Mining Incidents

COLONY WEST MILLMetal/Nonmetal

Colony, Crook County, WY · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800245
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
78
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
Sep 2025
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

78 on file

2025 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was tightening a bolt on a bar disintegrator when the wrench slipped off hitting the employee in the mouth causing a small cut on the upper part of the chin and a chipped tooth.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was entering skidsteer. Employee placed left foot on the skidsteer and used right foot to push off to get up into it. Employee felt a pop in right knee and was unable to put any weight on it. Employee received medical attention and was treated with x-rays, knee brace and crutches.

2024 · 2 incidents

Struck by falling object

Maintenance employee was removing a partial piece of an auger from the rotex deck. The auger caught on the latch as they were lowering it at waist level and it fell to the catwalk where EE was standing. It hit EE's boot across the steel toe and just behind the steel toe. This caused EE's big toe to become displaced and fractured requiring surgery.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

recordable hearing shift.

2022 · 1 incident

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was training as a bulk loader with another employee. EE was attempting to close a railcar gate which is underneath the railcar. As EE pulled on the metal bar used to close the gate, the bar broke loose. Subsequently, EE stumbled backwards making contact with the corner of an adjacent railcar with the upper left portion of EE's back/shoulder area.

2020 · 1 incident

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was doing a PM on a baghouse rotary lock. Employee was kneeling down on the floor, with a foam knee pad, installing a new chain. When the employee got done employee stood up and left knee popped.

2018 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Employee hit their head on low clearance beam. Was seen by a Dr and was able to return to full duty work with no restrictions. Employee returned to Dr on 7-11-18 for lagging symptoms and was able to return to full duty no restrictions, but was placed in physical therapy.

2017 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Got finger stuck in bag clamp and it popped the finger nail out. EE had 2 stitches.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a 40 lb bag and felt pain in EE's mid back. EE was evaluated by a Dr. and placed on a 20 lb lifting restriction.

2016 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was opening hopper car doors on top of the railcars and one of the lids was frozen down on one end. When employee was lifting the door, employee felt a sharp pain in employee's back.

2015 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Stepped on railroad track and hurt bottom of heel.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

on 7-4-15 employee was taking a guard off and felt a twinge in his back. He reported a stiff back to supervisor. Employees back felt fine the next day and was not treated by a Dr at that time. Employee contacted supervisor on 8-10-15 and wanted to get his back checked by a Dr because it was bugging him. Employee was seen on 8-11-15 and placed on a 15 pound lifting restriction.

2013 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was pulling on the switch and felt pain in his shoulder chest area. Employee was 11 hours into his 12 hour shift. Outside temperature was -21 degrees below zero. Dr suggested 3 or 4 days of limited use of right arm or shoulder.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting a piece of conduit with a band saw. While doing so the saw jumped and cut his finger. He was received 4 stitches on his right index finger thus constituting in an MSHA reportable incident.

Fall from machine

EE was stepping to the ground from the loader. EE had one foot on the ladder and one foot on the ground. His leg gave away causing him to fall on his buttock bruising his tail bone. The doctor wanted him to take 24 hours off of work.

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

Belly Dump gate closed while cleaning the trailer. Employee's leg was squeezed.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was operating the box erector putting a empty box in machine. While doing so the EE felt a sharp pain in lower back region. The doctor put him on restrictions of not lifting over 20 pounds until Jan 28th, thus constituting as a MSHA reportable accident.

2012 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was starting to climb a ladder and run his head into ladder cage next to him. EE was wearing a hard hat and he jammed his neck. ER gave him some muscle relaxers so thus constituting an MSHA reportable injury.

Fall onto or against objects

While walking up to the grizzly screen to fix a light fixture he slipped and his foot went through a hole. When EE landed his elbow hit a chuck of clay and that drove his shoulder up and started giving him pain in his shoulder. Doctor put him on restrictions affecting his regular job duties that include being an electrician, this constituting an MSHA reportable.

2011 · 4 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Contractors were removing an old elevator. A belt was in the bottom and as they cut the bottom section of the elevator out the belt caught fire. The only access to fight the fire was from the top. Could not put out fire in 30 minutes, thus constituting MSHA immediate reportability.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was stacking boxes of jugs on pallets and wrist/forearm started to hurt. Doctor put EE on lifting restrictions of no more than ten pounds for one week.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE was stung by a bee on the abdomen. He started to have a slight allergic reaction. Took him to the hospital where they administered 3 antihistamine resulting in a medical treatment.

Contact with cold

EE had been working outside throughout the day and had a call out at night as well. The weather was sub zero with a sever wind chill. EE woke up on 2/1/2011 with pain on ears. EE was diagnosed with frostbite, which is a disorder due to a physical agent, thus constituting MSHA reportability as it is a medical treatment.

2010 · 6 incidents

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

EE was putting hook of car puller onto rail car when his index finger was cut, stuck in between hook and car. Took EE to doctor and doctor removed nail, put 2 stitches in and prescribed antibiotics, thus constituing MSHA reportablity.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was carrying an extension ladder up a flight of stairs with another EE when he felt a pop in his knee.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was shoveling at tail end of a conveyor. As he was turning to dump the scoop in the wheelbarrow he strained his back. A doctor prescribed him muscle relaxers constituting MSHA reportability.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was lifting a box off the line. Product at other end of line was kicking off the line and employee turned with box in hand and hurt his back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting a belt with a knife when the knife slipped, cutting the right forearm. Stitches were required, consituting a MSHA reportable.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking from the packaging building to the main building when he proceeded up some stairs slipping on some bentonite. When he slipped he reached out and grabbed the handrail and tore his bicep from the shoulder resulting in a injury.

2009 · 4 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was crossing over pallet roller conveyor and while stepping down he stepped on a misplaced pry bar causing him to sprain his right ankle. Restricted work was determined, thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was throwing bags on the bag line. Two bags were sewn together, so employee grabbed them and then hurried back to the conveyor to grab the next bag, got his foot stuck under the spring board and tripped and landed on his right knee. (Restriction caused incident to be MSHA reportable) )

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The EE had to walk sideways through a 23 inch walkway to go to the maintenance shop. The employee was side-stepping to the right. As the EE was free to sqare up his body, the next step is where the EE heard and felt the pop in his right foot. The EE fractured his right 5th metatarsal. A splint and restricted work was the outcome, thus resulting in the MSHA reportable.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE working on bagline when he tripped over the springboard and fell down. He rolled his left ankle. EE was given soft ankle splint, as means of immobilizing, thus constituting MSHA reportability.

2008 · 2 incidents

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE conducting an inventory audit and bent down to go in between railing to get to the other side. When he got to the other side, the EE stood up and felt a pain and some numbness in his back. He went to a Chiropractor, thus constituting MSHA reportability

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE unplugging roll mill, tried loosening roll prying with a bar. Felt strain to wrist. Dr requested EE to wear a wrist immobilizer for 10-14 days thus constituting MSHA reportability.

2007 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE lifting pallet into position in stretchwrap machine and felt sharp pain in mid-back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE entered guarded area of palletizer, with machine running, attempting to straighten up a product box, when machine struck EE under left arm and pushed him into support post. Injuring (broke) 3 ribs on R side, bruising lung and injuring pneumothorax.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE sliding full boxes of cat litter on floor. Stood up and while picking up box, felt pull in lower back. He was sliding boxes by pushing them to position for tank cleaning dischg. He sought Chiropractic care on 3-2-07 thus constituting MSHA reportability.

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

Right ring finger pinched between forklift mass framework and roller guide to mast as forks were being raised. EE was positioned on forks and being raised to count emptyware. Finger required stitches and 10 days restricted lifting was ordered.

Struck against stationary object

Reported 1/31/07. Believed to have occurred shortly before 11/28/06 (1st clinic visit). EE hit head on beam under smooth rolls while walking thru pit area, thought to be a minor neck sprain. EE sought medical exam, xrays and MRI, negative results. Physical therapy prescribed thus constituting MSHA reportability. No restrictions noted. (Did several p/t visits).

Struck against stationary object

After dumping dumpster, EE tried to 'kick' an empty container into the dumpster, but when he went to kick it, it was frozen to the ground. This action injured left foot due to container not moving when he kicked it. He later had the foot x-rayed & it was determined that there was a small fracture to the big toe, thus constituting MSHA reportability. (Positive diagnostic xray)

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was putting plastic lids on jugs and started feeling pain in right hand. Continued task, pain worsened, he was moved to different work station. Thought swelling would lessen but didn't, so a week later he went to Dr. Dr. placed him on restricted duty (not to use hand) thus constituting MSHA reportabiltiy (work restrictions).

2006 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was carrying roll of plastic to bag inserter machine, and felt pain in lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE driving forklift, stacking pallets, debris fell into his eye from a piece of wood, causing corneal abrasion.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was getting into dump truck and while sliding right leg under the steering wheel, his right knee popped out (dislocated).

2005 · 6 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Stepping over line by the taper, when stepping down cut hand/finger on sharp edge of 110 plug-in. Stitches required - MSHA reportable.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE HAD JUST ARRIVED AT JOB SITE, AND WAS USING A BOX KNIFE TO CUT LOOSE STRING FROM HIS BLUE JEAN PANT LEG, AND CUT HIS LEFT FOREARM. HE WAS TO TAKEN TO CLINIC AND REC'D STITCHES TO CLOSE THE WOUND. (MSHA REPORTABILITY)

Unclassified, insufficient data

HERNIA DIAGNOSIS THAT EMPLOYEE REPORTED 7-28-05, AS HE HAD SURGERY SCHEDULED 7-29-05.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE STEPPED ON FORKLIFT WHEEL TO EMPTY DUMPSTER AND SLIPPED, PULLING LEFT GROIN AREA. EE WAS PRESCRIBED 2 WEEKS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY, BUT NO LIGHT OR RESTRICTED DUTY, THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

Struck by falling object

EE was moving steps to treater so he could clean up. He did not notice a piece of metal leaning on ladder, when steps moved, the metal fell on right thumb, pinching it between ladder and metal piece. Fracture to thumb.

Struck against stationary object

Ee was struck on top of head with pallet of empty ware being slid into place by a forklift. Neck strain. Ee received physical therapy. Medical treatment.

2004 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee's left arm started having sharp pain when throwing jugs in box. Poosible tendonitis. Exam 1/3/05, and light duty was prescribed. Not immediately available, so lost time resulted also. His arm was also immobilized temporarily with wrist splint, at time of Dr visit 1/3/05.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was stacking 30 lb product when took box off conveyer, turned to put it on the pallet and felt a pull in his back near rib area. EE sought chiropractic treatment thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was tightening bolt to adjust all fill when wrench slipped off bolt and hit right hand on air cylinder, bruising hand.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was throwing 30 lb boxes of cat litter on to a pallet when he twisted his lower back. Sought chiropractic care, thus constituting MSHA reportability, additionally lost time.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE TURNED TO PLACE 30# PAIL OF PRODUCT ON PALLET DURING PALLETIZATION, FELT SHARP PAIN IN LOWER BACK FROM MOVEMENT, TWISTING, ETC. EE SOUGHT CHIROPRACTIC CARE, THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABLILITY.

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS WRESTLING WITH ANOTHER EE WHEN FINGER JAMMED AGAINST A PALLET. FINGER FRACTURED AND EE LOST 1 DAY OF WORK.

2003 · 5 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS USING A BOX CUTTER KNIFE TO OPEN EMPTY WARE PALLETS. KNIFE WAS NOT RETRACTED & HE WAS PUTTING EMPTYWARE ON THE LINE, PUSHING BOXES & HAD KNIFE IN ONE HAND. RIGHT ARM WENT OVER LEFT HAND AND BLADE CUT RIGHT FOREARM. REQUIRED STITCHES, THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

No Value Found

EE REPORTS KICKING A JUG OF CAT LITTER AND STOMPING ON AN EMPTY JUG TWICE. STRAIN TO FOOT, DEVELOPED INTO TENDONITIS. MISSED A WEEK OF WORK, THUS CONSTITUTING LOST TIME. RETURNED 5-25. REPORTE D INCIDENT ON 5-28 AS WORK RELATED.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS DRILLING A HOLE INTO AN ALUMINUM CABLE. A SMALL ALUMINUM FRAGMENT BECAME LODGED IN EYE. EMBEDDED - SURGICALLY REMOVED, AND PRESCRIPTION WAS PRESCRIBED. THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABIL ITY.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CUTTING STRAPS OFF THE BUNDLES OF EMPTYWARE AND CUT HIS FINGER WITH A UTILITY KNIFE. REQUIRED STITCHES, THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LIFTING ROLL OF PLASTIC BY HIMSELF, STRAINED BACK.

2002 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LIFTING A LAYER OF 16# EMPTYWARE AND FELT PAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS BACK. CHIROPRACTIC CARE AND 2 DAYS MISSED WORK CONSTITUTE MSHA REPORTABILITY.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LIFTING CONVEYOR TO RE-BRACE TO MAKE LEVEL WITH TAPE MACHINE. HERNIATED LEFT GROIN AREA.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE DIAGNOSIS 2-21-02 CARPUAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. SURGERY DATE 2-26-02. RETURN TO WORK DATE PLANNED 3-8-02. LOST TIME. INJURED REPORTED BY WORK TO BE FROM CAT LITTER LINE WORK-REPETATIVE MOTION SC REWING LIDS, ETC. HE INDICATED.

2001 · 6 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS INVOLVED IN HORSEPLAY. ANOTHER EE CAME BEHIND HIM AND LOCKED HIS HANDS BETWEEN HIS LEGS AND LIFTED HIM BY HIS SCROTUM, AGGRAVATING HYDROCELE.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE SUFFERED A LOWER BACK STRAIN, SHOVELING CLAY.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EE STEPPED OFF CATWALK. RIGHT FOOT DROPPED 12"" &CAUSED FALL. TWISTED RIGHT ANKLE. ANKLE WAS CAST& IMMOBILIZED.

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE HIT HAND ON THE BAG SPOUT WHILE LIFTING A BAG. IT TORE. SUFFERED A HAND BRUISE AND MISSED 1 DAY OF WORK, CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE WAS PULLING ON A CONVEYOR TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. HE STRAINED HIS MID-UPPER BACK BETWEEN SHOULDER BLADES. HE RESTRAINED SAME AREA 2/19. HE SAW A CHIROPRACTOR ON AT LEAST 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, & LOST TIME (SENT HOME 2/20 & ABSENT 2/21/01).

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE STRAINED A GROIN MUSCLE, WHILE HANDLING MATERIALS, LIFTING.

2000 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARPAL TUNNEL AS A RESULT OF REPETITIOUS WORK IN THE CAT LITTER LINE. HE HAD SURGERY ON 9/20/00, RESULTING IN 1 LOST TIME DAY.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE DIAGNOSED WITH CARPAL TUNNEL--SURGERY 8/21, ABSENT 8/22 ALSO. (LOST TIME)

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN LOWER BACK WHILE WORKING PRODUCTION LINE. REPETITIVE MOTION, BENDING, TWISTING, TURNING, LIFTING, MATERIALS HANDLING. FELT PAIN IN LOWR BACK AREA, BACK STRAIN, 50 # BAGS OF MATERIAL.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

REPEATED LIFTING AND TWISTING WHILE THROWING BOXES ON THE CAT LITTER LINE (ASSEMBLY LINE) 2 X 30 LB AT A TIME. LOWER BACK PAIN RADIATING TO THE LEG.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE'S STOMACH STARTED TO HURT AND THEN A LUMP APPEARED. HE WENT TO A PHYSICIAN WHO DIAGNOSED IT AS A HERNIA CONDITION. SURGICAL REPAIR WAS PLANNED.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

LOWER BACK PAIN FROM MATERIALS HANDLING METHODS/ MOVEMENT, ETC. CHIROPRACTIC VISITS/ LOST TIME.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE BENT OVER TO PICK UP A BOX OF TREAT TO PUT IN THE MILLING AUGER. BECAUSE IT WAS ABOUT FULL, HE PUT IT BACK ON THE BASE. HE STRAINED HISBACK DOING THIS.