Mining Incidents

Europa MineCoal

I O Coal Company, LLC · Underground
Bob White, Boone County, WV · Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 4608798
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
126
Years on record
2001–2009
Latest incident
Mar 2009
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

126 on file

2009 · 2 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

We had a rock fall on the #5 beltline. This is a non-producing mine. All equipment has been removed from the mine. Fall was approx 100 ft long, 5 to 6 foot high. All approaches have been timbered and dangered off. We will not be cleaning up this fall due to the mine being closed.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the above date. There were no injuries and the fall did not impede ventilation or escapeway. This area was timbered off in December due to roof conditions. This mine is currently in non-producing status recovering equipment. The fall occurred in the return, 700' outby the fence. The fall measured 6' high, 20' wide & 30' long.

2008 · 21 incidents

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was bolting top on the 6 right section in the #6 entry. A 4' strap he had placed on the ATRS to put a bolt in slid down striking his left forearm causing a laceration that required sutures.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On the above date, EE was walking across the section, when he slipped and twisted his left knee. He continued to work and went to the doctor on 11/5/08, where he had fluid removed from his knee. He was put off work for approx 2 weeks.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was entering the deck of the roof bolter on 6 right section when his feet slipped out from under him causing him to fall striking his back on the back rest of the operator's seat. EE was released to return to work on 9/16/08 and continued to work until 9/26/08 when he returned to the doctor. Due to continued pain at this time he was taken off work.

Struck against stationary object

EE was using a ladder to hang curtain when he lost his balance and grabbed at a roof bolt plate, as he fell he cut all four fingers on his left hand. 12 sutures were required to close the wounds.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was helping change the bits on the continuous miner. The right side of the rib rolled out, knocking a timber out. The timber struck EE on the back of his shoulder. X-rays revealed no fractures and an MRI date has not been scheduled yet.

Fall onto or against objects

Scoop operator was constructing a permanenet stopping on the return side of the section. He stepped in the scoop bucket to retrieve a block and tripped over the corner of the scoop bucket.

Struck by flying object

Employee was using a track duster to dust belts. The hose became clogged, he pulled the hose off to look for the clog. He looked inside the coupling and the clog came loose and the dust hit him in the face. On 8-30-08, he was diagnosed with a scratched eye and was put off work until 9-5-08.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting a piece of belt, pulling the razor knife towards his leg when it came out of the belt, cutting his right leg.

Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting top on 6 right section. As he placed his steel against the top a kettle bottom dislodged from the top striking his right knee. On 9-2-08, MRI results came back positive for 3 tears to his menisci cartilage, was put off work until a surgeon sees what is to be done to repair his knee.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

On Aug 7, employee was picking up a pump when he felt a pain in his elbow. On Aug 26, 2008, he had an MRI performed on the arm. On Sept 2, 2008, Safety Dept received the MRI results, which was diagnosed with tendonitis in his elbow and was put off work for therapy.

Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall occured on 7/12/08, no travel way or air way was blocked. No injuries occurred from the fall, the fall occurred on 3rt off of 5rt mains on spad 2713 in the intersection. The fall measured 20ft wide by 20ft in lengh and fell from above anchor point.

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

EE was moving a mantrip from the main line to put on charge at the charging hole. He was facing the wrong way and had his right leg hanging outside the mantrip when he rounded a corner en route to charging hole where his right leg got caught between the frame of the mantrip and the rib causing injury.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting open a box of glue for the bolts with a razor knife. The box slipped resulting in a laceration to his left index finger.

Struck by flying object

EE was tramming the roof bolter up the neutral entry from the operators deck. He got out of the deck to use the inch control levers to go under a discharge line going across the entry, when the chain from the front left tire broke. A link from the chain struck EE in the left lower leg.

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

EE and co-worker were working on a MRS. The chain had came off of the cable reel. The two men were removing the shield off of the cable reel. They were using a slate bar to pry the shield up. Injured had his fingers on the shield when it slipped off the slate bar smashing his left fingers.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE stated that he slipped after stepping on piece of metal near tail piece and fell, landing on left wrist.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred at IO Coal Co Europa Mine. The fall occurred on 3 left section in No 4 entry 1 break inby Span No 5141. The fall measured 120' long, 15 feet wide, and approximately 6 to 8 feet thick. The fall had been cribbed off on all sides. No injuries occurred from this fall.

Struck by falling object

EE was suppling the roof bolter with straps t5's. EE had a hand full of straps when he dropped them on his left thumb, smashing it. Mine mgment was not notified of this injury until 2/26/08.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Torque tension bolt kicked out from the bolt wrench - striking employee's hand (L) & fracturing his middle finger.

Fall from ladders

While hanging a miner cable, EE was injured, when he fell off of a ladder.

Fall onto or against objects

While building stoppings, employee backed up against a stack of Kennedy Stopping panels and fell on top of the pile.

2007 · 24 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking in the #4 belt entry past the 10 s/c shuttle car that he operates when he slipped and fell in an uneven area of the roadway, causing him to injure his right ankle. He was transported & diagnosed with a fracture to the right ankle which resulted in lost workdays.

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

Employee was in the process of hooking up a chain from the section pressure pump to the scoop ram when his right foot was caught under the scoop bucket. Employee was diagnosed with 2 fractured metatarsals on the right foot.

Accident type, without injuries

An unplanned roof fall occurred adjacent to spad #'s 2527:2524. The fall was breakered off and will not be rehabilitated. The fall measured approx 60' long x 20' wide.

Struck by falling object

Two employees were operating the RRII roof bolter in the #7 entry inby spad #4931 on the 3 left section. They had scaled roof in the area then set the ATRS preparing to install roof bolts. EE was attempting to mount the man-up station; placed his right hand in the buckboard to assist him when a piece of rock approx. 1'x1'x2' fell striking his right hand.

Accident type, without injuries

An unplanned roof fall occurred oytby spad # 2538 in the intersection. The fall was breakered off & will not be rehabilitated. The flal measured approx. 19' L x 19' W.

Struck by falling object

Employee was RRII, roof bolt via the inch tram controls in the #2 room on the 5 right section. As he was advancing up the machine to install the next row of bolts. a bundle of roof bolt plate 10 per bundle fell striking his right foot. He completed shift and sought medical after work @ puton gen. hospital. he was diagnosed with 2 frac

Struck by falling object

Employee was in the process of installing a 48"" T-5 roof channel when the channel fell striking his right index finger resulting in a laceration that required three sutures. Employee returned to work on next shift. Medical reportable only.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was in the process of removing roof bolts from a pallet when his right hand was cut by the metal band that was used to secure the bolts to the pallet. Employee received sutures to the wound. Medical reportable injury only - no lost work days. Employee was wearing leather gloves at the time of the injury.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was changing a bit on a continuous miner when he was struck by a piece of mine roof. He was knocked into a bit lug & chipped his tooth. The remaining portion of that tooth was removed a couple of days later.

Fall from machine

Employee alleges that he was injured while hanging a feeder cable. He was standing on a scoop & lost his balance, jumped from the scoop, & landed on his feet. Employee stated that he was OK.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

A rock that fell from the the mine roof slid off the roof bolter canopy and struck the operator.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had pulled down a piece of rock from the mine roof with the ATRS. He then proceeded to attempt to pull down a small piece that remained with a slate bar. The small piece of rock then fell, struck the slate bar, & the slate bar struck him.

Fall from machine

Employee was hanging a curtain from the power center when he slipped & fell off of the power center.

Fall from ladders

EE stated he was working on in-line tailpiece. He was on ladder and fell 3-4 ft off ladder onto water line. *We are protesting this claim of injury because ee did not report it. Went to hospital on 3/26/07. We got form from Brick Street. Called ee and he couldn't remember date of injury (this is his guess).

Struck against stationary object

Employee stated that he was loading belt on cart on track with motor. He was watching belt as it went on cart when he slipped (lost footing) on crib mounted underneath track causing his ankle to roll.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was shoveling tailpiece & bent down to move an old piece of curtain out of the way that had coal on it so he could shove. When EE tugged on the curtain, it was heavier than anticipated and he hurt his lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee accidently cut his knee(L) with a belt knife while cutting a rope hanger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE cut his finger & received sutures while trying to get a piece of rock out of #3 Tailpiece.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee pulled a stomach muscle while lifting timbers.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was hanging a shuttle car cable anchor when he felt a pain in his right shoulder.

Accident type, without injuries

Unintentional roof fall measuring 20'(L) x 10'(W) x 8.5'(T). Second break inby Jupiter Portal.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While installing a 8' Torque Tension Roof Bolt- Employee's hand(R) was struck by the bolt wrench.

Struck against stationary object

Employee stated that he cut his left ring finger on a pile of roof bolt plates, requiring 4 stitches.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was loading timbers from a scoop bucket when he slipped, and struck his hand on the side of the scoop bucket while holding onto a timber.

2006 · 20 incidents

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was in the process of installing a strap while bolting. As he started to push bolt in the hole the strap fell and slid down the bolt causing strap or plate to puncture his hand in the fleshy part between the thumb and index finger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a strap when it fell, slid down the steel, and cut his finger.

Struck by falling object

As employee started to drill a hole, a piece of top fell & struck him in his mouth.

Fall from machine

Employee claims to have injured his back when he jumped off of a man-up & landed on his feet & then fell.He stated that he saw the top move.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured was helping clean coal off the #3 tailpiece when he had his finger hit by his co-worker's hammer. Injured went to push a piece of coal off tail piece at the same time his co-worker hit the same piece of coal with his hammer.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While roof bolting, the wrench that EE was using mouse trapped his thumb between the wrench & mast- lacerating his thumb.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE alleges that he injured his back while shoveling belt. This incident was never reported, and the employee didn't seek medical attention or miss work until 8/15/2006. Mine management questions the validity of this accident.

Fall from ladders

While hanging fly pads employee fell from a ladder & fractured his wrist (L) & 1 rib.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee injured his back while picking up crib blocks out of the mud.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stated he was walking up entry, stepped in a hole & twisted his right ankle. He then slipped & fell striking his right elbow on the floor.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped, fell & injured his knee(R).

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was hooking cable rope up to the miner when the rib burst & knocked him into the miner.

Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall on the pillar section on 4 Rt.. One break inby spad #3621- measurements: 45'(L) x 20'(W) x 5'(T).

Struck by falling object

Employee was hanging a cable when a small piece of rock fell out & hit him on the top of his foot.

Struck by falling object

EE was walking down supply entry #2 to check to see how many timbers was down there when a piece of slate rock 1 ft.x 1 ft. 1/2 in thick fell out & struck him between shoulder blades injury happened at spad ""3400""

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was hanging a cable, when he stepped out of shuttle car his knee(R) gave out. Employee did not seek medical attention or miss work until 2/13/06.

Struck by falling object

Employee was trying to remove rock off of belt and another rock fell behind him hitting the right side of his head & shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Employee was working on a scoop when a small piece of rock fell out from between roof bolts & struck employee on his shoulder (L) & neck.

Struck against stationary object

Carrying a ladder, employee stepped on a stone submerged in water.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's left index finger was cut when the drill steel slipped. This is not a lost time accident.

2005 · 25 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Unintentional roof fall measuring 60'(L) x 19'(W) x 5'(H). Discovered on 12/26/05 in # 2 Entry inby spad # 578.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While bending a roof bolt, the plate flew off & struck him in his arm(L).

Struck by falling object

Employee was struck by a small piece of rock while he was installing a roof bolt.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted his left knee on a fire valve while firebossing the belts. He began missing work on 3/7/2006.

Struck against stationary object

While walking down the track, employee turned, contacted a metal strap & was cut above his left eyebrow.

Fall from machine

EE was standing on top of the bolting machine hanging a line curtain when he slipped & fell to the mine floor.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was shoveling around belthead and felt ""stinging"" in groin area.

Struck against stationary object

Employee stepped on a rock in wet conditions and twisted his right knee.

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

EMPLOYEE STATES THAT HE WAS CHANGING THE BATTERIES ON THE SCOOP & TALKING TO SOMEONE AT THE SAME TIME. HE STATED THE SCOOP OPERATOR HAD TO GET HIS BATTERY CABLE UNHUNG & WAS CLEAR TO MOVE BUT INJURED WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION BECAUSE HE WAS TALKING & WHEN HE TOLD THE SCOOP OPERATER TO WAIT A SECOND HE DIDN'T HEAR HIM. THE SCOOP SHIFTED & HIS LOWER LEFT LEG GOT SAUASHED.

Struck by falling object

EE was bolting when a draw rock fell from top and smashed his left hand against drill pot.

Accident type, without injuries

Unitentional Roof Fall: 8'(W) x 25'(L) x 7' (H); 3 Right Section- 1 break inby the feeder & spad # 3128.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was jacking a mantrip back onto the track when the jack slipped & caught his thumb between the jack & the mantrip.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting insulation off of a cable, his knife slipped & cut his forearm (R).

Struck by falling object

THE COMPANY FEELS THAT THIS IS NOT A REPORTABLE ACCIDENT & IT'S BEING SUBMIITED ONLY TO TERMINATE CITATION # 7249956 WHICH WILL BE CONFERENCED. EE MISSED WORK DUE TO AN UNRELATED TUMOR THAT WAS DISCOVERED. He was struck by a rock that fell out of the mine roof as he was walking away from the miner.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS WALKING AROUND MANTRIP AND WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION TO THE GROUND AND TRIPPED OVER A ROCK ON THE GROUND AND TWISTED KNEE.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was rolling MRS cable onto the plow of the #3 MRS when he slipped & fell- striking his wrist(R).

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning the dump area when he was injured by a piece of 4"" waterline. The waterline was under the gob & got fouled under the scoop & came up & struck him on the right side of his head.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee's ankle (L) was struck by a rib roll while he was re-entering a miner cable.

Struck by falling object

While roof bolting, a piece of slate top fell and broke over the machine's canopy and struck his leg.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee injured himself picking up a shuttle car cable.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee lost his footing & fell injuring his hand (R).

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was trimming waterline. His hand slipped and the knife cut his finger.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was mining the left side of # 6 Block when he was struck in the back by a piece of falling rib. He was knocked into the side of a shuttle car.

Struck by falling object

EE was working on track and a piece of rock fell out between roofbolts and struck him on r shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Employee was carrying an oxygen tank; tank slid down and hit his right forearm.

2004 · 17 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS GETTING OUT OF SCOOP, LOST BALANCE AND FELL

Struck by falling object

EE was struck by a rock that fell from the mine roof as he was in the process of cleaning gob to set timbers.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Mine mgt became aware of this accident on 11/5/04 Until this time EE told mine mgt that he was sick.It is company policy to report any accident before leaving the property & have an accident report filled out.He did not comply with company policy.On 11/5/04, he alleged to mine mgt that he had injured his groin while lifting a timber.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing a come-along on the the belt with the help of co-worker. He felt a pain in his back.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was helping set a feeder when he was struck by a rib roll. The rib roll measured 3' long X 2' wide X 18"" thick.

Struck by falling object

Employee was struck on his hard hat by a block that fell from the mine roof as he was recovering blocks from a stoppping that he had just knocked.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

ROOF BOLTER STEEL BROKE; HIT HIS WRIST.

Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS CHANGING BATTERIES ON A SCOOP AND WAS PULLING THE BATTERY BELL FROM THE BATTERY. HE SLIPPED AND HIT HIS HEAD ON THE FIRE SUPPRESSANT HANGING FROM TOP. A KNOT AROSE BEHIND HIS RIGHT EAR.

Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting top when a piece of coal fell from rib and struck his right elbow and shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Ee was struck by rib material while he was pulling a shuttle car cable around a shuttle car.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was getting out of mantrip when he felt his knee pop.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Loading belt and twisted knee.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was making a belt splice. While he was cranking the come-a-longs, he felt pain in his back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS SPINNING DRILL STEEL OUT OF HOLE WITH A WRENCH. STEEL CAME OUT OF WRENCH, STRIKING EE ON HIS LEFT WRIST. EE DID NOT MISS WORK UNTIL 05/20/04, WHEN HE SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE did not report this accident to me. Per phone call he does not know time of accident, stated that it started hurting, also he told me that he did not report this as a accident, i found out per phone call from worker's comp concerning a WC3 report.

Struck by falling object

EE WAS INSTALLING A ROOF STRAP ACROSS THE MINE ROOF. WHILE ADJUSTING THE STRAP, A PIECE OF DRAW ROCK FELL FROM MINE ROOF AND CAUGHT EE'S HAND ON TOP OF CANOPY, SMASHING HIS MIDDLE FINGER (L).

Struck by falling object

EE WAS RIDING INSIDE OF MANTRIP WHEN A CRIB BLOCK VIBRATED OFF OF THE CANOPY. IT STRUCK EE IN HIS HEAD & NECK.

2003 · 10 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

THE CONTINUOUS MINER WAS IN THE SECOND LIFT IN THE RT WING OF BLOCK #94 WHEN THE PILLAR AREA FELL ON THE CUTTER HEAD, FOULING IT ON THE BOTTOM. THE MRS WERE SET PROPERLY AND ALL BREAKER POST W ERE SET. THE AREA WAS BOLTED WITH 6' TORQUE TENSION BOLTS. THE ROCK WAS APPROX 10'THICK, 16'WIDE, 30'LONG.

No Value Found

EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING IN SCOOP BUCKET WHEN HE SLIPPED STRIKING HIS RIGHT HIP ON SIDE OF BUCKET. EMPLOYEE DID NOT MISS WORK OR SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT UNTIL 3-2-04.

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS TIGHTENING A BOLT ON A SCOOP PANEL WHEN HIS WRENCH SLIPPED. EE STRUCK RIGHT RING FINGER ON A BOLT. EE FIRST MISSED WORK 11-10-03.

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

EMPLOYEE WAS PRYING A ROCK OFF OF THE MINER WHEN THE BAR SLIPPED, SMASHING FINGER AGAINST FRAME OF MINER.

Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS HANGING WATER LINE WHEN A PIECE OF DRAW ROCK 26"" LONG BY 24"" WIDE BY 1/4 TO 3"" THICK FELL FROM BETWEEN BOLTS, STRIKING HIM ON THE HEAD AND LEFT SHOULDER.

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

EE'S HAND WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN 6"" AND CAR WHEN ANOTHER EE PUSHED LINE ONTO CAR.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE SLIPPED AND FELL WHEN HE CAUGHT HIMSELFINJURING HIS LEFT WRIST.

Struck by falling object

EE WAS OPERATING THE ROOF BOLTER WHEN A ROCK FELL FROM BETWEEN BOLTS, STRIKING EE ON HEAD & LEFT THIGH.

No Value Found

EE WAS BOLTING TOP WHEN HE HUNG THE DRILL STEEL IN THE HOLE. HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL IT OUT & HE FELT PAIN IN HIS SHOULDER.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS BOLTING TOP WHEN HE FELT PAIN IN HIS BACK.

2002 · 5 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS JACKING UP THE BELT TAILPIECE WHEN THE JACK SLIPPED AND STRUCK EE IN L THUMB.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CHECKING SPILLAGE AT TAIL PIECE WHEN HIS MINING BELT CAUGHT THE CONVEYOR & PULLED HIM INTO THE CONVEYOR. EE WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN TOP BELT & ROOF.

Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS STRUCK BY A PIECE OF ROCK THAT HAD FALLEN BETWEEN ROOFBOLTS IN THE MINE ROOF. THE ROCK STRUCK THE EMPLOYEE ON THE LEFT LEG AND FOOT.

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

VICTIM HAD HIS HAND LAYING ON THE BOOM WHILE DRILLING A ROOF BOLT HOLE & CAUGHT YIS WRIST BETWEEN THE BOOM & TRAY.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS TAKING DOWN MINER CABLE WHEN HE FELL. EMPLOYEE CAUGHT HIS FALL WITH RIGHT HAND, SPRAINING RIGHT WRIST.

2001 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE ADDING A 2"" WRENCH TO THE DRILL POT, THE DRILL STEEL DISCHARGED FROM THE TOP AND PINNED HIS HAND.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING TAPE FROM HOSES WHEN HE CUTHIS (R) INDEX FINGER.