Mining Incidents

Columbia River Carbonates (Woodland MillMetal/Nonmetal

Woodland, Cowlitz County, WA · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4503286
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
76
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Apr 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

76 on file

2026 · 2 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner was setting up the ditch area to be cleaned and slipped on slurry material on the ground while putting up caution tape to warn about slippery conditions. Miner fell on the concrete floor impacting their left knee and right wrist.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was walking down the stairs from a dry powder bagging machine platform and hyperextended right knee while stepping down causing pain.

2025 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was kneeling down on concrete floor performing clean-up activities and injured knee.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was putting in a seal on a bucket elevator by hammering it in place with a brass punch when they missed the punch and hit their hand with the hammer.

2024 · 5 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner was using a scraper to remove rock from a walkway and slipped on the loose material and did the splits. Miner felt a pop in lower back area followed by discomfort.

Struck by flying object

A miner was struck in the side of their foot by a piece of wood while standing in a area where wood splitting activities were happening.

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

Miner was carrying a magnet when it suddenly pulled them into a beam column trapping their right thumb between the column and the magnet.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner twisted while stacking 50lb bags of powder and felt a pop like sensation in EE's upper right side causing discomfort.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was moving a tool cart back to the shop from a work area when EE slipped on ice. EE was able to use the tool cart for support to avoid a fall, but EE's feet slipped out from under EE in opposite directions causing injury to the groin.

2023 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

A temporary employee was resting an arm on a gravity roller conveyor when the employee moved it into contact with an energized incline conveyor head pulley, trapping the arm between the gap of the two conveyors causing abrasion injuries.

2022 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner experienced back pain after getting off a forklift.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner experienced back pain during shoveling activities.

2021 · 8 incidents

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now tested positive.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

The miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now tested positive themselves.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

A miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now tested positive.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

A miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now also tested positive.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

A miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now tested positive.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

A miner was in close contact with another employee who tested positive for COVID-19 and has now tested positive themselves.

Struck against stationary object

Miner had finished cleaning buildup below the tail pulley of an incline conveyor and as miner was standing up, struck head on the steel braces for the structure knocking off hard hat resulting in a head laceration.

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

Miner was operating a Vermeer Dingo to clean around the grizzly. The equipment EE was operating shifted unexpectedly, pinning EE's left pinky finger between the controls of the Dingo and the structure support beam, resulting in a laceration requiring stitches.

2020 · 4 incidents

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

Miner was disassembling area guarding and moving the metal pieces to a staging area when one of the pieces started to fall. Miner thought was out of the way, but EE's hand became pinned between the metal and a concrete ecology block causing injury. Miner was wearing gloves.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was trying to turn guard on grinder while grinder was still powered and moving. Employee's finger got caught and pulled into wheel, sliced into the top of left index finger.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was changing screens on 1205 from a bent position and felt a pop in EE's lower back when EE was staging bottom screen frame for removal.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was bagging grit material using a roller conveyor to transport the bag from the fill station to the seal station. The corner of the bag caught in the roller and stopped moving suddenly causing the Miner to twist and hurt EE's lower back.

2019 · 5 incidents

Struck by falling object

Miner was removing a guard off a rotor above miner's head. When the last bolt was removed, the guard assembly fell down striking miner in the face resulting in two lacerations above the left eye.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner stumbled getting out of a chair in the control room. A coworker reached out to steady EE and they both fell to the floor. The miner who stumbled ended up with a broken leg.

Struck by flying object

Miner was unplugging a sump line that was charged with compressed air. The line was disconnected at one end and when the plug released, the line kicked backed and hit the miner in EE's hip/pelvis area.

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

Miner was bagging grit material and used left hand to guide a stuck bag up the belt resulting in hand getting pinched between the bag and feed roller. Miner did not report the incident to a supervisor until 5 weeks later.

Struck against stationary object

Miner had punched out for the day and was leaving the mine site when EE struck the top of EE's head on the buildings outside awning.

2018 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

Miner was welding in an area where other work activities were taking place. Miner was measuring the transition and wind blew particles under miner's safety glasses from grinding activities into miner's right eye.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was stripping a CAT5 communication wire to expose the inside wires and the blade of the utility knife EE was using cut into EE's right thigh causing a deep laceration requiring stitches.

2017 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was descending stairs on the outside of the Roller Mill Building when miner heard a loud popping sound and felt intense pain in right knee.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner was moving railcars remotely from the ground when the gravel under feet shifted causing ee to loose footing and fall, injuring back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was removing metal grating segments, which weigh in range of 25 to 50 lbs, from the process ditch when miner had a sudden sharp pain in miner's lower back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was moving/lifting tote bins of soil samples weighing approx 30 lbs each when they felt lower back pain that did not diminish with time.

2016 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was using a shovel to move material at the Hammer Mill Chute two to three feet so it could be accessed with a Dingo Compact Utility Loader. Miner hurt upper back during shoveling process.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

As the miner was descending a rock car they misplaced a foot while stepping from the rock car to the ground and stumbled causing miner to strain back. Miner had previously washed out a railcar and was wearing generic steel toe rubber boots. Standard PPE for moving rock cars is lace up steel toe boots with ankle support.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner noticed pain and locking issues with EE's ring and middle finger on both hands a few weeks ago. Symptoms were increased when tying super-sack strings and operating the grit bagging station. Miner reported incident to EE's supervisor on 04/26/16.

2015 · 4 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was in chute of Hammer Mill grinding welds. Area is small/dusty as debris is dislodged from vibrations. Miner was wearing face shield and safety glasses. Miner had eye irritation after job. Flushing eyes did not relieve discomfort. Miner was sent to the doctor who removed small metallic body from right eye & two small metal shavings from eyelid margin of both eyes.

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

Miner moving rail car into position. Railcar travelled past drain approx. one foot. Miner attempted to back car with a manual rail car mover tool (mule), a pry bar designed for this task. While pulling down on the mule, the car moved forward causing mule handle to move upward pinching miner's thumb between bar handle and car support beam.

Struck by falling object

Miner was attempting to move a file cabinet in the Electrical Shop by himself. While moving backwards, he tripped, file cabinet came towards him and he caught it which strained/contused his left shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was washing screens. He bent over to pick up a bolt on the ground and his back spasmed and tightened. On 02/10/2015 he was sent to the physician for evaluation and treatment. Most likely related to disk problem experienced at home in July of 2014. On this incident, Dr. returned him to work on light duty until 02/18/2015.

2014 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Miner was inside and cleaning storage tank 316 with tank mixer locked out. As worker passed by mixer blade, his little finger brushed against mixer blade. Blade was sharp and cut finger requiring four sutures.

2011 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was grinding a bevel into a rubber boot material. The grinder blade jumped off the belt and nicked/cut his right thumb. Grinder was equipped with guard and miner was wearing leather gloves at time of occurrence. Miner was taken to physician and received treatment, including stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was carrying 2 each 50# bags of product (in separate trips) into office trailer. On Friday 1/21/11, miner' s final day at the company(retired thereafter), miner complained of knee inflammation & sought physician evaluation. Knee strain/sprain diagnosed. Miner told HR director that he had ongoing arthritis in this knee & that the carrying of bags likely inflamed it.

2008 · 6 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

iner was walking across plant site during heavy snpw/ice weather, slipped on ice covered pavement and fell to the ground striking right shoulder.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was going up extension ladder leaned against a tank. The ladder slid when he reached about the 4th rung. The cleat of the ladder hit the employee in the right shin. He received 7 stitches and returned to work.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was driving bearing shaft out of gearbox with hammer and brass punch. Shard of punch broke off and was driven into right hand between thumb and index finger. Miner transported to physician and shard surgically removed. Miner missed next scheduled work day and returned to regular duties on 12/15/08.

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

EE was loading palletts into bagging pallet dispenser and pinched middle finger between pallet and pallet dispenser frame, bruised and swollen, treating Dr prescribed 3 days of light hand use.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was removing and re-stacking 50# bags on a pallet and strained lower back. She did not report this to anyone, however, until December 8, 2008 at which time she was transported to physiciaan for evaluation and treatment. Miner was placed on restricted duty pending release from treating physician.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner attempted to expedite the unloading of a screw conveyor unit from a truck. He attempted a single arm lift of a part and strained his shoulder. Treating physicain placed him on restricted duty and released him for full duty on July 23, 2008.

2007 · 5 incidents

Struck by flying object

Miner was using a hand grinder on a steel framework. He was wearing safety glasses but a piece of metal lodged in his eye. He was transported to an optometric physician who removed the fragment(s) and he was released the same day to return to work with no restrictions. Miner re-instructed on requirement to wear face shield or goggles when grinding.

Fall onto or against objects

Miner recalls falling against a metal pole in the warehouse. She did not think she was injured and forgot the incident. Later in the week she felt a sharp pain in her back when doing certain activities. On 11/13/07 she reported this to management for the first time. She was sent to the DR, who diagnosed contusion of posterior rib, light duty restrictions.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner lifting container for laboratory mill and strained neck/shoulder. Next day sent to physician who diagnosised as ""sprain of cervical spine/strain of thoracic left"" sent back to work with no restirctions. Treated as first aid until second visit on 9/10/07, where further treatment and medication prescribed and injury deemed reportable.

Struck by flying object

Millwright was straightening a piece of metal in a vice. Struck metal with hammer & small shard of metal from hammer flew off & entered arm. Transported to Kaiser where a physician removed shart & sealed wound with2 stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was labeling 7 gallon product buckets by manually taking them off pallet. He backed up and turned his foot on a pallet behind him while carrying a bucket thereby spraining his knee. Miner reported this to company on 3/29/07 when his knee still hurt.

2006 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was getting off tractor (Kubata - small tractor) and turned ankle on ground. He was diagnosed with a sprained ankle at the ER after x-ray. Miner placed on light duty.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner left company employ on 1/10/06. Filed work comp. claim for hearing loss - prolonged exposure to industrial noise. Miner was employed at company for 13 years.

Fall onto or against objects

Miner was exiting forklift when his foot caught on brake pedal causing him to trip and fall to ground. He fell against concrete footing and cracked one rib - broke second rib.

Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING ON LINES FOR INSTALLED PRESSURE WASHER. HE LOCKED OUT THE UNIT AND DISASSEMBLED LINE. HE REMOVED PRESSURE WASHER MINIFOLD - COMPUTER-ACTIVATED VALVE OPENED AND RELEASED STORED PRESSURE FROM LINE. PRESSURIZED WATER STREAM STRUCK EMPLOYEE IN LEFT EYE (ABRASION/IRRITATION OF EYE). HE WAS NOT WEARING SAFETY GLASSES.

2005 · 2 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

Miner was walking down wheelchair access ramp at front office when he slipped on frosty surface, fell backwards and struck his head on ramp causing concussion and neck strain. Miner was first employee to office on frosty morning. Ramp had been resurfaced.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER WAS CLIMBING DOWN OFF PARKED RAILCAR AFTER SETTING THE BRAKE. WHEN HE STEPPED ONTO THE GROUND HE WRENCHED HIS BACK. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS UNDER DRY CONDITIONS WITH NO SLIPPERY SURFACES OR CONDITIONS INVOLVED.

2004 · 6 incidents

Struck by falling object

EE WAS CLEANING SUMP DITCH IN PLANT AND LEANED STEEL GRATING ON ITS EDGE, EE LOOKED TO THE SIDE WITH HAND RESTING AT EDGE OF DITCH WHEN GRATING FELL AND STRUCK HAND, EE TRASPORTED TO LOCAL DR, NO BROKEN BONES BYT SWELLING AND BLUISH RESULTING IN LIGHT DUTY

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner was inspecting area/equipment near settling lagoon. while walking he slipped on slippery ground and fell, spraining right ankle.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

CLEANING OUT A FLOW METER, EMPLOYEE REACHED UP TO PULL DOWN LEVER TO FLUSH THE LINE. THE LEVER WAS STUCK OR HARD TO OPERATE.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was carrying heavy coiled welding leads down stairs while cable slipped, he tried to catch with extended arm.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER WAS LIFTING METAL FLOOR GRATE WHEN AN ADJACENT GRATE SLIPPED AND PINCHED THE MIDDLE FINGERTIP OF HIS RIGHT HAND. MINER WAS WEARING LEATHER GLOVES BUT PORTION OF SKIN ON FINGERTIP SLICED OFF (NAIL INTACT).

Fall onto or against objects

MINER, ON A LADDER CLEARING BLOCKED FLOW METER LINE WITH A PRESSURE WASHER, SLIPPED AND FELL, STRIKING HIS BACK ON A MOTOR OIL SIGHT GLASS.

2003 · 2 incidents

Fall from machine

MINER WAS EXITING CAT EXCAVATOR WHEN HE SLIPPED AND TWISTED HIS BACK, LANDING ON HIS FEET BUT ABRUPTLY. WET SLURRY ON CAT AND MINER'S FEET PROBABLY CONTRIBUTED TO ACCIDENT.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CARPAL TUNNEL ATTRIBUTED TO COMPUTER WORK AT IMPROPER COMPUTER STATION IN SHOP. STATION NOW ADJUSTED. WORKER COMPLAINED OF NUMBNESS IN WRISTS, HANDS, FOREARM.

2002 · 3 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER WAS MOVING A LARGE HOSE REEL AND PINCHED HIS HAND BETWEEN REEL AND A STORAGE RACK. RIGHT INDEX FINGER WAS CUT REQUIRING 3 STITCHES. RELEASED FOR FULL WORK DUTIES.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER WAS HELPING INSTALL ACCESS LADDER/ PLATFORM AND INED UP BOLT HOLES WITH SPUD WRENCH. WRENCH SLIPPED OUT OF BOLT HOLE AND STRUCK MINER IN FACE. LACERATION OF SKIN ON NOSE AND LIP CHIPPED TOOTH. CONTUSION ON FACE/ SCALP NECK.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MINER IS A MILLWRIGHT IN THE MAINTENANCE DEPT. HE COMPLAINED OF NUMBNESS IN HANDS. PHYSICIAN 0N1/7/02 DIAGNOSED BILATERAL CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH WORK ACTIVITIES OVER THE YEARS

2001 · 1 incident

Flash burns (welding)

MINER WAS WELDING ON STAINLESS TANK DURING 3-4 HOUR PERIOD. WEARING PROPER HOOD/LENS. SUFFERED FLASH IN EYES, DISCOVERED THAT NIGHT/MORNING. TREATED BY EMERGENCY ROOM, MEDICATED CAUSE APPEARS TO BE POSSIBLE REFLECTION ENTERING SIDEL BOTTOM OF WELDING MAST/HOOD OVER PROLONGED TIME.

2000 · 2 incidents

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

WORKER WAS REMOVING CAP FROM DRUM OOF ACETIC ACID & PUMPING CONTENTS TO NEW DRUM WITH CAP ALSO OFF INHALED FUMES THROAT, NOSE, LUNGS BURNING SENSATION REMOVED TO FRESH AIR SAW DR NEXT DAY EXAM & SENT BACK TO WORK. WORKER TO RET IF NECESSARY

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CONTRACT LABORER (EMPLOYERS OVERLOAD) SENT TO PRESSURE WASH GUTTERS (4 HR SCHEDULED JOB). WORKER CAUGHT TIP OF RIGHT THUMB IN STREAM OF PRESSURE WASHER, CUTTING THUMB AND ENGORGING WITH WATER. TRANSPORTED BY CRC PERSONNEL TO ER. THUMB DRAINED, STITCHED AND ANTIBIOTICS ADMINISTERED.