Mining Incidents

Kapowsin Quarry Metal/Non-Metal

Controlled by Harry W Hart
Orting, Pierce County, WA  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4503224

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
39
Years on record
2003–2026
Latest incident
Jan 2026
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
320
citations
90
significant & substantial
$160,893
proposed penalties
$127,192
paid to date
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 16,055 0 0 0.0
2025 Q3 19,977 11 4 550.6
2025 Q2 21,561 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 18,302 7 0 382.5
2024 Q4 20,718 0 0 0.0
2024 Q3 23,506 2 0 85.1
2024 Q2 23,460 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 21,315 9 0 422.2
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

39 on file

2026 · 1 incident

January 2, 2026 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee Strained EE's back while using a filter wrench to change a fuel filter

2025 · 3 incidents

July 23, 2025 WA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee experienced muscle strain in upper forearm/elbow from repetitive use. Employee does not recall any one indecent/accident and feels the strain is from repetitive use of shovel and lifting.

July 17, 2025 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting belting with a utility knife. The blade became hung up on the belt clips causing the knife to skip and make contact with the employees L lower forearm causing a laceration requiring sutures.

February 17, 2025 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Two shop mechanics were working on placing a rod end pin into excavator cylinder while replacing new stick cylinder. 1st mechanic was approximately halfway down an A frame 6' ladder when the cylinder fell striking the mechanic in EE's upper chest causing a contusion. Mechanic did not seek medical attention until 02/19/2025.

2024 · 3 incidents

December 6, 2024 WA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Miner was operating haul truck at the dump site and hit a pothole on the left-hand side of the truck causing the truck to rock to the left side. Miner states that they were wearing their seat belt. Miner did not go in for medical treatment until 12/13/2024 as their neck was still stiff. Miner sustained a neck strain and spasm.

November 1, 2024 WA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was installing return roller with assistance from second employee. EE was supporting weight of roller and belt on EE's back in attempt to put into place. EE did not report the injury when it occurred. EE sought medical care under EE's private insurance on 11/06. Employer has instructed EE to obtain medical paperwork through LNI before returning to work.

January 3, 2024 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was loading two metal sawhorses, located in the boneyard, onto forklift forks. The ground was muddy. The first metal sawhorse fell back onto the second metal sawhorse pinching the employee's L 5th finger causing a contusion and fracture of EE's pinky finger.

2023 · 4 incidents

August 22, 2023 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was inserting metal pin into a wear part on a bucket for a hydraulic excavator. Employee struck thumb with hammer.

August 8, 2023 WA · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator POWERED HAULAGE
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by flying object

Two miners working together, loader operator was dumping shot rock on to the pile and a small rock shot out and hit the excavator operator in the face. The miner received a small laceration to the jawbone. Miner is alright and no medical or first aid provided.

June 5, 2023 WA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was removing clamp rails to do screen change on screen deck. While removing one of the clamp rails, the clamp rail the miner was attemping to remove was stuck. Miner pulled harder and the rail came loose and hit the miner in the face. Miner received a contusion from the incident.

2022 · 2 incidents

June 30, 2022 WA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was helping the fill drill holes with material to prep for the blast. EE was carrying buckets of material that were half to three quarters full to dump into the drill holes. EE noticed a pop in the left shoulder and didn't think anything of it at first. The next day EE felt pain in the shoulder. Strain to shoulder area.

June 18, 2022 WA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Miner was operating 980H loader in the rip rap area and the constant bouncing around in the small area moving rip rap rock (1/2 man to 2 man size rock). Miner pulled/strained a muscle in miner's back.

2021 · 1 incident

February 3, 2021 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Miner was welding mesh on a guard when the 4x8 material stacker had a 4x8 rock fall and hit EE's welding helmet then EE's head, knocking off EE's welding helmet. EE has a 3/4" laceration to the top of the head.

2020 · 1 incident

December 22, 2020 WA · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Fall from machine

Employee was dismounting the drill at the Kapowsin Quarry. EE used the first few steps and then hopped to the ground from the last step. As EE landed EE felt a sharp pain in back. EE looks to have strained back.

2018 · 3 incidents

September 10, 2018 WA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operator was moving the manlift basket up to do maintenance on the gator screen shoot. As ee was going up, ee didn't see the 2ft long by 1ft wide metal slanted roof. EE hand was on the railing of the manlift basket when ee hand became pinched between the metal and the rail. EE pulled hand out causing the laceration. EE was brought to the walk-in clinic and treated for injury.

August 7, 2018 WA · Metal/Non-Metal weighman, scale person OTHER
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Scalehouse operator had a stroke while doing routine job activities.

March 28, 2018 WA · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Loader driver drove over a large dip in ground, front of loader pointed downward, at same time tilting bucket up and down to shake remaining material out, lower edge of bucket stabbed the ground, bringing it to an immediate stop. Driver hit head on the windshield. No damage to loader. Driver had headache; slight bruise on forehead, no cut, no swelling.

2017 · 1 incident

November 8, 2017 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was removing conveyor belt from a radial stacker; as ee tossed a section away from the unit, ee felt a pain in neck as if something went out.

2016 · 3 incidents

December 7, 2016 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee who had been working in the shop the previous day, noticed pain in one eye that night. EE went to the clinic the next morning where a doctor removed a small particle (unknown substance) from left eye. Employee had been wearing safety glasses while working in the shop.

September 26, 2016 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck against stationary object

As ee was walking toward servicing vehicle, the employee stepped on a 3" rock on the ground and twisted knee.

February 15, 2016 WA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A contract truck driver, not an employee, did not pull far enough forward on the truck scale where EE was supposed to park to get EE's scalehouse ticket at the scalehouse window. As EE was walking back to EE's truck after getting EE's ticket, EE fell into an opening between the scale and the scalehouse.

2015 · 1 incident

April 13, 2015 WA · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Fall from machine

After refueling the D6 dozer, employee slipped on the tracks as he was climbing down. The tracks were wet from rain.

2014 · 1 incident

March 14, 2014 WA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by flying object

Sledgehammer came out of nearby employee's hands, struck an object, which changed its direction. It came around toward the other employee. The wood handle barely hit his head. He received three stitches from the closest clinic for a small cut.

2011 · 1 incident

October 17, 2011 WA · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was breaking boulders when a rock fragment penetrated the protective screen and struck his forehead. The rock caused a small cut.

2009 · 2 incidents

December 8, 2009 WA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Contact with hot objects or substances

EE was welding on the man shut on a sorter and chipped slag off weld. The slag hit him in his eye. He went to the doctor on the same day and his eye had inflamation, second degree burn to his left eye lid.

February 9, 2009 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Fall from machine

Employee was exiting the skidsteer, he was standing in the bucket, he turned right and went to step over the side of the bucket (about 14" high). He hooked his boot and fell on his left side.

2008 · 3 incidents

March 11, 2008 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was handing a troughing roll to co-worker. He thought the co-worker was ready to accept the roll. He wasn't, so ee grabbed for it and pinched his finger between the roll and frame. Cut required stitches.

March 11, 2008 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by falling object

EE was guiding the crane operator where they were placing a chute assembly. They first attached the front end and began to lower the back against the screen. The cable became slack and he assumed it was in place. He started to unhook and the chute slipped and landed on his foot.

January 30, 2008 WA · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing filter canister when it broke loose and wrench turned and pinched finger between wrench and frame of machine.

2007 · 3 incidents

October 19, 2007 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

He was trying to remove a clamp rod and the pipe wrench he was using broke. Wrench snapped back and broke his left index finger.

October 12, 2007 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by flying object

He was using an air compressor to dry parts and a piece of rust blew under his safety glasses into his right eye.

October 8, 2007 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by flying object

He was standing next to the rock crusher with his hand on the hand railing. A rock popped out of the crusher and landed on his hand.

2006 · 1 incident

October 20, 2006 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Porta Power Tool Broke-Smashing l. ring finger.

2005 · 1 incident

July 12, 2005 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE RECEIVED MINOR CHEMICAL BURNS TO TOP OF HANDS WHILE PRESSURE WASHING EQUIPMENT. UNKNOWN CAUSE; POSSIBLY ZEP CLEANER, GREASE, OIL, DIRT. CONSULTED MSDS. SENT EE FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION.

2004 · 3 incidents

December 22, 2004 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

USING THE EXCAVATOR AS A LIFTING DEVISE OF THE BEARING, WOULD NOT QUITE LIFT IT FAR ENOUGH TO PLACE BEARING ON SHAFT.

August 12, 2004 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Fall from machine

Lost my footing & fell off of battery box of bucket loader onto my back, the fall was onto gravel & bruised my back/hip.

July 6, 2004 WA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Struck by flying object

While securing wood strips to a metal container with a drill. Metal shavings were carried by the exhaust of the drill passing thru the underside of eye protection, entering the left eye. Attempted to flush eye clean with eye wash provided in first aid kit.

2003 · 1 incident

March 1, 2003 WA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Washington Rock Quarries, Inc. · Flash burns (welding)

REFLECTION FROM WELDING CAUSED FLASH BURN. HE HAD EYE CHECKED BY DOCTOR AND ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIBED.