Mining Incidents

Cumberland MineMetal/Nonmetal

Controlled by Nyrstar NV
Carthage, Smith County, TN · Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 4002213
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
79
Years on record
2000–2021
Latest incident
Apr 2021
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

79 on file

2021 · 4 incidents

Struck by falling object

Employee was moving cribbing when the crib employee grabbed dislodged another that fell onto employee's thumb. This resulted in a break in the tip of employee's right-hand thumb.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using a can of spray paint when EE struck the can against a rock, the contents ignited and the employee sustained burns to EE's face and both arms.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was using a safety knife to strip 00 electrical cable when they sustained a laceration to the Left thumb.

Accident type, without injuries

Hoist was tested, passed all function tests. After pre-shift safety huddle crews ready to work hoist did not function correctly. Troubleshooting found that 24V DC mag switch was gone. Troubleshooting indicated it had broke off after all other tests.

2020 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While reaching to open an air door manually with EE's right hand, the EE felt a sharp pain in EE's R upper arm and EE heard a tearing sound. The EE sustained a right dorsal bicep rupture that required surgical repair.

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

The employee was replacing the rear axel pin in the scaler when the axel moved, pinching Left middle finger resulting in a laceration and fracture.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was exiting the haul truck when they jumped off the ladder skipping the last step. The employee rolled an ankle when they landed on the ground.

Struck by falling object

They employee was assisting the Geologist with surveying an up hole, when employee lost grip on the survey instrument. The geo moved out of the way, but the injured employee attempted to catch the falling survey instrument and it struck employee in the upper right quad of the abdomen, causing broken ribs, a pneumothorax, and a liver laceration.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was exiting a kubota side by side ATV when EE's right foot slipped on the wet/uneven ground, causing EE's right ankle to roll. The employee sustained a sprain to EE's right ankle.

2019 · 8 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE used a ratchet strap to set bead on small utility tire, upon releasing ratchet strap, it whipped & struck employee on back of left hand.

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

The machine was getting the tire removed, the tire was being slid off the rim. When the tire was released from the hub, the tire spun slightly on the slings and crushed the employees hand between the tire and the frame of the machine causing bruising to EE's right wrist. Employee was given medical treatment, a splint was applied and EE returned to work with no restrictions.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

The employee's hand slipped off the door of the AC condensor, tried to catch the door with the left hand and electric fan blade make contact with the hand, causing a laceration.

Contact with heat

EE became disoriented and short of breath with doing vigorous work in a hot environment. Transported to local ER for evaluation and treatment for heat stress and dehydration.

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

EE was working with the utility crew in 454-1 taking down waterline. As EE was taking the clamp loose the pipe separated unexpectedly, falling and catching EE's right hand between the pipe and the rail of the tele-handler basket. Employee was given ice by safety then taken to the doctor to have hand examined. X-Rays were negative but was given <5lbs lifting restrictions.

Fall onto or against objects

Operator was hooking up a water hose to the Sandvik DD311 drill, when EE turned to return to the drill after turning the water on, EE tripped over something. EE caught self on outstretched hands, receiving a laceration to the palm of EE's right hand.

Struck by falling object

Employee was changing out the claw tooth of a scaler when the tooth fell onto employee's 4th digit of left hand causing immediate pain and swelling.

Flash burns (electric)

An arc flash occurred as an electrician was attempting to check voltage on the secondary side of a 4160 Volt transformer. The electrician was seriously burned on both hands and one side of face and neck.

2018 · 3 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was in the powder mag loading stick powder onto the blasting rig when ee tripped on the banding of an empty pallet near the pallet of stick powder ee was loading from. EE fell, causing ee to roll R ankle. Employee continued to work through shift, telling supervisor at the end of shift and requesting to see Occupational Nurse.

Struck by flying object

Employee was engaging the feed on hydraulic drill to begin drilling when the feed knob broke and sprayed. Employee had eyes washed by safety, then went to ER later to have eyes washed again. Follow up with eye doctor on 06/08/2018 where RX written for drops and ointment.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was hanging escape markers, bending metal strapping when metal broke and lacerated R thumb.

2015 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stepped on a rock and it rolled out from under his feet causing him to fall down spraining his knee

2014 · 4 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EE was driving UV6 up incline, stopped the truck to engage the break, lost hydraulic pressure, rolled backwards approximately 60ft and struck a rib.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Personal issues

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using a wrench to tighten a bolt on the test drill when he felt a sting in the back of his right shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Repairing a water swivel when his hand slipped and water swivel landed on his hand

2013 · 9 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using a pry bar to assist installation of a boom extension cylinder pin on mechanical scaler felt pain in back

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 9/8/13, ee reported to TCM that EE was hooking up pump trailer to truck. Ball slipped and caught his finger. EE had sustained laceration that was bleeding and supervisor believed it would require stitches

Struck by flying object

After welding, miner felt something in his eye. Medical exam revealed a metal fragment imbedded in eye.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

using a pry bar to straighten the over travel bracket on the shop crane when the pry bar came loose and he twisted his knee

Fall onto or against objects

Miner tripped over a bull hose; fell and struck rock with left hand causing a laceration.

Fall from machine

Employee jumped down from a haul truck injuring his right knee.

Struck against a moving object

Moving telehandler forward; ran over a rock; chain barrel slide forward into the back of miner's leg; knee struck frame of basket

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

Miner was attempting to raise the door latch at the north fire door of the shop when the handle slipped from his grasp and pinched finger between the latch and the door.

Fall onto or against objects

Miner was leaning over to get into skid steer when he hit his head against the frame of the skid steer injuring his neck.

2012 · 5 incidents

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

Miner was lifting a five gallon bucket onto a fuel truck when the buckle handle came loose, which resulted in his left index finger being caught between the bucket and the truck frame.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner bent over to get rock out of shoe when he began to have back pain

Struck by flying object

Miner was washing out a radiator when muck splashed in his eye.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was walking up stairs when he felt a pop in his knee.

Struck against a moving object

Miner was driving a haul truck down a ram when he lost control and hit the rib.

2011 · 8 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner tripped and fell. When he tried to catch himself with his hand, his thumb was bent backward.

Struck by falling object

A bar was put into place to support bed while Gator was being repaired. Bar was removed while attempting to start Gator allowing the bed to fall.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was helping install a steering cylinder when he began to have pain in his left shoulder.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Miner noticed an insect bite on his left lower leg when he removed his boot.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was desending a set of stairs when he caught his little finger on a upright brace of the stairway handrail.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner developed hearing loss. His routine job task include operating a mehanical claw.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner developed hearing loss (STS) in left ear.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Walking in heading area when he twisted his ankle.

2010 · 2 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Brake hung on hoist about 25 feet from the bottom of the shaft. The Hoistman had to raise the bullet cage to get the drum brake to release. When the Hoistman raised the bullet it hung on a brow at the bottom of the shaft. When the bullet came loose, it swung back and hit the back of the shaft causing the occupants to be bounced around inside the bullet.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Miner entered barricaded sump and was overcome by H2S gas. Walked to fresh air, then transported to hospital for treatment.

2008 · 2 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

During weekly performance testing and routine maintenance, one of the brakes overheated and locked on the Timberland Hoist situated at #10 Shaft. All miners working underground were safely evacuated to the surface via #8 Shaft. After the brake was allowed to cool, it was adjusted, tested, and the hoist returned to service.

Accident type, without injuries

A broken spring was found during the preshift hoist inspection. No persons were underground. While the hoist still was capable of functioning, it was downed for repairs. The hoist was returned to service after the spring was repaired and proper function tests were successfully performed.

2003 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

THIS EE STATES HIS LEFT ELBOW BEGAN TO HURT WHILE LOADING 50 POUND BAGS OF ANFO ONTO A BLASTING RIG.

Struck against a moving object

THIS EE STATES HIS BACK BEGAN TO HURT WHILE WETTING DOWN MUCKPILES AND RIDING ON A GATOR.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE ALLEGES PAIN IN HIS LEFT FOURTH & FIFTH FINGERS WHEN HE TURNED ON THE MASTER SWITCH ON A HAUL TRUCK.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS SUPERVISOR WAS OBSERVING AN EE REPAIR A LOADER PART. WHEN HE TURNED AND WALKED TOWARD THE LOADER HE FELT PAINS IN HIS BACK AND LEFT LEG.

Struck against stationary object

THIS EE STRAINED HIS RIGHT KNEE AS HE STEPPED DOWN FROM A JUMBO DRILL ONTO A ROLLING ROCK. SURGERY WAS PERFORMED ON MARCH 12,2003

2002 · 5 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

THE SLACK ROPE SAFETY SWITCH FAILED ON THE MAN/ORE HOIST CAUSING THE HOIST TO STOP. NO ONE WAS IN THE CAGE AT THE TIME. THE SLACK ROPE SWITCH WAS REPAIRED AND THE HOIST RETURNED TO SERVICE.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE'S LEFT KNEE BEGAN TO HURT WHEN HE STEPPED UP, ONTO A SET OF STEPS ON A GREASE RACK.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE REPORTED SHOULDER PAIN FROM OPERATING PNEUMATIC ANFO LOADER HOSE. ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY WAS PERFORMED ON FEBRUARY 25, 2003.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

THIS EE SNEEZED AS HE LIFTED A 50 LB BAG OF ANFO TO POUR INTO AN ANFOR POT. WHEN HE SNEEZED HE STRAINED HIS ABDOMDEN.

Accident type, without injuries

WHILE HOISTING A MINER TO THE SURFACE, THE HOISTSTOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY. POWER WAS RESTORED TO ALLOW THE CAGE TO BE LOWERED AND THE MINER EXIT THE CAGE. REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE CONTACTS ON THE LILLY CONTROLLER AND THE EE REMOVED FROM THE MINE AT 6:34 P.M.

2001 · 7 incidents

Struck against stationary object

HE CUT HIS HAND ON A METAL BURR WHILE TRYING TO POSITION A 20HP FAN. THE BURR WAS ON THE SHROUD.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE RAISED THE BED OF A JOHN DEERE GATOR TO SERVICE THE ENGINE. THE BED LATCH SLIPPED AND ALLOWED THE BED TO FALL. THIS EE CAUGHT THE BED AND HIS RIGHT ARM WAS JERKED DOWN. SHOULDER SURGER Y WAS REQUIRED ON 10-15-01.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

PULLING ON AN ELECTRICAL CABLE AND RUPURED A DISC IN HIS BACK. THIS BECAME REPORTABLE WHEN HERECIEVED AN EPIDURAL INJECTION.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EMPLOYEE WAS HIT BY A DRILL AS THE DRILL BIT BROKE.

Fall from machine

THIS EMPLOYEE FELL TO THE SAME LEVEL WHEN HIS TEST DRILL ENCOUNTERED WATER. THE WATER SPRAYED FROM THE DRILL HOLE UNEXPECTEDLY. SHOULDER SURGERY WAS REQUIRED ON 9/28/01.

Accident type, without injuries

A WIRE CONNECTION FAILED IN THE RESISTOR GRID FOR THE #8 SHAFT MAN AND ORE HOIST. THE HOIST WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE HOIST WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO SERVICE.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE STATES HE FELT PAIN IN HIS SHOULDER AS HE USED AN ELECTRIC DRILL. HE SOUGHT MEDICAL AIDON 2/20/01 AND WAS TREATED ON 2/25/01.

2000 · 11 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

EE WAS WELDING OVERHEAD WHEN SPARKS GOT IN AROUND HIS WELDING HOOD AND INTO HIS LEFT EYE.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE HIT HIMSELF ON THE BACK OF HIS RIGHT HAND WITH A HAMMER AS HE STRUCK A PUNCH LOCK BANDERWITH A HAMMER. HE REQUESTED MED TREATMENT IN MARCH & WAS SENT TO THE DR.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE JUMPED FROM A FORKLIFT AND TURNED, TWISTED HIS RIGHT KNEE. SURGERY WAS REQUIRED 12-4-00.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

THIS EE WAS KNOCKED TO THE GROUND BY THE FORCE OF VENTILATION AIR THRU A DOORWAY

Accident type, without injuries

AT 1:25 PM THE HOIST STOPPED; AN ELECTRICIAN WAS CALLED TO THE HOIST ROOM AND FOUND A FAILED RECTIFIER. THE RECTIFIER WAS REPLACED AND THE HOIST RETURNED TO SERVICE AT 3:01 PM.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EE WAS STRUCK BY ANFO AND AN ANFO HOSE WHEN A VALVE WAS INADVERTENLY ENERGIZED.

Struck by flying object

THIS EE REPORTED RUST ENTERING EYE WHILE DRIVING THROUGH DRIFT.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THIS EMPLOYEE WAS INSTALLING 2"" WATER PIPE. A PIECE OF PIPE INSECURE ON ONE END SLIPPED FROM THE MAN BASKET HAND RAIL AND STRUCK THE EMPLOYEE.

Accident type, without injuries

A FAILURE OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS STOPPED THE HOIST. REPAIRS WERE MADE AND THE HOIST RETURNED TO SERVICE AT 7:57 PM.

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

EE WAS UNLOADING A DRILL MOTOR FROM THE BED OF A SERVICE TRUCK AND CAUGHT HIS FINGER BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND THE BED OF THE TRUCK.

Struck by falling object

THIS EE WAS OBSERVING A GEOLOGIST GRADE A MUCK PILE. A ROCK FELL FROM BETWEEN TWO ROOF BOLTS AND STRUCK HER HEAD.