VICTIM'S 3/4 TON PICK-UP TRUCK WAS PULLING SHOVEL TRAILING CABLE AND HAD BECOME STUCK OR THERE WAS LOSS OF TRACTION; THERE WAS A 2ND PICK-UP HOOKED UP TO THE 1ST TRUCK WITH A 1""NYLON ROPE. TH E ROPE WAS PLACED ON A HOOK WHILE TOWING; THE HOOK ON THE TOWING TRUCK FAILED CAUSING THE HOOK TO SLINGSHOT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD OF THE TOWED TRUCK, STRIKING THE VICTIM.
Belle Ayr MineCoal
- Fatalities
- 1
- Total incidents
- 193
- Years on record
- 2000–2026
- Latest incident
- Apr 2026
Fatalities at this mine
1 recordedReportable incidents
192 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 1 incident
After pinning the pivot bores, on a Komatsu 930e haul truck, the cranes were lowering the bed over the hoist cylinders. While lowering the bed the ear of the cylinder contacted the ear of the bed breaking the lifting eye used to retain the cylinder in position. The cylinder then contacted the left arm of technician and crushed it against the rear tire.
2025 · 5 incidents
On 8/26/25 employee was climbing down a 8-foot ladder and thought they were at ground level and stepped backwards from 2nd from bottom step. This caused Tech to fall to ground and felt pain in their shoulder. Discomfort did not go away, and an MRI was done on 9/18 and results on 9/19 of a hyperextended shoulder and prescribed physical therapy to relax muscles and tendon.
On 8/12/2025, employee was testing A/C on a truck and turned blower on high. Dust came out of vent and went behind safety glasses and into their right eye. On 8/18/25 eye was still irritated and went to doctor and given a prescription to help heal the scratch. No work has been missed.
On 7/26/25 Employee backing up at shovel contacted the loaded shovel bucket, no med care at that time. Later pain got worse and was seen and given a week off work with no diagnosis, an MRI was taken and on 8/11/25 company was notified of a possible C7 fracture. After incident review a 2nd opinion has been requested.
On 4/30/25 employee was lowering a cribbing block and felt pop in arm resulting in torn bicep tendon. On 5/7/25 an outpatient procedure was done, and employee was taken off work. First shift missed was 5/9/25.
Contract employee was filling a 5-gallon bucket of DEF at fuel island for a dozer in shop. On the last of three trips, walking back to vehicle (5-6 ft. away) with bucket, contract employee slipped and fell on snow packed and covered ice. Strong winds were blowing snow clouding visibility to walking path.
2024 · 5 incidents
On 11/13/24 Maint Tech was cleaning parts on bench and noticed a rag smoldering under loader. Tech reached down to pat out rag and their gloves caught fire. Tech was wearing mechanics gloves with latex gloves underneath. Tech quickly removed gloves but received non-life threating burns to both hands. Was transported to burn unit and will miss work to heal.
EE was torquing lug nuts on the left rear drives with a Rad nut runner on a Komatsu 980 Haul truck. The nut runner slipped out of EE's hands and landed on EE's left hand causing a contusion.
While working on the left rear outside tire and wheel assembly, EE was loosening the lugs on the wheel and holding on to the 1"" impact wrench when the turning force pinched left hand between the impact wrench and the final drive (Hub) which resulted in a stable fracture of the right 3rd fingertip.
On 1/29/24 Employee was adjusting width of manual forks of the versa handler. The forks slid unexpectedly and pinched the employees left pinky finger between fork and frame. This resulted in a fracture and stitches. No workdays were missed.
On 1/8/2024, Welder was walking from shovel to service truck. The Welder stepped on a rock and rolled ankle. Initially thought was a sprain and welder went in for evaluation on 1/12/24 and diagnosed with stable fibula fracture and taken off work to allow fracture to heal on its own.
2023 · 6 incidents
On 8/21/2023 Employee was performing a pre-shift inspection of a motorgrader. After inspecting the circle, the employee stepped back onto uneven ground and fell. Employee braced for the fall and stuck out their right arm. This resulted in pain in the right wrist, an x-ray determined a fracture in the Scaphoid. Doctor stated fracture will heal with no treatment and returned to work.
Haul truck was contacted on dovetail by the shovel bucket. Employee complained of a whiplash event and was evaluated and returned to work. Employee was seen later and diagnosed with neck strain/sprain and mild concussion without loss of consciousness and removed from work. Doctors notes were received on 8/9/23. Referred to neurologist and p/t.
Employee was operating loading equipment throughout shift. During the shift the Employee started feeling pain in the back area. No event occurred during the shift that the employee felt any issue with. The employees back got worse, and they went in for an exam and was advised of a lower lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with a disc bulge and/or central herniation @ L4-5.
Snow, ice, and drifting snow in walkway.
Welder was sectioning out a piece of steel from truck bed. On final cut, the metal sprung up on the opposite corner striking welders hand. This resulted in 2 broken bones in the hand.
While lifting 76 pound pump into truck, employee experienced pain in abdomen. Pain worsened over the weekend and CT scan revealed omental infarct and hernia. Placed on restricted duty pending further evaluation.
2022 · 3 incidents
Employee was waiting to exchange pick up with departing crew. Pick up approached too quickly and was unable to stop, striking employee and bending EE's left knee backwards. Employee was diagnosed with a suspected ligament tear. Employee did not miss any work, but during a follow up exam on 8/1 EE was prescribed physical therapy to strengthen the ligament and surrounding muscles.
Employee bent down to hook up an air hose, felt a pop in back, was evaluated at a health center, diagnosed with a multilevel degenerative disc disease. On 2/16 employee informed the mine employee was receiving steroid injections and had been receiving Physical Therapy. 2/17/22 the mine received documentation from the doctor stating the employee has been removed from work.
Employee opened the door to the motorgrader, wind caught the door causing an elbow strain. Was taken to the ER diagnosis - RT arm radiculopathy - Work as Tolerated Release. MRI diagnosis stenosis of cervical vertebra, degenerative condition. 3/8 PT in the cervical region. First scheduled shift missed was on 2/28. Surgery for vertebra fusion is scheduled for 5/10.
2021 · 10 incidents
Mechanic needed to cut the sample tubing to the right length, in the process of cutting the tubing the knife slipped, cutting the mechanics left ring finger. The mechanic was seen at Campbell County Health ER where they administered 10 stitches to EE's left ring finger. A work as tolerated release was given, the mechanic has not missed any scheduled shifts.
Haul truck operator getting loaded by the shovel, shovel had an electrical fault. The shovel bucket came in contact with the canopy of the truck causing the truck operator's face to contact the driver's side door glass resulting in a bloody nose, neck/back strain. Was diagnosed with a Cervical strain. The first scheduled shift missed was 11/26/2021.
On 09/25/2021 operator dismounting blade 105 and heard a pop in their hip. Operator continued to work with soreness. On 9/27/2021 operator was evaluated at the hospital ER, diagnosed with a bruise and given a work as tolerated release. Evaluation on 10/01/2021 by an orthopedic doctor, prescribed physical therapy. The first physical therapy treatment was on 10/05/2021.
Employee went to move a part that weighed 30-35 lbs. and experienced lower back pain. Chiropractor care was given on Monday 08/02/2021 and an X-Ray was ordered for 08/04/2021 for further diagnosis. The employee has not missed any scheduled shifts and was given a return to work as tolerated release.
Operator missed hand left rail while mounting haul truck, grabbed right hand rail to stabilize and strained right shoulder. Doctor place employee on work as tolerated. On 7/15/21 MRI was reviewed, employee was given cortisone injection and ordered physical therapy 3 times a week to strengthen shoulder. Reevaluate on 8/20/21.
Operator was performing a walkaround inspection on a blade and slipped on the snow-covered surface and fell backwards resulting in a knee injury. The Doctor has removed the employee from work and prescribed a brace to immobilize the knee. An MRI has been scheduled for 4/23/21. The first scheduled shift missed will be 4/23/21.
Employee assisted seating a bearing into a housing, reached out to catch the bearing block, fingers were smashed between the bearing block and table resulting in an acute fracture at the terminal tuft of 3rd and 4th distal fingers. The company was notified on 04/12/21 of this diagnosis and was given a finger splint. No scheduled shifts have been missed at this time.
Employee was walking from the main shop to the truck shop. While walking employee tripped on uneven ground resulting in twisting an ankle. ER visit employee received a work as tolerated release with a stabilizing boot to protect a tendon in the ankle. Physical Therapy will be scheduled, employee is unable to perform job task, the first scheduled shift missed is on 02/27/21
Debris (Mud and Ice) fell off of the underside of the 797 haul truck bed while the teammate was servicing the rear duals and struck the teammate on top of hardhat
On 02/21/21 employee was waiting for a crew van, slipped on the ice and fell causing back pain. On 2/25/21 employee notified the mine of MRI results, which showed small bulge in disc at L5 and S1. Physical Therapy ordered for 03/10/21 and taken off work. The first scheduled shift missed was on 02/26/2021
2020 · 7 incidents
Employee connected a fuel hose to a haul truck, felt a sharp pain in the neck and arm. A follow up doctor visit on 9/28/20 determined the need for physical therapy which began on 9/29/20
HT loaded by shovel, 1st bucket the door opened unexpectedly, material fell on the dovetail causing the bed to raise up, slam back down. HT driver experienced leg pain upon impact, was seen at the ER for general body aches, given a work as tolerated release. On 11/30/20 employee informed the mine operator that EE had been receiving physical therapy which started on 10/09/20.
Lightning initiated a grass fire on the south property line at Belle Ayr today. The Campbell County Fire Department was dispatched and put the fire out. The grass fire consumed approximately 11 acres of grass mostly Cordero/Rojo's property and only about 1 acre on Belle Ayr's property along the fence line.
Mechanic cut out a driveline bracket with a torch. The bracket started to fall, EE grabbed it to help guide it to the ground. The bracket fell, pinched EE's index finger between the driveline and bracket causing a crushing injury that split the index finger open requiring 6 sutures to close the wound. Employee wore welding gloves at the time of the incident.
Employee was walking to a pickup when EE stepped into a hole twisting EE's knee. Employee was evaluated at Black Hills Urgent Care and received a knee brace. Black Hills Orthopedic suspects a meniscus tear and ordered an MRI. The Doctor has taken the employee off of work at this time until further information is available after the MRI.
Employee waiting to be loaded was found unresponsive. A mayday was called, rescue team arrived and 911 was phoned in. Rescue team started CPR until ambulance team arrived took over and worked on patient for 15 to 20 minutes called employee deceased 13:56. Employee was then recovered from truck for coroner.
Employee was removing lift cylinder for drill 10108 mast. Mast was secured hydraulic lines bled off, but when cylinder was cut the mast dropped 4-6 inches striking employee on hard hat. Employee went to coalition and saw Dr where EE was diagnosed with concussion and not allowed to return to work. Employee will return to work when concussion symptoms are gone.
2019 · 5 incidents
Employee was getting loaded by shovel 11. Shovel had electrical fault and loaded bucket dropped into truck box striking box. Employee was seen by mine EMT for back muscle pain and has followed up going to coalition to be evaluated by Dr. Doctor has employee going to physical therapist for muscle spasms. EE has been given a full return to work.
Employee was fueling up PC-2000 track hoe and could not tell if tank was full. EE went to the top of tank and unscrewed cap for a visual. Employee thought ee had released all pressure but did not. Cap came back and hit employee in face causing laceration and facial bone fracture in orbital eye socket.
EE driving 523 was leaning forward in chair, shovel operator loaded truck which had larger rocks. Because of way EE was seated, head moved forward & contacted steering wheel which caused bloody nose. EE contacted supv, told supv EE was rocked by load. EE was asked if they wanted to see EMT but denied & finished shift. Employer was notified 5/10/19 EE would need phys therapy & Rx
Employee was removing ice and snow from switch gap with a switch broom,(broom on one end scraper on the other end). EE took a break and was standing when EE felt a pain in back and went down to one knee from the pain. EE has a muscle spasms, back strain.
Mechanic was removing the retaining bolt from the hoist cylinder pin on 522 when the wrench slipped and struck the mechanic in the face which broke a tooth and cut lip.
2018 · 4 incidents
Employee was pull starting a Honda trash pump. Compression built up in engine pulled cord out of employee's hand impacting 4th finger causing fracture.
Employee was fueling truck 515 and was reeling electric hose up when done. The hose should have stopped reeling when button was released but did not. Hose jerked employees arm and shoulder causing strain. Employee reported incident and went to EMT for evaluation. Employee also went to doctor who has started physical therapy.
Employee was welding on truck box 12.516. While employee was repositioning self to continue welding, employee slipped and fell. Employee put right hand down to break fall, landing on hand causing small finger to dislocate. Employee was wearing proper hand protection. Employee went to ER and had finger relocated.
Employee was taking lunch break and was cutting avocado with personal knife. The knife slipped and contacted left hand ring finger resulting in laceration. Employee was taken to the mine EMT, the wound was cleaned and bandaged. Employee was taken to hospital where employee received five sutures to laceration
2017 · 8 incidents
While re-installing a depth counter chain sprocket on drill 110, a 7/16"" open end wrench slipped off of bolt striking ee in the mouth chipping the left front incisor.
At intersection of DLS, Fuel truck driver saw a truck coming, fuel driver turned sharp to avoid truck and the fuel truck tipped over. Driver exited the truck. Driver noticed fuel leaking from the top of the truck. Driver climbed back inside the cab, turn off the engine and lights to the fuel truck. A blade put up a berm to contain the spill. Driver was taken to the EMT and treated.
Employee was cleaning a strainer basket using a metal pick tool. The tool slipped off the edge of the strainer basket and lacerated the third finger of the employee's left hand. Lighting was good and there were no other contributing environmental factors
While lifting 12"" poly pipe onto the fuser with the pipe being slightly wet. Employee hands slipped and ee hands became wedged between pipe and fuser roller. Causing lacerations to both little fingers. Pit pumpers checked on the employee, then ee was transported to the EMT. Employee was taken to CCMH where ee received sutures in both 5th fingers.
Employee was opening a packaging container and cut the back of left hand.
Mechanic was installing the right tracks on a dozer, employee was using a bar to align the bolts when the bar slipped and pinched employee's finger on employee's right hand resulting in a laceration to employee's ring finger which required 4 stitches. The employee was released to return to work and did not miss any scheduled shifts.
Employee was taking part in fusing the mainline. Chainsaw needed a new blade and the employee was taking it out of the back of the pickup to change it out. The employee was wearing cut resistant gloves, and the hand holding the top of the chainsaw slipped and the momentum and weight of the chainsaw kicked the blade into the employee's lower lip causing a laceration.
While working on a manlift, dismounted onto the ladder misjudged the steps fell on right side shoulder. Initially said it was ok, shoulder continued to be sore, started physical therapy on 3/10, did not inform the company of this activity until 3/24. The diagnosis, strained separation in the shoulder, the employee has not missed any scheduled shifts.
2016 · 6 incidents
Walking out the door of the mines wash bay and slipped on ice, hurt right shoulder, and & elbow
Changing C&R ropes on shovel 11. As employee was attempting to move slack rope over lagging with hands, the chain holding slack in the rope slipped and the retract rope pinched fingers between rope and drum.
The lab technician heard an unusually loud noise coming from plant 1, plant technicians were notified to investigate. Smoke was coming from plant 1, the fire department was dispatched and extinguished the fire. The 54"" conveyor belt was burnt as well as some rollers. It appears coal sitting on the belt below the crusher spontaneously combusted.
Employee was removing hydraulic filter housing. While EE was doing so, the backing plate fell. Employee attempted to hold the plate in place with left hand in the hose opening which resulted in a finger laceration of the middle finger of the left hand. Employee was wearing cut resistant gloves at the time of the incident.
Pumper was spotting the water truck under the temporary horses head on the lake bottom dump. Pumper climbed on top of the berm for a better view. As pumper was coming down off the berm, miss stepped and rolled ankle causing a sprain to ankle.
Technician slipped off boarding ladder. Technician's face contacted ladder causing a tooth to become dislodged. Tech was taken to the ER where the tooth was reinserted and the employee returned to work the next day. Employee will see dentist for additional work to fix tooth.
2015 · 9 incidents
Employee slipped on the ice and fell on his lunch box while approaching a crew van at the end of shift
Employee was climbing down from a ladder that was used to gain access to the top of a shovel bucket job. As he descended the ladder, it slipped out from underneath him. As he was falling he reached out and grabbed onto the shovel latch bar to catch himself from falling resulting in a dislocated left shoulder.
While drilling holes in a plate on a drill press, metal stringer shaving swung around and caught glove.
Employee was throwing cribbing onto climbing jacks and cribbing hit jack and bounced out and hit employee on the bridge of the nose. Resulting in a laceration requiring stitches.
The operator was dismounting her haul truck when she stepped off she stepped onto a rock rolling her ankle. At her follow-up appointment on 08/25, the doctor scheduled her for an MRI (08/27/15). On 08/29, the doctor diagnosed her with a really bad strain and put her in a cast.
A mechanic was removing a brake disc plate with a pry bar. As the plate came loose, the end of the bar contacted the mechanic on the chin. The contact resulted in a 1"" laceration that required stitches.
while stepping on to the bottom rung of equipment ladder, the employee's foot slipped off rung. The employee caught himself with his arms, which resulted in a hyper-extension of his shoulder. Initial diagnosis was a sprain. On 5/19/15 the injury diagnosis was upgraded to a tear that will require surgery.
EE placed himself in an awkward position in order to reach a bolt he was attempting to remove. He had his left leg propped up on a motor housing and his right leg and right shoulder bracing against the hoist. His right shoulder slipped causing his left knee to pop from the weight drop.
Descending the access ladder when foot slipped, caught self with his left arm going through the ladder steps, hurt left shoulder.
2014 · 6 incidents
A Technician was assisting a motor grader move trail cable. He was putting rope tied to a cable horn on to the grader ripper. The Technician stepped into a loop in the rope causing him to fall to the ground as the grader pulled forward. The Technician had a bruise and was unable to return on his next scheduled shift due to swelling. His next scheduled shift was 1/9/15.
While removing a pin for a dozer undercarriage, a Maintenance Technician pinched his thumb with the slide sledge.
Employee was descending locomotive steps when the ballast gave away under her feet which caused her to fall.
Bent over to pick up a Rad1800 tool & back started to hurt before his finger tips reached the tool. The accident wasn't reported to management until 09/29/2014. Accident still is being investigated to see if it is a work related injury.
While changing bucket teeth for a shovel, a small piece of metal broke off the tooth and struck ee in the leg. The result was a 1/4 inch cut. The cut required no treatment at the time of injury. On 6/11/15, the ee had a procedure to repair a narrowed artery under scar tissue. The damaged is the result of the injury that occurred on 2/11/14.
While operating haul truck, & while loading under a shovel, haul truck opr leaned over in the seat to grab a roll of paper towels & hit her head on gear lever when a chunk off the bucket contacted truck bed. 8 days later, after experiencing headaches & vision problems, the opr was diagnosed w/a concussion resulting from contact w/gear selector. Mine rec'd documentation on 2/4/14.
2013 · 5 incidents
EE had finger pinched between hydraulic ram and stairway tread while moving ram down stairway resulting in sutures.
Climbing down off of catwalk employee's leg hung up causing strain/sprain to knee.
A Welder complained of eye irritation on 8/29/13. An eye doctor found a small piece of debris in the eye and prescribed antibiotic drops. It is believed the debris entered the eye sometime the previous shift. The cause is not known as the Welder wore all required PPE during welding/grinding activities.
A mechanic was carrying two breathers in his hand when he slipped and contacted his elbow. The contact resulted in a two inch laceration on his elbow that required stitches.
Employee turned on the wash down water hose before he could pick up the hose it started spraying and the end of the hose struck him in the safety glasses
2012 · 7 incidents
While dismounting haul truck, an EE hyper-extended his shoulder while stepping from the second to last rung to the bottom rung. The extension resulted in damage to his rotator cuff. The EE was seen by an Ortho. Dr. on 12/18/12 and surgery is recommended to repair the rotator cuff.
While changing conveyor roll a Plant Tech's finger became pinched between the roll and the frame. The EE was wearing leather gloves. The EE received a 1/2 inch long laceration that required stitches. The EE RTW full duty.
Employee was removing a water hose from a pump and the hose jumped, striking his mouth and fracturing his 2 front teeth.
Four hours into the shift, an Operator complained of back, neck, and shoulder pain. The employee was evaluated and prescribed a muscle relaxer. The employee returned to work the following shift full duty without restrictions.
Two stitches on finger, finger was pinched between lock ring and pad on tire handler.
Lost footing while loading powder blend truck. To avoid falling, grabbed a support beam and felt a sharp pain in lower back.
2011 · 9 incidents
While changing shovel ropes, a Welder received a laceration through his leather glove when his finger was knocked against a motor cover by the tugger cable.
Haul roads were wet & slick from the water truck and cold weather conditions, employee failed to maintain control of vehicle.
Possible bump on fill surface. No equipment damage. Possible kink in neck.
While installing a drive tumbler shaft in a shovel, a maintenance technician cut his finger on a fan blade. The cut required stitches.
Dark outside, oil containment grating was set on a walkway that normally is not placed in that area.
Employee slipped, tripped and twisted back, checking on pump. No complaint on 3/7/11. On 3/8/11 employee complained of back pain, was seen and treated by Dr. with pain medication. Employee was also given working restrictions.
Tech. attempted to pick up a chock block from under a haul truck. He felt pain in his groin area, after Dr. visit it was determined that he had a hernia. EE had surgery on 3/10/11. EE missed no time from work and has rec. full release to return on his next sch. shift.
Snow cover on the mat covering the hopper.
2010 · 8 incidents
Equipment operator was watering a 2:1 fill slope and tipped onto its side while backing up. Operator sustained a minor scrape on elbow and complained of a headache.
The employee had been working on a piece of equipment. As he went to stand up he started to turn to his right. As he did so all of his weight shifted to his right knee and it gave out. He sustained a medial meniscus tear.
A mechanic was attempting to load a 30 gallon oil barrel onto a hand cart. As he manuvered the barrel his right hand came into contact with the lid clasp on an adjacent barrel causing a laceration to the ring and middle finger of the right hand.
Equipment operator was running a 657 scraper when he ran over a frozen dirt clod, approximately 1 foot by 1 foot, and jarred his back.
The electrician was attempting to board an electric shovel. He missed the first step on the shovel ladder and when his foot contacted the ground he sustained an ankle sprain and avulsion fracture to his right foot.
Mechanic was cleaning battery connections, when a fire flared up momentarily. The mechanic jumped down 3 feet and fell to his back when he landed on the ground. Initially released by a physician to return to work. Knees were bruised and too sore for mechanic to return to work.
The welder was preparing to lift crane outrigger pads from the front of the crane when he was struck by the crane. He sustained a fractured shoulder blade.
The air line supplying air to the operator's seat froze up causing the seat suspension to bottom out, which jarred the operator's back. This caused a lumbar strain.
2009 · 9 incidents
A mechanic was moving an equipment part and as he lifted it he strained his groin resulting in a hernia.
An operator was moving a D11 Caterpillar dozer from one work area to another. As he was traveling the dozer encountered an abrupt change in the surface elevation. The sudden movement caused the operator's right hand to be pinched causing a small fracture in the tip of the right thumb, and stitches to close the wound.
The employee was using a pocket knife in his right hand to cut some tape when it sliped and lacerated the left hand palm. It required 5 stitches to close the wound.
Crawling out of car body and strained muscel in thorasic region of the back
Mechanic was loosening the end of an engine hose when his wrench slipped, causing his thumb to be pinched against the haul truck structure. This resulted in a cut to his right thumb.
While cutting cable tray with a battery powered sawsall, the individual's left hand slipped past the tool grip, crushing his finger in the mechanism driving the saw blade. Stitches were required.
While using a floor mounted grinder to smooth up a cut on a thin piece of metal the object and the employees right hand were pulled into the wire brush wheel. The table and guards were all in place and properly adjusted. The employee sustained an amputation on the tip of the little finger and a laceration on the ring finger which required 12 stitches to close.
Conditions unknown. Minor right eye irritation.
Tried to throw a rope with weight on the end of it down to a poly pipe in a coal recovery pit.
2008 · 9 incidents
While performing an inspection of the conveyor belt, EE's index finger contacted the moving belt, resulting in a laceration that required medical treatment.
While collecting samples for plant tech EE opened Sample System Cabinet doors and coal dust flew into her eye
Mechanic was straightening sheet metal on a Terex MT5500 haul truck with a small porta-power. The porta-power ram slipped and pinched thumb against sheet metal.
A welder was attempting to attach a 3/16 steel sheet. The steel slipped 14 inches resulting in a laceration requiring stitches. The welder was wearing leather gloves at the time of the incident.
Grinding particulate entered left eye sometime during process of welding, grinding, switching PPE, and moving place to place.
During set up for repairs to a 4100 shovel, employee stepped off of the 24"" high cribbing ramp onto scorio pad. He twisted his left knee as he stepped onto the loose scorio.
While changing crows and retract ropes on a shovel.EE strained his bicep while lifting the rope to reset it into the drum. Upon further exam it was determined surgery was required to repair the damage to the bicep. The EE worked without restriction until his surgery on 9/17/08, he was unable to return to work on his next scheduled shift on 9/18/08.
At the time of the incident the technician was removing the wheel bolts from a CAT 793 truck. When the technician engaged his impact wrench, the socket came free from the wrench and struck him in the upper lip.
A fork lift was being used to assist in the installation of a shovel track pad. A shovel maintenance technician was struck in the head by the fork lift arm when the shovel track shifted, causing the fork arm to shift upwards.
2007 · 13 incidents
Employee was cutting a piece of rubber for a belt repair. While he was cutting, the knife slipped and punctured his glove. The knife lacerated his left index finger. Sutures were required.
While cutting conduit with a battery saws-all, the tool slipped and injured his right thumb causing a minor crushing injury to his thumb.
A maintenance technician was lowering the outriggers to stabalize the pittman service truck. He lowered the hydraulic outrigger onto his foot, which resulted in a superficial bone fracture on the bridge of his left foot. The tecnician was wearing steel-toes shoes at the time of the incident.
Lifting heavy awkward metal protective guard that was extremely greasy, he lost grip. He reached lower to get a better hold and to pull harder and felt something pop and got a pain in lower back.
The wind blew some debris under his safety glasses and into his left eye.
While cutting angle iron on guard, grinding wheel caught on steel, kicked back & cut finger with cutting disc.
Upon EE's return to work status, mitigating information was submitted & reviewed which indicated EE's lost time back injury was instigated by his work activity 5/5/07 when he was lifting a 2"" metal cable.
A Maintenance Technician slid a dozer belly pan off of a belly pan jack stand and cut his middle finger on the edge of the dozer belly pan.
A pumper was attempting to open a drain/relief valve on a dewatering pump when hot water in the pump, caused by low suction, sprayed his left hand and the left side of his face.
The crane operator was moving an outrigger pad and strained a muscle, non reportable at that time. On 5/2/07, the EE received medical treatment for the stain as it worsened in time.
During a shovel bucket changeout, a Maintenance Technician placed a yoke pin keeper onto his toe. The impact resulted in a fractured toe.
The employee was attempting to re-rig a piece of iron to put in place. The iron shifted and when he tried to get out of the way, his left leg was caught.
Cutting plywood outside, the wind was blowing and it blew some saw dust underneath his eye protection and into the right eye.
2006 · 6 incidents
Employee punctured finger with tie wire on 11/8/06, finger became infected and was treated on 11-15-06.
EE was lowering a drop cord from the shovel house to the ground, when his foot slipped on some grease. When he fell, he fractured a bone in his left wrist.
A welding technician was struck by a small piece of metal debris while removing the insert on a shovel latchbar. The technician received a 1/2 inch laceration which required three stitches.
EE was lifting a phase module to install in cabinet and strained his lower back.
A MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WAS INSTALLING A GREASE PUMP MOTOR. THE TECH MISTAKENLY HOOKED UP THE AIR HOSE TO THE MOTOR BEFORE HE HAD COMPLETED INSTALLATION. WHILE TIGHTENING A MOUNTING BOLT, THE TECH INADVERTENLY BUMPED AN AIR VALVE WHICH ACUTATED THE AIR MOTOR SHAFT. THE TECH'S RIGHT FOREARM WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE AIR MTR SHAFT & THE PUMP SHAFT.
While bolting a section of poly pipe a contact pit pumper was struck on the nose resulting in a nasal fracture and a small laceration requiring sutures.
2005 · 5 incidents
While hoisting the shovel bucket up the wall to fill the bucket, a chunk of dirt cascaded over the shovel bucket, rolled down the shovel boom, through the safety glass, and entered the cab. The shovel operator was treated for a foot injury resulting from an unknown source.
While washing windows, a Technician fell approx. 10 ft off of a rubber tire dozer - breaking one rib.
Welder was cleaning up the scrapes & gouges on an 18"" piece of aluminum bar stock using a grinder. A shovel operator was assisting the welder & was positioned behind & to the right-holding the loose end of bar with his rt hand. Grinding wheel stalled in a gouge on bar causing grinder to rebound. The force caused the welder to fall back. Grinder then struck shovel operator's arm.
Employee received a laceration on the backside of his left ring finger from contacting a wicker in a wire rope.
At the time of the incident employee was removing a roller bearing from the shaft of a pump drive. After heating the bearing race to cause it to expand employee attempted to use a hammer and punch to knock the race off the shaft. When he struck the race, a metal chip broke loose and struck him under the chin.
2004 · 7 incidents
EMPLOYEE WAS STRUCK IN THE CHIN WITH A CAN THAT WAS THROWN DOWN FROM THE DECK OF A HAUL TRUCK. RESULTED IN A LACERATION ON THE CHIN REQUIRING STITCHES.
Employee was pulling on a bar as they were inserting it into the bushing in preparation to bore a BE 295 shaft.
WHILE OPERATING A COAL HAUL TRUCK, EE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHICH JARRED HIS LOWER BACK. AFTER REVIEWING THE CHIROPRACTIC DIAG. & EE'S PERSONAL TESTIMONY, WE BELIEVE EE HAD A PRE-EXISTING ILLNESS & THIS JARRING ACTION AGGRAVATED HIS PREV. BACK CONDITION. EE WAS DIAG. AS HAVING DISC DEG. IN 2002 WHICH HAS CONTINUOUSLY CAUSED BACK PAIN - TAKEN MEDS. & RECD. CHIRO. TREATMENTS.
2 CRANES & WINCH TRUCK HAD TURNED HAUL TRUCK BED UPSIDE DOWN, THEN 2 CRANES LOADED THE OVERTURNED BOX ON FLATBED TRAILER. INJURED EE THEN WAS CHECKING TO SEE IF THE TRUCK BED WAS CENTERED PROPERLY ON TRAILER. A LODGED PIECE OF EARTHEN MATERIAL CAME LOOSE COMING DOWN & STRIKING EE.
WHILE REMOVING DOORSTOP FROM A SHOVEL BUCKET, THE EE CAUGHT HIS RIGHT HAND BETWEEN THE DOORSTOP AND THE SHOVEL DOOR BUMPER. THIS RESULTED IN LACERATION OF RIGHT INDEX FINGER.
EE WAS USING A CUP TYPE WIRE WHEEL. ONE OF THE WIRES STRUCK HIM IN THE ARM AND BECAME LODGED IN HIS ARM. A PHYSICIAN SAW THE EE ON 1-21-04 AND STATED THAT THE WIRE WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT ALONE AND WORK ITS WAY OUT. LATER, THE WIRE HAD TO BE SURGICALLY REMOVED. HE WAS RELEASED TO FULL DUTY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SURGERY.
EE WAS DISMOUNTING 24H BLADE. HIS FOOT SLIPPED CAUSING HIM TO FALL APPROX. 4 FT. HE INJURED HIS WRIST.
2003 · 9 incidents
EE WAS STANDING ONT HE FRAME OF THE TRUCK BESIDE THE ENGINE. INSTALLING AN EXHAUST BLANKET, HIS SHOES WERE WET AND HE SLIPPED AND FELL BACK ONTO THE BATTERY BOX. HE FELL ON HIS BACK, CAUSING B RUISING. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EXAMINENATION AND X RAYS. THERE WERE NO BROKEN BONES.
VERY COLD DAY; TRAIL CABLE WAS VERY STIFF. WHILE UNLOADING AND MOVING CABLE FROM TRUCK, HE REQUIRED MORE TIME AND GROUND SPACE TO MOVE CABLE AROUND. THE GROUND - SCORIA - WAS FREE OF SNOW AND ICE AND IT WAS ON A SLIGHT INCLINE BY THE CABLE YARD.
EE WAS CARRYING A SHEET OF METAL GUARD DOWN AN INCLINED WALKWAY. THE BOTTOM PART OF THE WALKWAY WAS COVERED WITH FROST. AS THE EE STEPPED OFF OFTHE WALKWAY HIS FOOT SLIPPED & HE FELL. HE RIGHT SIDE OF HIS CHIN STRUCK THE SHEET METAL GUARD CAUSING A LACERATION UNDER HIS CHIN.
WASHDOWN TECHNICIAN USED A GARDEN HOSE TO WASH DOWN MINE EQUIPMENT
THE EMPLOYEE WAS LANCING A ROLLER PIN IN ORDER TO REMOVE IT. THE HEAT FROM THE LANCE IGNITED GREASE AND THE FLAME WAS FORCED OUT OF THE HOLE, KNOCKING DOWN THE EMPLOYEE AND BURNING HIS FACE.
EE WAS DISMOUNTING FROM A 24 H BLADE AND HE MISSED THE BOTTOM STEP AND AS HE TRIED TO BRACE HIMSELF WITH HIS HANDS WHEN HE HIT THE GROUND HE DISLOCATED AND FRACTURED HIS RIGHT MIDDLE FINGER. H E FELL ABOUT 3 FT BACKWARDS AND LANDED ON HIS BUTT AND BACK.
SHOVEL OPERATOR WAS GETTING BACK INTO THE SHOVEL CAB AND SHUT THE DOOR ON HIS LITTLE FINGER LEFT HAND. IT TOOK FIVE STITCHES TO CLOSE THE CUT.
2002 · 8 incidents
ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN BELT/SHEAVE ASSEMBLY, BELT CAUGHT GLOVE PULLED FINGERS BETWEEN BELT AND SHEAVE.
EE WAS STANDING ON 10 FT STEP LADDER USING A 16"" CRESCENT WRENCH, WRENCH SLIPPED CAUSING EE TO LOOSE BALANCE AND HE JUMPED OFF LADDER LANDING ON SHOP FLOOR, HURTING HIS LEFT FOOT CONTUSION TO FOOT.
EE WAS REINSERTING THE CENTER PIN ON THE EQUILIZER BAR OF A CAT D10N. TO DRIVE THE PIN INTO PLACE, HE PARTIALLY INSTALLED THE RETAINING PLATE OVER THE PIN AND WAS STRIKING THE PLATE WITH A SLE DGE HAMMER. AS HE SWUNG THE HAMMER TO STRIKE THE PLATE, THE HAMMER GLANCED OFF A RETAINING PLATE BOLT, STRUCK THE PLATE AT AN ANGLE AND BOUNCED BACK, STRIKING HIM IN THE FACE/MOUTH.
EMPLOYEE WAS CLIMBING A 8' STEP LADDER, LOST HIS BALANCE & FELL APPROX. 28"" TO THE FLOOR OF A LARGE SHOVEL BUCKET. HE BROKE HIS LEFT WRIST IN 2 DIFFERENT PLACES.
ASCENDING STAIRS, LOST BALANCE, CAUGHT HIMSELF, STRAINING RIGHT SHOULDER.
HE STOOD UP ON TIRE AND FELT SHARP PAIN IN RIGHT SIDE OF BACK.
GRINDING ON HORSE CALLER, GRINDER KICKED BACK & FRACTURED LEFT THUMB.
EE WAS CARRYING TWO HEAVY BAGS OF GARBAGE DOWN SOME STAIRS. SHE FELT A SEVERE PAIN IN HER BACK.
2001 · 10 incidents
EE WAS LEAVING SECURITY OFFICER STATION TO GO TOHER VEHICLE, WHEN SHE STEPPED OFF THE CURB THEREWAS LOOSE SCORIA UNDER HER FOOT AND SHE SLIPPED AND FELL. SHE TWISTED HER BACK AND ANKLE AND BRUISED THE SHIN OF HER LEG.
AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT EMPLOYEE WAS INSERTING A BLADE TIP PIN, ON A 24H MOTOR GRADER, BACK INTO ITS BORE. WHILE TURNING THE PULLER ROD NUT, USING AN OPEN END WRENCH, THE WRENCH SLIPPED OF F THE NUT AND STRUCK EMPLOYEE IN HIS MOUTH, FRACTURING A TOOTH.
EE WAS WALKING ACROSS THE SHOP FLOOR & HE HAD PAIN IN HIS RIGHT FOOT. HE WENT TO DR-DR DIAGNOSIS WAS TENDONITIS.
WHILE PUTTING MEGADOOR GUIDE IN PLACE, TURNED GUIDE TO MOUNT UP WITH MOUNTING SURFACE, EE FELT POPE IN RIGHT WRIST BUT DID NOT THINK IT WAS SERIOUS UNTIL NEXT DAY. EE WENT TO DR., HAD SPRAINED RT. WRIST.
EE WAS SWEEPING FLOOR IN LOWER MAINTENANCE. SHE FELT A SHAR PINCHING PAIN INTHE LEFT SIDE OF HER BACK THAT BROUGHT HER TO HER KNEES.
EE WAS HELPING ANOTHER PIT EE MOVE SOME ELECTRICAL TRAIL CABLE IN THE PIT AREA & THE INJ EE TRIED TO MOVE A ELECRICAL CABLE CONNECTING BOX BY PULLING ON IT & HE HURT HIS BACK. MRI TURNED UP A HERNIATED DISC BETWEEN L3 & 4 VERTEBRA. INITIAL DIGNOSIS WAS *SEE ATTACHED
EE WAS LEAVING CONFINED AREA, HE DROPPED HIS HALOGEN LIGHT, BREAKING IT AND WAS LEFT IN DARKNESS. AS HE PROCEEDED TO LEAVE AREA, HE STEPPED ON HIS TORCH, THUS BLOWING DUST ALL OVER IN AREA RES ULTING IN FRAGMENT IN EYE.
EE WAS LEANING BACKWARD WELDING OVERHEAD AND THENEXT DAY HAD A SORE BACK.
EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A 24O TON DIRT HAUL TRUCKWAS SETTING UNDER A SHOVEL BEING LOADED WITH DIRT AS THE SHOVEL WAS SWINING INTO BED OF HAUL TRUCK SHOVEL LOST POWER CAUSING SHOVEL BUCKET TO SL AM INTO BED OF HAUL TRUCK, JARRING EMPLOYEE AROUND IN CAB, INJURING HER RIGHT SHOULDER.
THE EE WAS USING A HAND GRINDER TO CUT THROUGH A WELD THAT WAS SECURING AN IRON BRACE IN PLACE. AS HE CUT THROUGH THE WELD, A 3/8"" STEEL PLATE THAT WAS BEING HELD BY THE IRON BRACE, FELL AND H IT THE EE ON HIS LEFT WRIST.
2000 · 12 incidents
EE WAS MOVING FLOOR BUFFER FROM UPPER ADMIN DOWN FLIGHT OF STAIRS TO LOWER ADMIN. SHE TWISTED HER RIGHT LOWER BACK.
MUSCLE STRAIN WHILE MOVING A HEAVY OBJECT. NOT NOTIFIED OF INCIDENT UNTIL JAN 2ND. JAN 4TH SECOND OPINION DR DID MRI. OFF WORK 2 WEEKS, WITH MED FOR BACK MUSCLE STRAIN.
EMPLOYE DROVE HIS HAUL TRUCK THROUGHA V ERY ROUGH ROAD, FROM A DIRT SHOVEL TO A DIRT DUMP AND HIS SEAT BOTTOMED OT AND HIS BACK STARTED HURTING. HE WORKED UNTIL 12-6-00 SAW DR HE RECEIVE DMED ICATION RECEIVED A HERNATED DISC PER MRI RESULTS.
EE WAS WELDING OUT IN THE PIT AREA AND IT WAS VERY WINDY. EE HAD HIS SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON AND THE WIND BLEW A FLAKE INTO HIS LEFT EYE. THE EE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL ON 10/28/00 AND THEY REMOVED M ETAL FLAKE AND EMPLOYEE WAS RELEASED TO WORK.
EE WAS CLIMBING DOWN FROM A SMALL STEP LADDER AND HE SWUNG HIS LEFT HAND INTO HIS TOOL BOX AND HE CUT THE TOP OF HIS HAND ON THE CORNER OF A DRAWER THAT WAS OPEN, CUTTING SAME IN TWO PLACES. I T TOOK 20 STITCHES TO CLOSE THE CUT.
LIFTING HAMMERMILL BUCKET WITH COAL TO TOP OF FLOOR RIFFLE.
EE WAS READING TO REFILL THE ANTIFREEZE TANK.HE OPENED THE DEPRESSURINZING VALVE & RELEASED THE AIR PRESSURE FROM THE TANK BUT NEGLECTED TO SHUTOFF THE VALVE WHICH ALLOWS THE TANK TO BE CHARGE D WITH AIR PRESSURE. AS HE UNSCREWED THE CAP, THE PRESSURE THAT HAD ENTERED THE TANK CAUSED THE CAP TO POP OFF. WHEN THE CAP POPPED OFF IT STRUCK EE IN THE LOWER LEFT LIP
EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVING A REAR BRAKE ACTUATOR CYLINDER; WRENCH SLIPPED AND SHE FELL FORWARD AND HIT HER HIP ON BRAKE FRAMEWORK, SPLITTING HER LOWER LIP. SHE RECEIVED TWO SUTURES TO CLOSE CUT.
AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT EMPLOYEE WAS USING A 3 LB HAMMER TO INSTALL A LOWER STRUT BEARING. UPON STRIKING THE BEARING WITH THE HAMMER A METAL FRAGMENT DISLODGED FROM THE HAMMER AND STRUCK HIM IN THE LEFT FOREARM.
AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVING THE LEFT FILTER BOX FROM A CAT 793 OFF HIGHWAY TRUCK. AS HE WAS PULLING THE PIPING TO THE BOX HE SLIPPED OFF THE LADDER HE WAS STANDING ON. IN THE PROCESS OF REGAINING BALANCE HE TWISTED INTO POSITION, STRAINING THE MUSCLES IN HIS LOWER BACK.
EMPLOYEE WAS SITTING IN A HAUL TRUCK UNDER A SHOVEL BEING LOADED WITH DIRT; AS THE SHOVEL BUCKET WAS DUMPING A LARGE CHUNK OF CLAY INTO THE TRUCK BED, IT CAME APART, HITTING THE INSIDE OF THE TRUCK BED & JARRING THE EMPLOYEE AROUND IN HER SEAT AND HURTING HER BACK AND NECK. DOCTOR PUT HER ON LIGHT DUTY FOR 5 DAYS.
DRILLING PLASTIC GASKET, PLASTIC BROKE, SNAGGED GLOVE AND FINGER.