Mining Incidents

Morton Salt Fairport MineMetal/Nonmetal

Morton Salt Inc · Underground
Painesville, Lake County, OH · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 3301993
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
200
Years on record
2010–2026
Latest incident
Apr 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

200 on file

2026 · 8 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

While performing rope NDT, rope met retirement criteria.

Accident type, without injuries

The final stop switch on the Koepe faulted. Evacuation was canceled.

Accident type, without injuries

Hoist dynamic brakes faulted causing the production hoist to be unavailable. Cancelled before evacuation was completed. Also, cancelled before the phone call to report ended.

Accident type, without injuries

Lug to electrical contactor failed causing the production hoist to be unavailable.

Accident type, without injuries

Utility power outage caused the production hoist to be unavailable.

Accident type, without injuries

Electrical contactor failed causing the production hoist to be unavailable for operation.

Accident type, without injuries

Utility power outage caused hoist to be unavailable.

Accident type, without injuries

Inspection mode switch faulty causing the production hoist to be unavailable.

2025 · 13 incidents

Unclassified, insufficient data

Office cleaning contractor sat in their truck to take a break and was found approximately one hour later deceased. Originally, a report was submitted to MSHA on 11/20/2025.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While erecting the C-3 take-up structure two employees were holding up an 8'x 8' column to have 2 bolts installed by another employee on the ground when they lost their hold on the column. It fell over and struck a support beam that was laying on the ground causing the column to bounce up and the corner of the column hit the employee in the face as EE tried to move out of the way.

Struck against a moving object

Employee reported neck pain while using an LHD to clean up faces for drills and augers. Upon evaluation, the employee was diagnosed with a fracture. Work relatedness determination was made on 12/29/2025.

Accident type, without injuries

Electrical contactor failed causing the production hoist to be unavailable for operation.

Accident type, without injuries

Nopak valve for south gate failed causing the production hoist to be unavailable.

Accident type, without injuries

Work deck contacting brackets causing the production hoist to be inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

Material came loose from the North liner. Shutdown hoist to inspect shaft.

Accident type, without injuries

The dynamic brakes faulted out causing the production hoist to be inoperable. Found switch in hoist operators booth in automatic.

Accident type, without injuries

Production skip components failed causing the hoist to be unavailable for egress.

Accident type, without injuries

Electrical contactor failed on the production hoist causing the hoist to be inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

The over travel switch malfunctioned causing the service hoist to be unavailable. EVAC was canceled.

Accident type, without injuries

Koepe lower cage position switch and cable shorted causing the Koepe to be inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

Blown fuse caused the production hoist to be inoperable.

2024 · 7 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Power outage from storm causing hoist to be unavailable.

Accident type, without injuries

A small fire occurred inside the compressor housing on AL2 powder rig. The fire was able to be extinguished at the time it occurred.

Accident type, without injuries

Shaft crew identified a gap between the Capel and skip attachment plates.

Accident type, without injuries

During a routine inspection, the shaft crew found three broken wires on the North rope.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost power from our electricity provider causing the production hoist to be unavailable. Evacuation canceled.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost power to a PLC on production hoist causing the production hoist to be inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost primary power to the site causing the production hoist to be inoperable. Initiated EVAC. During the EVAC the Koepe faulted for Lilly differential.

2023 · 13 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Failed electrical contactor on the production hoist.

Accident type, without injuries

Lower cage position switch cable damaged.

Accident type, without injuries

Safety circuit on the production hoist tripped and wouldn't reset.

Accident type, without injuries

Identified damaged cross timber in the service shaft during weekly inspection.

Accident type, without injuries

Replaced East hoist motor. Tested hoist operations and test runs conducted.

Accident type, without injuries

North skip pocket was stuck in the open position. Evacuation canceled at 7:15am.

Accident type, without injuries

Koepe wheel bracket became displaced of the top of the cage.

Accident type, without injuries

North track limit switch failed.

Accident type, without injuries

Broken wires on the rope of the production hoist.

Accident type, without injuries

The south skip of the production hoist came out of the dump scroll on the south side and bent the lower gate.

Accident type, without injuries

Production hoist outage.

Accident type, without injuries

Production hoist outage.

Accident type, without injuries

Production hoist outage.

2022 · 15 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Water line broke in the production shaft.

Struck by falling object

An employee was conducting rehab work in 12N 30 Block. While hand scaling, a rock fell from a shelf and struck an employee's right hand causing a small fracture.

Accident type, without injuries

The head ropes on the Koepe hoist crossed.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost power to the production hoist due for slack rope fault.

Accident type, without injuries

A skip on the production hoist traveled through the limit switch which kicked power to the hoist.

Accident type, without injuries

The head ropes on the Koepe hoist crossed.

Accident type, without injuries

Koepe hoist went down due to torque in the trailing cable.

Accident type, without injuries

The head ropes on the Koepe hoist crossed.

Accident type, without injuries

The head ropes on the Koepe hoist were twisted.

Accident type, without injuries

Koepe hoist went down due to torque in the trailing cable.

Accident type, without injuries

Electricity to the mine was lost due to a storm. As a result, the production hoist was inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

The south loading gate at the production shaft bottom stuck open making the hoist inoperable.

Accident type, without injuries

The Koepe hoist wasn't syncing and was unable to be operated. Resolver motor wasn't functioning.

Accident type, without injuries

A 120v control power breaker for the dynamic braking system tripped causing the hoist motor control circuit to drop out.

Accident type, without injuries

A 480-volt power cable that was routed through an airlock bulkhead was pinched between the steel frame and the mine back. The cable shorted and a small smolder occurred. The cable was deenergized and the smolder was extinguished upon discovery.

2021 · 4 incidents

Struck by falling object

Injured employee states was returning to the job site along the belt line. EE states looked up and a piece of loose material fell and struck EE knocking glasses off and hitting EE's eye. Employee is off work since the incident with impaired vision and grade 4 hyphema in left eye. Investigation is still ongoing.

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

Employee was operating a Fletcher Man Up Bolter at 6L 75 Block. When loading the steel back into the mast the employee had hand on the steel and closed the finger clamps on thumb. Employee fractured the tip of thumb and ruptured the nail. Employee returned to work with restrictions.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was changing a tire with another employee. Employee was injured while both were lifting/pushing/pulling tire into place. Employee felt pull in right groin.

Struck by falling object

Employee was operating a Stoper drill for bolt installation. Small piece of loose scales 8"" long x 5"" wide x 2"" thick and hit right thumb causing a fracture to the tip.

2020 · 5 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Emplooyee claims cut left index finger in Production Shaft on 09/25/2020. Did not report until 10/02/2020 after finger became infected and required treatment. Finger was lanced and antibiotics prescribed. Employee placed on light duty restrictions.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking through ventilation curtain in 9L 74 Block to reset tripped DB box for Powder Rig. When passing through curtain tripped and fell directly on Right Shoulder.

Accident type, without injuries

North Skip on Production Hoist overtraveled causing damage to Skip and scroll plates. Replaced skip with spare and performing troubleshooting on PLC with engineering group.

Struck against a moving object

Employee operating Bobcat back dragging uneven ground. Hit hole and jarred neck. Employee failed to report injury in timely manner. Sought diagnosis from 3 different Health professionals until informing management of issue. Placed on restrictions as of 2/28/2020.

Accident type, without injuries

UG 56 LHD caught fire due to reasons unknown at this point. Fire suppression and hand held extinguisher used but fire ensued. Mine evacuated 103k issued. Mine recovered next day however area of incident is blocked off for rehabilitation. No accidents, no injuries incurred.

2019 · 4 incidents

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Bypassed a guard, Failed to LOTO, and stuck hand in between rollers on the ABMO machine. These mechanical rollers caused a series of lacerations, abrasions, bruising, and second degree burns. The employee told no supervisor of the incident and put a glove on continuing to work. Claimed was hurt at home. Management became aware of the incident on October 15th.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

On 02/04/2019 employee reported pain in back when pulling hose reel for Lube Truck. Employee took off next 3 days vacation. Employee saw doctor 02/08/2019 who took EE off work.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Administration Employee was Inspecting an area where reclaim of equipment is to take place. Stepped in hole and fractured RT fibula. Employee returned to work with restrictions.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee trouble shooting pinched electrical cable for an actuator on the boom of boat tower. Stood up from kneeling position and ""tweaked back"".

2018 · 17 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee walking job site, fell, caught self with hand, resulting in a sprain. Employee remained working within job description but now was prescribed Physical Therapy.

Accident type, without injuries

A contactor went bad on the West motor of the Production Hoist causing loss of power.

Accident type, without injuries

Metal found on floor at South Skip. Kick over plate came off and spacer ring wore off impairing safe hoisting on production side.

Accident type, without injuries

Production Hoist cable became kinked and could pose problem operating.

Accident type, without injuries

Fault in DHS System, Redundant Encoder lock ring loose on shaft causing indifferent readings. No damage just needed tightened.

Accident type, without injuries

The No. 1 phase on the East motor of the Nordberg Hoist went bad. Maintenance had to braze the bus bar to get it back in working condition. Tested and returned to working condition the following day 2nd shift.

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

Employee was operating a CAT 236B Skid steer doing cleanups under belt lines. Employee stated ee struck something and was jolted forward. EE hand made contact with bumper plate and chest hit control joystick slamming bucket down smashing Right index finger. Finger was damaged extensively and required amputation.

Accident type, without injuries

Non-emergency evacuation due to build up on guides causing a slight over amperage in the Koepe shaft. Build up had to be removed so the Koepe could move up and down the shaft.

Accident type, without injuries

Non-Emergency Evacuation due to a contactor failing for hoist controls. Power needed shut off and contactor replaced.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was operating a grinder with cut off wheel attachment. Employee was cutting chain and lost control of unit resulting in a laceration. Employee received 4 stitches on back of hand near thumb for a 1"" laceration and returned to work with light restrictions.

Accident type, without injuries

Production hoist stopped working. A Non-Emergency Evacuation was initiated. Troubleshooting found that 2 auxiliary contactors needed to be changed out. The production hoist system was tested and the crew was allowed to go back underground.

Accident type, without injuries

The production hoist stopped working. Troubleshooting of the auxiliary contactors began. A non-emergency evacuation of the underground crew began but was halted as the auxiliary contactor was repaired.

Accident type, without injuries

Non-emergency evacuation out of the mine due to a land line phone cable that broke free of its supports in the Koepe shaft. This phone line had to be removed so that the Koepe could move up and down the shaft.

Accident type, without injuries

Non-emergency evacuation due to North Skip track limit switch would not allow North Skip to move. The track limit switch was replaced.

Accident type, without injuries

The Koepe would go up 5 feet and then stop. A non-emergency evacuation was initiated and all UG personal went up the production hoist. The air compressor was changed out from the west one to the east one. The brake caliper linkage was also lubricated.

Accident type, without injuries

Production hoist would not power up, computer is on with no faults showing. Upon trouble shooting it was found that the linkage on a contactor (in the lowering circuit) was loose.

Accident type, without injuries

Non-emergency evacuation from underground due to one of the production hoists computers could not reset a series of faults. Additional PM work was conducted during the non-emergency evacuation.

2017 · 18 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

An abnormality of the north production hoist rope was identified in a pre shift check of the ropes. We have voluntarily decided to retire this rope. There is no kinking, no broken strands, and no hemorrhaging of the core. All attachments are in 100% ok condition.

Accident type, without injuries

North loading gate was stuck open. It was found to have a piece of foreign material in it that blocked the gate from closing. The entire mine was Non-Emergency evacuated before the problem was found and corrected. All chutes, pockets, and screens, etc. were checked to be sure no additional material was loose.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was standing on level ground with no loose gravel or tripping hazards present. The footwear was in good condition and fully laced up. Employee began to move to the right and they tripped and fell. The employee tried to catch themselves with their left hand. The employee broke a wrist.

Accident type, without injuries

A motor lead for the east hoist motor was burnt in 2. A non-emergency evacuation of the underground employees was safely conducted. Repairs were made and the hoist system was fully tested.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating an underground loader and hit a bump in the road. The employee felt pain in the back and pain down the leg. Therapy was prescribed. Employee is working with restrictions.

Accident type, without injuries

The gate on the North Skip would not close therefore the north skip would not move. A Non Emergency evacuation of the mine began. After troubleshooting it was found that the No Pack Valve needed to be replaced. The Non Emergency evacuation was completed, the valve was replaced and tested and the crews went back underground.

Accident type, without injuries

Shaft crew replaced a Koepe main timber on the wrong side of the balance rope. As the cage was brought to the surface the amps went up. The Koepe was stopped and lowered back to the timber. The timber was removed and the balance rope was moved to the correct side. All was inspected, no damage.

Accident type, without injuries

Electricity from our power company had dropped out a couple of times throughout the morning. Each time all power was reset. At 10:30am the power dropped again, but the Koepe hoist took longer to reset/recover. Employees were evacuated from the mine via the production hoist. Koepe was operational at 12:30pm.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was washing down the floor near the 203 stacker belt with a hose, when the employee slipped on the wet salt bed and twisted back. Employee was taken to the hospital. Follow up medical visit determined that ee could not return to work. Physical therapy has been prescribed.

Accident type, without injuries

The magnet for the North Production Skip Gate Switch malfunctioned. The mine was safely evacuated while troubleshooting was on going. The magnet was replaced at 2:00am on 6/20/2017.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking up a short inclined area. The employee slipped and fell and landed on their left shoulder. Employee is on restricted duty pending an MRI.

Accident type, without injuries

The production skips were being adjusted in manual mode. The DHS system showed that the skips had tripped a safety. A switch was depressed by the hoist operator causing the DHS to prevent the skips from moving. All personnel were evacuated from underground while the system was reset and troubleshooting took place. The production hoist was back in service 8:20pm

Accident type, without injuries

Trailing cable on the Koepe hoist became twisted and kinked the cable. All employees were safety evacuated out through the production skip. A new Koepe trailing cable was installed.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assisting a stopper drill operator. The stopper drill slide/tipped toward the employee striking the employee on the back side of the right hand. No fractures, swelling, or bruising was observed. Employee was placed on light duty to allow hand to heal.

Accident type, without injuries

Non emergency evacuation of the mine via the production hoist to examine the Koepe building. The mine will be idle until the evaluation and repairs are complete.

Accident type, without injuries

PLC kicked power to the production hoist. The PLC contactors were checked, cleaned and then reset and tested. The repairs with testing was completed at 12:20am on 02/16/2017. During this time all employees were safely evacuated via the Keope Hoist.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was washing down an area under the tipple. As ee was pulling on the wash-down hose it slipped from hands. EE fell backward onto lower back. Employee has restrictions and therapy sessions.

Accident type, without injuries

The production hoist was not available due to a faulty electrical contactor. The crews UG were evacuated via the Keope Hoist. A full inspection and testing was completed of the production hoist electrical system and was deemed in full operational condition. Miners were allowed back UG at 1:30pm on 1/6/2017.

2016 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

11/14/16 the employee stated that ee was lifting a cover on an underground scoop when ee felt a ""tweek"" in back. Employee did not convey or realize the severity of injury and continued to work the next few days. 11/21/16 the employee filed an injury report and went to a doctor for an evaluation of back. The employee returned to regular duties with restrictions.

Accident type, without injuries

South Skip Over traveled colliding with Bull Wheel. Mine Evacuated until further notice. Repairs and analysis ongoing. Replacement of bull wheel, cables and skip underway.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Contract shaft miner was putting a new chain on an CS Unitec air chainsaw. The miner did not de-energize the airline connected to the air saw. The miner pulled the throttle lever and right hand was still in contact with the chain. This caused a laceration to the miners right palm area of hand which required 6 stitches.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee stated that ee lost footing and fell backwards and struck head on the conveyor structure in the 123 Tunnel Underground. EE was cleaning up build-up on the tunnel floor when the incident occurred. EE went to the clinic and was diagnosed with a concussion.

Accident type, without injuries

The hoist was unavailable due to the bottom gate being stuck in the open position. All miners were evacuated to the surface and did not re-enter as the shift had ended. There were no injuries or other issues.

2015 · 17 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

A wind storm caused the CEI transformers on the site to lose power. The mine was evacuated via the Koepe conveyance. All employees were evacuated with no injuries or other issues. The power company (CEI) restored power the following day around 1:00PM.

Accident type, without injuries

North loading gate was caught on structure in the loading pocket. The mine was evacuated with no injuries or other issues. The issue was corrected and the hoist was returned to service.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee incurred a chest contusion and neck strain. Employee was struck by a heavy object in the chest causing the contusion and strain.

Accident type, without injuries

Power Outage - Lost power to the mine there by shutting down the secondary escape way. No injuries of other issues. Power was restored at 2:25 AM and the mine was reentered at 3:00 AM.

Accident type, without injuries

Employee took the skip up into the scrolls damaging the skip and jamming it up into the headframe. All employees evacuated with no injuries or other issues. Repairs complete and mine back in service as of 7/25/2015.

Accident type, without injuries

Mine lost power due to electrical storm causing an outage. All power was lost underground and employees evacuated via the Koepe on Emergency Generator power. All employees evaucated the mine with no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

The production hoist would not move out of the loading pocket due to an indicator switch indicating the gate was unlatched. Power to the switch was removed and allowed the hoist to operate. All miners underground were evacuated to the surface via the Koepe Hoist with no injuries or other issues.

Fall from ladders

Employee fractured his right elbow. The employee was trouble shooting a piece of equipment that whould not start. He was using a 4' ladder to diagnose the issue. He decending the ladder and missed a step and fell to the ground causing the injury.

Struck against a moving object

Employee struck his head on the top of the canopy of the small LHD. Employee was cleaning up faces and the rear tires came off of the ground and slammed down. The employee stated that he lost his hard hat and struck his head on the canopy.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee incurred an Abrasion to his left forearm. Employee was loading the L-3 Center Face and the Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) hose blew out of the hole due to the ANFO running low/empty in the ANFO Pot and struck him in the forearm.

Accident type, without injuries

An electrical fuse blew and dropped power to the Koepe operating system. The system was evaluated and put back into service at 10:45 PM. All employees underground at the time of the event evacuated via the Production Shaft with no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

The hoist was unavailable due to a faulty electrical contactor on the production hoist. All employees were evacuated via the Access Shaft (Koepe) with no injuries or other issues. The electrical contactor was replaced and the hoist was back in service by 4:00AM.

Accident type, without injuries

The lower production hoist contactor in the MCC room failed and needed to be replaced. This shut down the power to the hoist and in was unavailable for emergency use. All miners evacuated with no injuries or issues. The hoist contactor was replaced and the hoist was available at 11:45 AM.

Accident type, without injuries

The Koepe was not available due to a motor needing replaced on the hoist. All employees underground evacuated via the production hoist. There were no injuries or other issues. The hoist was back in service by 1:00 AM.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost CEI power to the mine. One of the three transformers needed to be replaced. This shut down power to the hoist. All employees evacuated via the Koepe Hoist with no injuries or issues. Power was restored on midnight shift.

Accident type, without injuries

The resolver motor on the Koepe failed and needed to be replaced. All employees underground at the time of the incident evacuated via the production shaft. There were no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

Production Hoist would not move due to bad bearing temperature sensor. All employees evacuated to surface with no injuries or other issues. Employees reentered mine at 8:35 PM.

2014 · 17 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee alleges that he strained his shoulder/upper arm/abdomen and ribs while mounting a Getman A-64 Rig. The employees stated that he slipped on the front step and lost 3-point contact causing the injury. The incident happed on September 17th however the employee sought medical attention on Monday, Sept. 22 six days later.

Accident type, without injuries

Four Contractor employees were performing a shaft inspection in the access shaft (Koepe) when the cage got stuck 1929 below the surface collar. The contractor employees returned to the surface shortly after. There were no injuries as a result of the stuck conveyance.

Accident type, without injuries

Four employees were performing a shaft inspection in the access shaft (Koepe) when the cage got stuck 1929' below the surface collar. The employees returned to the surface shortly after. There were no injuries as a result of the stuck conveyance.

Accident type, without injuries

A portion of a rib fell at 12N 4 Block travelway impeding passage by vehicle. The Mine was evacuated and the area was made safe and reopened for travel. No injuries or safety concerns resulted from this event.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped and fell to the ground and fractured left hip. Employee was working in the Oil Hole and tripped on a oil supply hose in the area.

Accident type, without injuries

An electrical breaker tripped on the Koepe hoist and was not properly set causing the hoist to be down. Miners Underground evacuated the mine. The issue was diagnosed and corrected miners returned underground. There were no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

An unplanned ignition occurred in the Koepe (Intake) Shaft. Two employee were welding on an I-Beam at the shaft collar when the ignition took place. No employees were injured as a result of the incident.

Struck against stationary object

Employee incurred a finger (pinky) laceration requiring sutures. Employee alleges he was walking past the metal fabrication table in the underground shop and struck it on a drill bit that was lying on the table.

Accident type, without injuries

The mine lost power due to outages in the area of the mine. The Production Hoist is powered by the power feed. All employee evacuated via the Koepe with no injuries or other issues. Power was restored by 3:00 PM the same day.

Accident type, without injuries

The #10 Contactor in the Hoist House (Surface) was faulty and needed to be replaced. This exceeded the time limit and the mine was evacuated due to only one escapeway available. All miners evacuated with no injuries or other issues. The Hoist was returned to service around 2:00 PM

Accident type, without injuries

There was a loose wire in the Production Hoist controls and not all lights were available to run hoist. All employees evacuated with no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

Electrical Breaker for the Koepe air compressor tripped out multiple times and eventually needed to be replaced. Mine evacuated with no injuries and no issues. Returned to regular schedule at 6:20 AM.

Accident type, without injuries

Power Outage in area of mine. Both power feed supplying power to the mine were affected causing both hoist to go down. All miners evacuated via auxiliary power via the man-trip (Koepe) No issues or injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

Power Outage caused many power surges in the affected area and at the mine. All employees were evacuated with no issues or injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

An electrical contactor failed on the Production Hoist. Employees evacuated with no issues. Problem diagnosed and repaired. Hoist back in service at 10:00PM

Accident type, without injuries

A power outage to the mine tripped a breaker on the koepe compressor for the koepe brakes. It took longer than expected to troubleshoot and find the issue. The breaker was reset and the koepe was put back into service on 1/12/14 on third shift. No Damage, No Injuries, No Issues.

Accident type, without injuries

Ice fell down the intake (koepe) shaft and struck the H beam causing damage. The H-beam allows the balance rope to rub so that it does not tangle up. Employees worked to repair the H-beam and the koepe was back in service on 1/11/2014 on Second Shift. There were no injuries or other issues.

2013 · 10 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Limit switch at the tipple on the production hoist failed. Hoist would not work in automatic or manual. There were not two ways in an out of the mine. All underground miners evacuated with no issues or injuries. Hoist was back in service at 01:30AM.

Accident type, without injuries

Main Power Outage. All miners evacuated with no injuries or issues. Power was restored by 8:30 AM.

Accident type, without injuries

A fire ignited 36"" below the production shaft collar. Two employees were cutting a 2' X 2' hole in the grating around the shaft collar to insert a tugger rope to lower material. Hot slag dropped down the shaft and ignited a bleeder 36' below the collar.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee alleges he incurred an umbilical hernia while coiling up fan cable. This cable weighs approximately 12.6 oz per foot. While in the act of coiling up cable the employee was bent over at the waist, the employee stated that he felt cramping in his abdomen and stood up and felt a burning sensation and a slight bulge in his abdomen.

Accident type, without injuries

Lost control power to PLC for automatics. Disconnected automatic control cable allowing hot to operate in manual mode. All miners evacuated safely with no injuries or other issues. All employees returned back underground at approximately 8:30 AM.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee allegedly incurred a right shoulder strain while installing a fork lift seat. The employee was attempting to flip the seat over the parking brake and he stated the seat slipped from his grasp and he incurred a muscle strain to his right shoulder.

Struck against a moving object

Employee incurred laceration to left thumb on steering wheel cap of Electrical Gator UTV. Employee struck lump in roadway of 12N 57 Block (North Panel) which caused steering wheel to forcefully jerk to the right causing laceration to left thumb. Employee received sutures and returned to work with no restrictions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee strained a muscle in his right upper leg. Two Employees were walking back to the surface shop to warm up from working outside. They were headed towards the Overhead Storeroom Door, the employee in front did not see the door closing and the employee behind him yelled for him to duck; as he did he pulled a muscle in his right upper leg and fell to the ground.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee allegedly incurred tennis elbow while moving two pieces of steel. (1 angle 3X3 X 1/4 in thick x 8 ft and 1 flat bar 4 in wide x 3/4 in x 8ft. The employee claims that he hurt himself 10 minutes into job. The employee was assigned to stack steel onto a metal rack.

Accident type, without injuries

Due to an unknown electrical outage we lost power to the production hoist. All employees evacuated via the Koepe hoist with no injuries or other issues.

2012 · 18 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee fractured patella after slipping and falling on ice in the main yard. Employee was in the process of warming up Front End Loader and was heading back to the Surface Mill Department when the fall occurred.

Accident type, without injuries

Power was lost to the mine due to an automobile accident on US 44 South (main road to mine. Apparently a Garbage Truck struck a power pole and took out both power feeds powering the mine. The Koepe was switched over to emergency generator power and everyone evacuated the mine safely with no injuries or other issues.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was descending a roof bolter; took one step onto the mine floor and tripped on the stab jack and fell on his bottom.

Accident type, without injuries

The production skip (north) hung-up in scrolls and bent the bottom part of the skip. All miners evacuated with no injuries or other issues. The skip was replaced due to damage and put back into service on 11/6/2012 at 2:00 PM.

Accident type, without injuries

During the weekly shaft inspection of the production hoist power was lost to the mine at approximately 4:45 AM. An off-site power line was knocked down during a storm resulting in the mine losing power. Two Miners were in the shaft performing the inspection during the outage. The local power company restored power at 8:30 AM and the miners safely exited the mine with no injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

A PLC Emergency Stop Fault on the Koepe Drive would not clear after power tripped. Power was lost to the Koepe Hoist while three employees were underground attempting to restart the main fan. The employees safely evacuated the mine via the production hoist. The hoist was put back into service at 6:00 PM 10/31/2012. There is no damage or injuries to report.

Struck by falling object

Employee incurred a broken nose after being struck by a 2"" waterline. The employee was moving the waterline and other utilities to prepare the back to be mechanically scaled. While the employee was in the process of strapping the waterline to a roof bolt plate the waterline popped out of the cable handler (U Shaped bracket in a high lift) and struck the employee in the face.

Accident type, without injuries

A neighboring facility operator struck a power line knocking power to our facility. All employees evacuated the mine under a non-emergency conditions by way of our Koepe Hoist. Power was restored at approximately 9:00 am and employees reentered the mine at approximately 10:00 am (we let the main fan run for 30 mins prior to reentering) There were no injuries or damage.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of second shift the hoist (Koepe)final stop switch failed. This shut down the hoist creating an evacuation due to not having two escape ways to surface. The mine was evacuated with no injuries or other problems.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of 1st shift the production hoist tripped out due to an auxiliary contactor in the hoist house control panel. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation due to not having two escapeways to surface. The mine was evacuated with not injuries or other problems. The issue was corrected an the hoist was put back into service at 2:15PM on 6/21/2012.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of 2nd Shift the North Skip got hung up in the scrolls damaging the hoist. This shut down creating an evacuation due to not having two escape ways to surface. The mine was evacuated with not injuries or other problems. The hoist was replace and returned to service by the next scheduled shift at 10:20 pm on 5/29/2012.

Accident type, without injuries

During the weekly Hoist inspection the shaft crew found a spring on the south skip that needed replaced. The mine was evacuated to perform the work and the crew went ahead an replaced the whole south skip. The skip was put back into service on 5/23/2012 at 6:20am. There were no injuries or other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

Early into 2nd shift the hoist (Koepe) tripped out due to low air in the compressor. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation due to not having two escapeways to surface. The mine was evacuated with no injuries or other problems. The issue was corrected and the hoist was put back into service at 6:20 am on 4/17/2012.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of the shift the Hoist (Koepe) kicked out on high amps. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation due to not having two escapeways to surface. The mine was evacuated with no injuries or other problems. The issue was corrected and the hoist was put back in service at 8:40 a.m. on 4/11/2012.

Accident type, without injuries

The Koepe counterweight came out of the guides at the Koepe bottom area. The mine was evacuated and repairs were made and test were completed. The Koepe was put back in service on 4/3/2012 at 6:00 am. There were no injuries and no other issues.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of the shift there was a fault in the auxiliary contactor on the north skip. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation due to not having 2 escape ways to surface. The mine was evacuated with no injuries or other problems. An electrician corrected the issue and the hoist was back in service at 12:35 PM.

Accident type, without injuries

Towards the end of the shift the Dynamic Breaking Contactor on the hoist was not working properly. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation situation due to not have 2 escape ways to surface. Mine Evacuated with no injuries or other problems. The contactor was cleaned and the hoist was back in service at 13:00 HRs.

Accident type, without injuries

Due to a power outage, power was lost to the mine. Mine evacuated via auxiliary power. No injuries or other problems. There was no damage to hoisting equipment - Production or Man Hoist.

2011 · 17 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

The Koepe resync motor burned up causing the conveyance to be down for more than 30 minutes. Mine evacuated via production shaft. No injuries or other problems. Koepe resync motor replaced and Koepe put back into service with no issues.

Accident type, without injuries

In the middle of the shift the hoist pin broke on the I contact. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation situation due to not having 2 escape ways to surface. Mine Evacuated. No injuries or other problems. Hoist pin was repaired and back in service at approximately 7:19 PM

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee standing on uneven ground attempting to pull a 13kva cable over a large salt chunk to move it out of the roadway. He lost footing and creeled his right ankle.

Accident type, without injuries

Broken bolts on the main production hoist contactor would not allow the contact to close in the switch. Mine evacuated. No injuries or other problems. After troubleshooting to find problem, hoist released for service at 12:15am.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee felt pain in back while removing 25lb tool bag from shelf. As employee was removing the bag, the bag slipped from his grasp and he attempted to grab the bag and experienced the pain in his back. Employee has experienced several incidents with chronic back pain.

Accident type, without injuries

While performing mine checks, Foreman came upon roof fall in the 4North area(2A-6 block).The fall dimensions were approximately 40-45' X 70-75' X 0- 12'. There were no injuries or equipment involved. Management will determine whether to rehabilitate the fall area or go around it.

Accident type, without injuries

DC power supply for electric brake failed, locking brake on man cage when 150' from bottom coming up with 3 persons aboard. Mine evacuated via production shaft. After PC software troubleshooting, cage operational at 7:20pm to get men off at bottom. Cage fully in service approx. 7:35pm. No injuries or other problems.

Accident type, without injuries

Early into the midnight shift, the gate for the North skip failed to close. This shut the hoist down creating an evacuation situation due to not having 2 escape ways to surface. Mine evacuated. No injuries or other problems. Problem repaired and hoist back in service at approximately 1:56am and crews re-entered mine.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a screwdriver to tighten hose clamp on ANFO rig. Screwdriver slipped causing clamp to turn and cause injury requiring sutures. This injury being reported as MEDICAL TREATMENT only.

Accident type, without injuries

During hoisting, latch arm on N skip allowed skip gate to open when skip going down, and damaged gate. Hoisting stopped; mine evacuated; NO injuries or other problems. Day shift crews sent home.

Accident type, without injuries

During hoisting, a switch malfunction allowed skip gate to get out of sequence and catch on crossmember support in headframe and caused slack rope that stopped hoist. After investigation, slack rope taken up, test run done, and all OK. NO injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

A malfunction in the electric powered air valve for the N gate of the production shaft skip pocket locked in the open position. Due to trouble-shooting and repair time, the mine was evacuated. No injuries or other problems. Hoist back in service at 5:57am.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was in process of retrieving grease gun when the hose was caught accidentally in gearing where inspection cover/guard had partially vibrated open without his knowledge. The gearing caught the hose and pulled it and the grease gun from his hand. This injury reported as Medical Treatment only.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee tripped on bottom 2 of 5 steps exiting toilet facility.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee strained shoulder handling 50# salt bags on 3/4/2011. Worked rest of week. Sought medical attention and began duty restrictions on 3/14/2011.

Accident type, without injuries

Due to an area electrical outage, power was lost to the mine. After trouble-shooting to re-set power, a problem existed with the man cage. Mine evacuated. No problems; no injuries. Power restored to man cage at 10:40pm.

Accident type, without injuries

After 1st midnight crew had entered mine, a problem occurred in the PC controller for the man cage. It would operate on manual, but not automatic. After 3 attempts, it was decided to evacuate the 16 persons underground and try solving the problem. Evac called at 11:45 and all outside at approx. 12:30. No injuries or other problems.

2010 · 12 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Due to an electrical storm in the area, the mine site (along with others in the area) lost electrical power. Mine evacuated via auxiliary power source. No injuries or other problems. Power restored at 7:00am. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE HOISTING EQUIPMENT - PRODUCTION OR MAN HOIST!

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stumbled when stepping into the maintenance parts building and fell, striking his right knee and right lower leg on the building floor.

Accident type, without injuries

A malfunction occurred with the lower limit switch for the access cage. In trying to remedy the problem with controls on manual which caused the lily controls got ""out of sync"". The mine was evacuated until repairs made. No injuries; no other problems. Access cage back in service at approximately 8:15 pm.

Accident type, without injuries

The main power supplier ""lost"" a nearby substation, causing power outage to mine. Switch was made to a local supplier to operate access cage for evacuation of 17 persons in mine. No injuries or other problems. Main power restored at approx. 7:15 pm.

Accident type, without injuries

During normal hoisting on 3rd shift, a portion of leaky feeder cable became entangled on the South skip. The North skip is part of secondary escapeway, but mine was evacuated so cable could be removed. No injuries or other problems. Hoist back in service at 5:00am.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was injured while removing metal screen from salt processing plant. The screen was stuck in position and he jerked on it and felt pain in his right wrist. He continued working his regular shift. It was finally determined on 7/27/10 that his wrist had a minor fracture and a cast was applied, forcing restricted duty.

Accident type, without injuries

The South hoist drum brake spring was broken; management chose to make a repair. This was near end 3rd shift; allowed crews to exit during shift change. Repair completed; test done; 1st shift into mine at 7:40. North skip is for emergency evac; South skip had no effect; mine had 2 escapeways.

Accident type, without injuries

An electrical malfunction (blown 4160v fuse) caused a shutdown of the Production Hoist (part of secondary escapeway). Mine was evacuated; no problems, no injuries. Hoist back in service at 4:30am.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported injury on 5/11/10 that he had sprained his ankle getting out of operator compartment of lube truck. He continued working his regular shift. He There were no major complaints up through mid-July. He officially began missing work on 7/23/10 when he was scheduled for surgery.

Accident type, without injuries

During access shaft cage pre-shift (for 2nd shift) two locations on balance rope were discovered to be damaged. Decision made to change rope. Mine evacuated. No injuries or other problems.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was in process of removing the front drive hub from a battery haulage equipment. He was using a pry bar to remove the hub from the axle shaft. As he jerked on the pry bar, he felt a sharp pain in his lower back and left hip area.

Accident type, without injuries

After some non-related start-up problems at beginning of shift, the newly installed skip began binding in the scroll plate. Finally, it stuck and would not move. The mine was evacuated; no injuries; no other problems. Day shift crew held on surface; adjustments made; back in service at 7:30am.