SPRAIN.

Struck against a moving object

INDIVIDUAL WAS USING A DOZER TO RIP FROST CHUNKSFOR THE SCRAPER OPERATORS. WHEN GOING ACROSS THECHUNKS THE DOZER FELL TO ONE SIDE SHIFTING THE OPERATOR INTO AN UNUSUAL POSITION CAUSING DAMAGE TO HIS BACK EVEN THOUGH HE HAD HIS SEAT BELT ON.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

WHILE WELDING PLASTIC PIPE TOGETHER, THE EE SLIPPED & FELL ON THE ICE & SNOW IN THAT AREA.. HIS LEGS GOT TWISTED UNDER HIM WHEN HE FELL

2000 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

THE INDIVIDUAL HAD DISMOUNTED THE DRAGLINE AND WALKED OVER TO A PAIL OF GREASE. WHEN HE BENT OVER TO PICK THE PAIL UP HE FELT HIS LOWER BACK GO OUT ON HIM.

Fall from machine

WORK WAS BEING DONW ON THE 1570 DRAGLINE. THE EE WAS TRYING TO GET THE WELDING LEADS SET UP ANS D ALSO CLIMBING DOWN, STEPS AT THE SAME TIME. THE STEPS WERE ICY AND WHEN THE EE SLIPPED HE TRIE D TO CATCH HISMELF WITH HIS FREE HAND WHICH CAUSED INJURY FROM THE IMPACT.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE WELDERS WERE IN A VERY CONFINED AREA GRINDING OUT A WELD THAT HAD JUST BEEN LAYED ON A 1570 DRAGLINE. THE FACE SHIELD BEING USED DID NOT EXTEND BACK FAR ENOUGH AND THE SHARDS FROM THE GRIN DING FLEW IN BEHIND THE GUARD AND LODGED IN THE CORNER OF HIS EYE. THE METAL HAD TO BE EXTRACTED BY AN OPTOMITRIST.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

THE BATTERIES ON THE FRONT ENGINE OF 657 WERE COORODED AND NEEDED CHANGING. HE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THE BAD BATTERIES WHEN ONE OF THEM ARCED AND BLEW UP CAUSING BATTERY ACID TO BE DI SCHARGED IN HIS FACE. EYES WERE WASHED OUT AND HE WAS TAKEN TO A MEDICAL DOCTOR TO HAVE REMAINDER OF ACID WASHED OUT.

Struck against a moving object

A PICK UP USED TO TRANSPORT THE INDIVIDUALS TO THE WORKSITE WAS DRIVING ON AN AREA WHERE TOPSOIL HAD BEEN RESPREAD AND ROCK PICKING WAS IN PROGRESS. THE DRIVER DID NOT SEE A HOLE LEFT BY A ROC K AND IT IT WITH THE PICK UP. THE PASSENGER, NOTEXPECTING THIS, WAS BOUNCED AROUND AND HIT HER HEAD ON THE ROOF OF THE PICKUP CAUSING THE INJURY.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

WHILE REACHING DOWN TO PICK UP A PLASTIC PIECE OF DISCHARGE PIPE FROM A PUMP THE PERSON INVOLVED FELT HIS BACK GIVE OUT ON HIM.

Struck by flying object

TWO WELDERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO DISLODGE A WEAR PLATE FROM THE BOTTOM OF A DRAGLINE BUCKET WHEN STRUCK WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER A PIECE OF METAL FROM THE WEAR PLATE CAME LOOSE AND STRUCK THE OTHER WELDER IN THE NOSE AND BECAME EMBEDDED IN THE CHEEK. BOTH INDIVIDUALS WERE DOING THEIR REGULARLY ASSIGNED JOBS AND WEARING ALL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED.