Mining Incidents

Belle/Colony MineMetal/Nonmetal

Colony, Crook County, WY · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800888
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
86
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Mar 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

86 on file

2026 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Employee sat up, their hard hat fell off, and they bumped their head on the edge of their toolbox. They recieved 12 staples at the Emergency room

2025 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was moving a 3-inch pump. The employee mis stepped into a soft spot, and right leg got stuck approximately 8 to 10 inches deep in the mud. When the employee pulled their leg out of the mud, they felt their right knee pop. The employee is now using crutches

Struck against a moving object

Scraper rollover

Struck against a moving object

The scraper fell off the push block while push pulling

Fall from machine

Employee fell off of the dozer causing EE brake EE's left collar bone

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Slipped on icy road

2024 · 4 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employees walking down a slope and misstep causing them to fall and tear their ACL and fracture their tibia.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was Push pulling in the pit when the push block got hooked on top of the stinger of the other scraper in front of the employee. When it came off, the scraper slammed down jarring employee's back. Employee was diagnosed with a back strain.

Fall from machine

The employee was doing a pre-operation inspection when the employee was filling the coolant of the 16 m blade. Employee bent down to open the engine compartment and woke up on the ground, walked to truck and called for help.

Struck by flying object

A contractor (ICS)(Melgaard Construction Co Inc) was fueling a scraper when EE climbed on top of the scraper and opened the fuel cap. The pressure in the fuel tank then caused the fuel cap to blow off and hit EE in the face splitting EE's lip. Employee received 6 stitches at the ER.

2023 · 6 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a scraper. While dumping, EE turned to look back at the apron and hit a large bump. EE felt a pop and burning sensation in the lower right side of back. Employee was diagnosed with low back pain, sciatica and prescribed a muscle relaxer.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a scraper on rough roads. EE felt sore when EE got home and then woke up the next day stiff and sore. EE was diagnosed with lumbar strain. EE was prescribed a muscle relaxer and given restrictions.

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

While operating a CAT scraper, a chunk slipped out from under the scraper tire, jolting the employee around and employees fingers jammed between the joystick (controls). Employee was seen at hospital and has a sprained finger.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was running scraper push pulling in the cut. Came out of the cut and hit a rough spot on the floor traveling to the dump. After that they single loaded and covered the rough area with material to smooth it out. After lunch EE's neck started to hurt and burn so EE parked the machine and wanted to go get checked out at the clinic.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was loading dirt with the scraper when operator bounced through a deep cut while pulling the can lever. As the operator hit the deep cut, the scraper dropped into the cut. The seat extended all the way up then down, causing the employee to jam arm & shoulder while holding the can lever.

Struck against a moving object

Employee had been running a scraper in the mining pit with chunks when they finished running the scraper, they had a sore neck.

2022 · 6 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a scraper and was working in a reclaiming area spreading soil. EE was just starting to dump EE's soil and hit a bump and the seat belt dug into EE's pelvic abdominal area.

Struck by falling object

Employee was hoisting a 55 gallon barrel with a crane and a ""choker"" sling. During the hoist, the barrel slipped out of the sling and smashed employee's finger.

Struck against a moving object

A scraper operator working on reclaiming old mining sequence, felt a pop and a sharp pain in the right knee when they pushed on the throttle slowly while traveling through the back fill where a previous scraper dumped and left a wash boarded area from dumping materials.

Struck against a moving object

An employee was loading material from the 308A series, while leaving the pit to go to the fill. The seat accumulator broke off the bracket and the seat bottomed out, injuring the employees lower back.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Repairing leveling valve on a rear suspension of a service truck (unit 622). While moving hoses and valve, reaching around differential, crossmember and frame, twisting and pulling, Employee left shoulder had a very sharp pain on the top and down the front of arm. Employee stopped working for a little while and then continued and finished moving and connecting components.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking away from the scraper, slipped on snow causing their right leg and knee to buckle.

2021 · 5 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Loader operator hit a bump while operating loader causing the right elbow to hit on the arm rest. This resulted in a sprain/strain injury.

Struck against a moving object

Scraper operator was at the dump emptying their scraper with their left foot on the brace when they hit a bump and bottomed out the seat and rolled their left ankle.

Struck against a moving object

Equipment operator was cleaning out overburden using a Scraper when they ran over a piece of rock causing a jarred effect on the employee. Employee later experienced neck soreness.

Struck against a moving object

Stuck material from first loader bucket into main trailer landed harshly jarring the truck. Afterward, driver reported pain in EE's lower back.

Fall from machine

Dozer operator was climbing out of the #121 dozer to go inform maintenance that the #126 dozer was defective. While descending from the equipment, the leg slipped on the ice/snow that had built up on the deck and the employee landed on the tracks. This resulted in a shoulder sprain.

2020 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was doing a pre-trip inspection on a truck. Employee went to remove the bolts that hold the grill guard in place and felt some pain in right shoulder.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking across a road with ice and snow on it and feet slipped out from under them. They hit an elbow and jarred a shoulder.

2019 · 5 incidents

Fall from machine

Employee was shutting down the rear engine on the scraper. Employee lost footing when climbing down and could not regain control. Employee fell, pulling a muscle in right shoulder.

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

Employee was cleaning out a brake box on the trailer of the haul wagon when employee's hand got pinched between the slack adjuster and the housing. The right index finger was dislocated and also had a laceration that needed stitched. The EE was wearing cut resistant gloves at the time of the incident.

Struck by flying object

Removing u joint from truck when flying debris struck mechanic across the nose, cutting mechanic's nose and requiring 3 stitches

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was climbing up on a scraper to retrieve some tools. As ee was climbing up, ee felt some pain in right bicep. The employee was seen by a doctor and it was determined that ee has a tear in right bicep.

Struck against a moving object

EE was discing piles in a disc tractor and they were chunky from the frozen weather on 1-28-19 and 1-29-19. Two days later EE woke up in the middle of the night complaining of back pain and thinks it is from bouncing in the tractor while discing piles.

2018 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EE was driving a haul wagon down a hill and into a corner and ran off the road. EE bounced hard in the seat and had back pain. EE was taken to the ER for evaluation.

Struck against a moving object

EE driving a haul wagon and saw a cow run out on the road. EE locked up the brakes and skidded off the road to avoid the cow. EE hit left ribs on seat rest.

Struck against a moving object

Employee operating Cat scraper slipped over 4' edge and tipped scraper over on its left side. Employee was having back pain and taken to the ER.

2017 · 5 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Dozer drove over a rock and jarred employees back. EE did not report injury and sought chiropractic care the next morning. Injury was reported to management on Saturday the Sept 2nd. We are unsure if chiropractic care counts as a recordable so we are reporting this just to be safe.

Fall from machine

Fuel delivery driver was climbing down a ladder and slipped and jumped down off the bumper of the trailer injuring their mid back section.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee turn door knob in break room and felt wrist pop.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating a dozer while backing up and drove up onto a large chunk of slate. The dozer slid off the chunk and jostled the employee in the cab of the dozer. The employee felt pain between shoulder blades directly after.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee walking in deep snow and hyperextended knee. Employee was examined by a dr. on 1-17-17 and was placed on restrictions.

2016 · 1 incident

Struck against a moving object

Driving scraper and drove over the top of a big rock. The scraper rocked from side to side and the employee was jostled around the cab of the vehicle. The employee felt a sharp pain in lower back. The employee was wearing a seat belt.

2015 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hooking light plant up to a van and got fingers pinched between ball and hitch

2014 · 1 incident

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Reporting a recordable shift in hearing

2013 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Backing over already ripped material using a D-8 Dozer. Backed into a large chunk of material. Received a compression fracture in the back from the jarring.

Struck against stationary object

EE was stepping off the dozer and while doing so he stepped on a rock twisting his ankle. We took EE to the ER and they issued him a splint for his leg, thus constituting in an MSHA reportable accident.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was in the field shop breakroom and slipped and twisted his knee and it popped. Went to the Dr. the next day and told him he needed an MRI and put on restrictions.

2012 · 8 incidents

Struck by falling object

EE was changing clutch on a drill truck while doing so the ring gear slipped off the crank shaft and he cut his finger. He received five stitches on his right index finger thus constituting in an MSHA reportable accident.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was push pulling with another scraper and was bumped by behind. The jarring strained his shoulder.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating a scraper using the Push/pull technique and while doing so he ran over a rock and jarred his back. We took him into the doctor and he was put on restrictions of no lifting over 20 lbs and not sitting for longer than 20 min thus constituting in a MSHA reportable accident.

Struck against a moving object

Scraper operator was driving through a ditch to get to a topsoil pile. We hit the ditch and felt pain in his lower back. EE was placed on restrictions on 8/1/2012 that affect normal work operations, thus constituting MSHA reportablity.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climbing down the excavator and slipped. He worked until 6/29 and said he was having pain. Doctor put EE on restrictions of no lifting more than 10 pounds on 6/29 thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating scraper and hit a bump. The motion made the seat belt block motion resulting in pain in the lower back and left leg. Doctor put EE on restricted duty affecting normal job operations thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating blade and hit a washed out area in the road. This jarred his neck and a doctor put him on restricted duty of not operating mobile equipment. This affects normal job operations thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was running a dozer and was shifting from forward to reverse. He was pulling against the shifter and his shoulder started to hurt while shifting. Put on restrictions affecting operators daily job task, this constituting an MSHA reportable.

2011 · 5 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was starting up the rear motor on a scraper when he started to slip. He reached out to catch himself with his free hand and hit the radiator guard. He was put on restrictions thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Did not watch where he was stepping off the truck.

Fall from machine

EE was climbing down scraper and fell approximately 4 feet and landed on left shoulder. EE was put on restrictions thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Struck by falling object

Mechanic was working on a PTO driveline. He thought it was in place but it dropped hitting him in the mouth.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator was picking up a windrow on the edge of a pit. The windrow was wet and scraper operator slipped off of it back onto the pit cut jarring his back.

2009 · 4 incidents

Fall from machine

Operator was climbing around the back of a tractor to change a cab light when he slipped and fell 5 ft to the ground. He landed on his feet but put his right hand down to catch himself injuring his shoulder.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE's had apparently been arguing with each other all morning, the injured EE threatened another EE whom got off of his haul truck, climbed the ladder on the injured EE's dozer and assaulted him. EE was taken to the E.R and checked out. He was released and sent home.

Fall onto or against objects

The employee was exiting the lunch shack after putting his lunch box in the lunch room. He tripped on the top step twisting and bumping his left knee.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating scraper, reclamating, and hit hard frozen chunk of dirt which jarred lower back. EE saw MD on 3-13-09 who instructed him to see a Chiro (thus constituting MSHA Reportability). EE sought Chiro treatment on 3-16-09, return to Duty 3-17-09, no restrictions, no Lost days (Fri/Mon off for medical attention/appointments available).

2008 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was going to adjust brakes on a scraper. Bent down on knee to go under rear and hurt knee on a rock, causing deep bruise.

Struck against a moving object

EE complained of sore back while running scraper on shift. He was taken to town and he went to see a chiropractor, thus entailing MSHA reportability.

2007 · 5 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

As EE was completing his pre-shift equipment safety check (Scraper) he stepped down from the machine and twisted his ankle on uneven ground. This caused him to fall and he broke a cap and a piece of tooth, requiring dental repair, thus constituting MSHA reportability.

Struck against a moving object

EE operating scraper in pit, push-pulling. Bounced/drove over large chunks of shale, jarring back/neck. Went to Chiropractor after work, thus constituting MSHA reportablility.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was setting up a 6"" water pump to pump water from pit. EE was in process of setting the suction hose in the pit. When he picked up the hose and turned to place in water, he twisted his back. He saw a chiropractor on 7/6/07 and missed work 7/7. He worked full shifts 7/5 & 7/6 and sought chiro. after work. He was not scheduled 7/8 and returned 7/9 w/o restrictions.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was setting nail gun down (while building pallets) and bumped his left hand and drove a nail into it by his thumb.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE diagnosed with carpal Tunnel Syndrom on 5/22/06. Case did not become MSHA reportable (per instruction from R. City Inspector's office) until 1-3-07 date the medical treatment and/or lost ensured. Surgery Date are 1/3/07 and 1/13/07 (both wrists).

2006 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Scraper operator was working in blocky material. His scraper ran over a chunk of material and he was jarred hard, causing a strain/sprain to back. EE did not seek medical attention until 12-18-06 of which lost time began and well as chiropractic visits which both constitute MSHA reportability at that time. (Became MSHA reportable on 12-18-06).

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating scraper when he hit a soft spot, hit left knee on steering column, causing bruising. Medical trtmnt-subsequent draining of collected blood with repeat clinic visits (follow-ups) constitute MSHA reportability. Page 11-Part 50.

Contact with hot objects or substances

EE was pumping water from pit, left area for an hour, returned and pump was still running but no water coming out the discharge hose. Shut pump off and uncoupled the discharge hose. Hot water from pump sprayed on EE's forearms adn stomach/chest resulting in 1st and 2nd degree burns on 10% of body. THERMAL BURN

2003 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING D9 DOZER, BACKING OVER BIG CHUNKS OF CLAY, JARRING BACK. EE SOUGHT CHIROPRACTIC CARE THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

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

EE PICKED UP A PIECE OF 8X8 IBEAM. IT SLIPPED OUT OF HIS HANDS SMASHING LEFT PINKY FINGER AGAINST ANOTHER IBEAM. HE WENT TO E/R AND REQUIRED STITCHES, THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE PICKING UP 1X4 BOARDS AT PALLET SHOP WHILE BUILDING PALLETS ON 'WEATHER OUT' SHIFT. STRAINED LOWER BACK. WENT TO CHIROPRACTOR'S AND MISSED WORK (2 DAYS) THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPOR TABILITY AND LOST TIME.

2002 · 5 incidents

Struck against a moving object

DRIVING AROUND CORNER TO FAST, WATER SHIFTED IN WATER TANKER CAUSING TRACTOR AND TRAILER TO TIP OVER.

Struck against a moving object

EE RAN OVER SOME LARGE CHUNKS OF CLAY MATERIAL IN PIT WHILE OPERTING SCRAPER. JARR TO BACK - WENT TO CHIROPRACTOR- THUS QUALIFYING INCIDENT FOR MSHA REPORTABILITY

Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING SCRAPER ON HAUL ROAD. SLIPPED OFF EDGE OF ROAD AND HIT EMBANKMENT, CAUSING DRIVER TO HIT HEAD ON ROOF OF CAB. HE CUT HIS HEAD OPEN, REQUIRED STITCHES (HEAD INJURY).

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS USING DRILLING PROBE EXTENSION, FAILED TO PUT CHUCK IN. SLAMMED HAND INTO A RAIL OF THE KKELLY BAR, BREAKING HIS RIGHT THUMB.

Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING SCRAPER HE RAN OVER A LARGE ROCK WHILE DUMPING, JARRING HIS BACK.

2001 · 1 incident

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

EE PINCHED FINGER BETWEEN DOZER ARM AND TRUNION, WHILE REMOVING TRACK FRAME. REQUIRED STITCHES-THUS CONSTITUTING MSHA REPORTABILITY.

2000 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS SURVEYING WITH CPS EQUIPMENT. HAD THE BACK PACK ON WHILE SURVEYING. HE STEPPED INTO A POTHOLE, JARRING LOWER BACK.

Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE TURNING THE RIPPER SHANK OVER TO WELD ON IT. WHEN HE RAISED IT WITH THE CRANE, IT BECAME UNBALANCED AND SLIPPED AND HIT HIS FOOT, FRACTURING HIS TOE.