Mining Incidents

Mine No. 39Coal

Controlled by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
Gary, Mcdowell County, WV · Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 4609261
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
120
Years on record
2009–2023
Latest incident
Dec 2023

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Drowning

Employee was assisting in installing a discharge line from a pump when Employee did not respond to verbal calls, Supervisor went to check and found Employee face down and unresponsive.

Reportable incidents

119 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2023 · 12 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was changing out of work clothes, and something got into left eye, employee was later diagnosed with a scratched cornea.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee suffered a laceration to EE's right index finger as EE was cutting away cable insulation with a razor knife. Required 3 stitches to close the wound.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was issued a splint for a shoulder injury as a result of prying hoses away with a pry bar.

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

Employee was placing a wood crib block under a belt tailpiece. They placed their left hand on the end of the crib block and when they pushed the block in place, they caught their middle fingertip between the crib block and tail roller bearing.

Accident type, without injuries

A non-injury roof fall occurred in the #9 entry just inby spad #333 on the 39B #2 section. The fall measured approximately 60' long X 20' wide X 9' high.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was tramming a scoop when their left pinky finger was struck by a belt rail, causing a laceration to EE's finger. The wound required 3 stitches to close.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped into a low place and felt pain in right knee. Employee has started missing work from this event.

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

An employee was tramming the roof bolting machine from the operator's deck, when the machine slid on a rock pinning EE's arm between the machine and the rib.

Contact with electrical current

Employee was moving EE's shuttle car anchor when EE touched the chain to a clevis EE received a shock. Employee stated that EE had chest pain after the shock

Struck against stationary object

Injured was an employee riding in a track mounted man-trip, when it derailed and struck the coal rib causing the man-trip to stop suddenly. The employee was thrown into the man-trip, and EE suffered a laceration that required one stitch and blunt trauma injury to EE's right eye. EE was wearing safety glasses at the time.

Struck by falling object

Waiting on miner to finish cut, rock fell out of top and struck hand cutting left ring finger. 7 Stitches were administered.

Flash burns (welding)

Employee was prescribed an ointment for an eye injury while using a plasma cutter.

2022 · 3 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred, at #6 entry inby spad 9652 on West Mains section, that fell above the anchorage of the roof bolts being used. An Action plan was developed and submitted to allow us to rehabilitate the area and remove the MRS's from the area safely.

Struck against stationary object

Injured employee was operating a track mounted mantrip when EE went through a low area, and EE raised up too quickly. EE knocked off EE's hard hat and EE's head struck the roof. This resulted in a laceration to EE's scalp that required stitches to close.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the number 3 entry inby crosscut number 19 on the 39B section. The fall area was approximately 16' wide, 7' high and caught both MRS's about 15' inby. Area was re-supported and MRS's were retrieved.

2021 · 8 incidents

Struck by rolling or sliding object

EE was operating a shuttle car, when the car was loaded, EE exited the deck to turn around, at that moment the corner of the pillar block rolled out striking EE on the lower right leg.

Accident type, without injuries

At approximately 11PM in the #6 entry on the west mains section we had an unintentional roof fall. This material fell in on the #3 MRS and was approximately 15'x10'x7'. We developed an MSHA & State acceptable recovery plan and retrieved the MRS safely.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking downslope at the No. 1 Drive heading to the return pump when EE slipped and strained (Left) knee. On 7/21/2021 employee began missing work because of the injury.

Accident type, without injuries

A non-injury, unintentional roof fall has occurred on the West Mains #2 Belt just inby crosscut 17. The fall was estimated to be 30 feet long, 18 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet high. The area has been clean up and re-supported as per Recovery Plan.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE, a general labor on the West Mains Section, stated that lower back was hurting after moving structure during a belt pull back. As part of the pullback, EE is required to remove 48"" belt structure that weighs approximately 55 lbs each.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

A shuttle car operator was moving the water line and power cable for the continuous miner out of the roadway when EE felt a ""pop"" in their back. EE finished the shift and went to the Dr. on the 9th and began missing on the 10th.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee used a razor knife with right hand to cut the zip tie slipping and impaled left hand between the thumb and index finger resulting in 4 stitches.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE raised from a squatting position on 3/24/2021 and felt pain in EE's left knee. On 9/23/2021, EE had an out-Patient procedure from that March Injury. EE has returned to work and report is Medical only.

2020 · 18 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE is a Continuous Miner Operator on 39B Section, right side. EE was tramming the miner down the Number 7 Entry, when EE stepped into a hole and twisted left ankle.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee finished splicing 39-B belt and began training the belt for proper alignment. As they were adjusting the structure, they pulled on a piece of top structure and they slipped on the wet mine floor. When they slipped and fell, they twisted their back and felt pain in mid to upper back.

Struck by falling object

EE was operating a scoop when something fell from the canopy and struck EE's left little finger (pinky finger) just below the second joint.

Struck by falling object

EE is the section electrician and was resetting a side breaker on the right-side continuous miner. As EE was leaving the are a section of the rib fell and caught EE's feet, with the left foot being the primary complaint.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was moving the miner cable along with two other employees when employee felt pain in groin area.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was loading an 8"" steel I-Beam that was 9 feet long onto a scoop. EE felt pain in lower back.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was carrying a can of welding rods, when EE fell, causing the palm of EE's hand to strike the sharp edge of the can and EE suffered a laceration to EE's left hand. The injury required stitches to close the wound.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling a line curtain from the No. 7 entry to the No. 5 entry and felt something ""pop"" in shoulder blade area of back. Employee continued to work until they began missing on 9/15/20.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was installing a rib bolt when EE heard a ""pop"" in the roof at the ATRS, as EE turned to move away EE felt pain in right knee. EE worked full duty until 9/11/20 when EE needed medical attention. EE was placed on restricted duty at that time.

Struck by falling object

A piece of drill steel fell from the roof drill hole striking employee on the little finger of left hand, palm side, causing a laceration that required stitches (4) to close the wound.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was opening airlock doors and felt pain down EE's back

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was helping to move a MRS that was stuck in bad mine floor conditions. EE, along with several crew members, were assembling and spacing the metal slats and clevises to connect the C/M to the MRS. While handling and positioning the slats and clevises EE suffered a strained back. EE could not remember the exact time of the event.

Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting the next to last row of bolts, when a piece of isolated draw rock fell from the roof and struck the protective canopy and slid off striking EE on the left forearm and shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Employee was in the process of building a brattice, when they bent over to pick up a brattice block, a piece of draw rock fell from between the bolts and struck employee on the shoulder and back.

Struck by falling object

EE was adjusting a curtain so EE could scoop/clean the #5 Left x-Cut. While doing so EE heard a ""pop"" and when EE turned a piece of rock fell from the roof, between the rib bolt and the rib. EE was struck on the lower left side and on top of EE's hip bone.

Struck by falling object

EE was standing beside the scoop hanging the 12"" waterline from a rib bolt with a chain when the chain slipped out of the eye of the plate causing the waterline to fall and strike EE in the top of the left ankle.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking to Pre-Shift a pump, when EE stepped on a loose rock, slipped and fell to the ground. This resulted in a fracture to the tibia just above the ankle. This was diagnosed on March 7th, when EE visited the ER.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working on re installing a rub rail on a 14/15 CM and was using a pry bar. As employee moved the rail with the bar it slipped and struck employee's left wrist. On 2/13/2020 employee followed up with a Doctor and was diagnosed with an unspecified fracture of the lower end of left radius.

2019 · 17 incidents

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

Employee, (Continuous Miner Operator) was found, by the shuttle car operator, pinned between the right rib and the right side of the continuous miner. Employee was backing the miner out of the #2 heading after a 10' cut. During this process employee was securing slack in the miner cable by placing a pull strap on a bit and bit lug on the cutter drum.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred just outby spad 7022, measuring 15' X 8'. In addition, roof conditions have deteriorated and affected travel in the Primary escapeway that runs through the Mains and 5A sub-mains panel.

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

Employee was handling the roof bolter cable when the machine moved forward the cable caught EE's ring finger of EE's left hand. EE suffered a laceration that required 1 stitch to close and a finger nail was pulled off. Employee was wearing gloves at the time of the injury.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was adjusting the forks on a forklift and they felt a pop in the chest area.

Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

Employee was riding on a rubber tired mantrip when a piece of belt struck the rescuer box, dislodging it and pinning employee's right foot and ankle. Employee later went to Dr.'s office with swelling and was diagnosed with a contusion and restricted employee's activities.

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

Using a lifting jack to re-rail a track duster, when the jack bar slipped and pinched EE's finger middle finger on EE's right hand between the bar and a rail. This resulted in a laceration that required stitches to close the wound.

Struck by falling object

employee got hit by a rock that fell from the top causing injury to EE's left shoulder

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

EE was injured after completing installation of a row of roof bolts. After completing the row, EE moved back to the center of the bolting machine. After moving back, EE inadvertently placed EE's left hand on a frame plate near the ATRS, resulting in hand placement in the pinch point of the ATRS. EE suffered soft tissue injuries only.

Struck by falling object

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner took a vacation day on 6/5/2019, that would have been reportable. We submit this in protest and to abate citation #9222853. Employee was operating a shuttle car when employee was struck by a piece of draw rock, that fell from between the bolts and struck employee on the head & neck.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner took a vacation day on 4/18/2019, that would have been reportable. We submit this in protest and to abate citation #9222852. Employee was hanging the miner cable & felt a strain in groin area.

Struck by falling object

Employee pulled the roof bolter into the #3 entry and setting the ATRS. Before any bolting began, EE was scaling the roof with a slate bar and as EE was pulling some loose rock down a piece of rock fell and caught EE's hand between the rock and drill head.

Accident type, without injuries

A non injury accident occurred at this mine when an unintentional roof fall fell outby the MRS units used during retreat mining in the #4 Heading approximately 35 feet inby spad # 7571.

Struck by flying object

Employee was operating a shuttle car on the 5C section. EE was traveling to the miner on the shuttle car when a 30-foot piece of conveyor belt was located on the mine floor and got folded up on the shuttle car and came into the deck striking EE in the face. An x-Ray revealed a small fracture.

Struck by falling object

Employee was roof bolting in the # 6 entry and after they drilled the hole, they were inserting glue in the hole when they were struck by a piece of slate rock that dislodged from the roof.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was cleaning a coal spill at the 5A tailpiece with a fire hose. EE attempted to step back, when EE tripped and fell on EE's left shoulder. The area was wet, muddy and the pressure of the hose caused EE to slip and fall.

Struck by flying object

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner had an injury, that would have been reportable. We submit this in protest and to abate citation #9222851. Employee was using a hammer to hit the C/M conveyor chain, when a piece of metal struck employee on the upper right cheek.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was sitting in a parked mantrip when employee raised up struck hard hat against the roof and it then struck employee's right eyelid, resulting in a laceration that required three stitches to close.

2018 · 12 incidents

Struck by falling object

Employee was preparing to install roof bolts in the #3 right entry and as ee was setting up the roof bolt machine, a small piece of loose rock fell from the roof striking ee on the left thumb. Stitches were required to close the wound.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking up an incline on the punchout section and tripped falling to the ground on right side. Employee went back to the roof bolter and finished bolting the cut. A few minutes later felt a burning sensation in leg and had a knot on the side of right leg.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner had physical therapy, that would have been reportable. We submit this to abate citation #9222850. Employee was lifting a rub rail on the #4 C/M & felt pain in lower back.

Struck by flying object

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner took a vacation day on 10/2/2018, that would have been reportable. We submit this in protest and to abate citation #9222849. Employee was replacing belt rollers when the roller slipped from employee's hand and fell into mud. Mud was splashed into employee's face.

Contact with hot objects or substances

It was determined through a Part 50 Audit that this miner took a vacation day on 10/2/2018, that would have been reportable. We submit this in protest and to abate citation #9222848. Employee was using torches on a scoop bucket when a small piece of slag popped into left ear.

Struck against stationary object

Employee stepped off the front end of the track locomotive and proceeded to walk outby to the duster to check track alignment. At this moment, the left rib looking inby failed, striking ee on the lower extremities and pushing ee into the locomotive. EE suffered fractures and contusions.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was unloading overcast panels off a track car as another employee cut the banding strap and two panels caught EE's left hand resulting in a laceration that required stitches.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was constructing a stopping on 5A section and as ee was applying cinder block the stopping rolled out and a block hit ee on the left leg. EE saw a Dr. and was placed restricted duty on 8/23/18.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was adjusting the forks on the mini-trac and placed hand between the fork and the retaining bracket, when another employee raised the fork and caught EE's hand in a pinch point. Employee received stitches from this injury.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on a piece of conveyor belt and fell on EE's right hand/wrist.

Struck by falling object

Employee was hanging a 6-inch waterline to a roof bolt when a piece of rock gave loose striking the right hand. EE suffered a contusion only, no laceration or fractures found.

Accident type, without injuries

During the 3/25/2018 Sunday night pre-shift, an accumulation of water was found at break 6 from the number two entry to number eight entry on the one left section travel way that stopped travel to the section. All air was travelling in the proper direction.

2017 · 14 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Contract worker was working on track rail while hammering gluts and wedges underneath the rail while a fork lift was tensioned holding the rail for clearance to place wedges and gluts underneath, when hammering a wedge one of the fork lift arms released striking the worker.

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

Contractor EE was opening a set of out-by manual equipment airlock doors while placing left hand on the top of the door and the opposite side of the door from where the worker was standing had been jarred causing the door to rise upwards towards the mine roof and pinching the workers fingers.

Struck by falling object

EE was operating a roof bolting machine, while placing a piece of combination drill steel together, a piece of draw rock fell from the mine roof, striking the EE on the left wrist.

Struck by falling object

EE was installing rib support on the working section when a piece of draw rock fell from the mine roof, striking EE in the left shoulder.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating a CAT 906 front end fork loader, while unloading materials, the load became imbalanced on the forks of the machine, resulting in an abrupt release of the front end forks to the ground and jarring the EE inside of the operators cab.

Struck against a moving object

EE was traveling on a rail mounted personnel carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Struck against a moving object

EE was traveling on a rail mounted carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Struck against a moving object

EE was traveling on a rail mounted carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Struck against a moving object

Contractor EE was traveling on a rail mounted carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Struck against a moving object

EE was traveling on a rail mounted personnel carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Struck against a moving object

Contractor EE was traveling on a rail mounted personnel carrier when the carrier came in contact with another rail mounted carrier on the main line track unexpectedly.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the number one left return air course entry, out-by the MMU 003-0 / 004-0 working section, in-by survey station number 5788. The roof fall measured approximately 6'T X 35'L X 18'W.

Struck by falling object

EE was walking in a crouched position, when a piece of rock struck the EE left ankle.

Struck by falling object

EE was using a one joint / two piece drill steel set to drill the mine roof, when having the top piece of the drill steel to fall out of the drilled hole striking the left digitus minimus finger.

2016 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was struck in the eye by a nylon slack rope, that had became tensioned and breaking away.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was operating a fletcher roof bolter when the swing jack came apart allowing the drill station to swing out striking the employee.

2015 · 4 incidents

Struck by falling object

EE was hooking a chain on the belt rope when a piece of draw rock fell striking ee on the right shoulder. EE retuned to work on 9/14/15 as recommended by his doctor release. Employee did not work on 9/15/15 and stated that he would be going to another doctor concerning the same injury.

Struck by falling object

While tramming the continuous miner, a piece of draw rock measuring approximately 18"" x 25"" fell and struck employee on top of his left foot

Accident type, without injuries

An unplanned rock fall above anchor was found by a foreman on his weekly examination located in the right return #8 entry out-by spad number 1742.

Accident type, without injuries

Unplanned rock fall above anchor on the left sub-mains in #9 entry at location BEP #10.

2014 · 3 incidents

Struck by falling object

Employee was removing the rub rail from the continuous miner. After removing the bolts, the rub rail fell off mashing employee's ring finger on right hand.

Struck by falling object

Employee was installing roof bolts when a piece of rock fell from roof and struck employee on his right arm.

Accident type, without injuries

Rock fall above anchor on the 39A Mians right return #8 entry out-by the section one break out-by spad #1401. Note: This mine has two right returns.

2013 · 9 incidents

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

Employee was putting a lid on a miner when the lid slipped down and caught the employee's finger between the lid and pan.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stated that while unloading a supply car off the boom truck, a chain slipped causing the car to shift and strike the employee.

Accident type, without injuries

Rock fall above anchor on the section submains belt #5 entry inby spad #4 4702 approximately 20ft wide and 30ft long.

Struck by falling object

A rock fell from the top hitting the employee on the hand.

Struck by falling object

Employee was working on a belt head boom roller when the roller slip and struck the employee on the left arm.

Struck by falling object

A piece of roof rock fell from between the permanent roof bolts hitting the employee on the left shoulder

Struck by falling object

Employee was reaching for a rope on the miner when a rock fell between the bolts striking employee on left hand.

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

As the employee was backing through a fly curtain, he placed his left hand outside the canopy to push the curtain out of his line of sight and the canopy struck the rib catching his hand between the rib and canopy causing an injury to his hand and fingers.

Accident type, without injuries

A rock fall occurred on the high wall at the #1 (39A punch out fan). The fall of the high wall slid behind the fan portal canopy blocking the entry that was the intake Escapeway for the 39A Right Mains. Size of the rock slide was approximately 50ft wide 25ft high.

2012 · 6 incidents

Struck by falling object

When roof bolting a rock fell from the top striking the employee on the foot.

Struck by falling object

The EE stated that while having the shuttle car loaded in the face area, a section of rib/top rock rolled out and struck his right leg. The EE continued to work this shift and did not miss work until 9/29. Management was notified of potential loss workdays in 10/2/12.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Chain broke when using a set of comealongs hitting his hand

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

Employee was moving a rock off the continuous miner when the rock slid around and hit another rock against his finger.

Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting top on the submains #4 heading when a piece of rock fell from the top hitting the canopy then the employee on the foot.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was riding on rubber tired mantrip when the wheel hit a piece of belt structure causing the structure to flip up and hit the employee in the back.

2011 · 6 incidents

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

EE was unhooking the duster off the ball on a xp ride when the duster rolled forward and caught his finger between the ride & duster.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking to the face in the #2 entry when he stepped between two rocks and lost his balance.

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

Roof bolter operator pinched left hand between two pieces of drill steel while joining two pieces of steel together.

Struck by falling object

EE was pulling belt around corner of a clock and went to rehook chain on belt when a piece of rock fell and struck him in the leg.

Struck by falling object

He was putting up wire mesh n ribs. Rock fell and landed on back of ankle, twisted leg from knee down.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Working on scoop, when he got off from scoop, leg would not straighten out.

2010 · 2 incidents

Struck by falling object

EE was installing roof bolts when a piece of draw rock fell striking the EE on the head and upper torso.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was working on the No. 4 belt drive installing a back board and while lifting he strained his back.

2009 · 3 incidents

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE twisted hi sright knee while helping Ele. doing repair work.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was in the process of installing a 72"" roof bolt. He was pushing the bolt in the hole when he accidentally hit the wrong lever and the bolt spun around, striking the ee on his left arm.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was moving a rock off of the shuttle car when he pulled a muscle in his lower back.