A Millwright drove the pins out of a 200-ton crane boom to change out a section and the boom fell on employee.
Black ThunderCoal
- Fatalities
- 1
- Total incidents
- 200
- Years on record
- 2014–2026
- Latest incident
- Mar 2026
Fatalities at this mine
1 recordedReportable incidents
199 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 5 incidents
A grass fire started at the rail road tracks and spread to the mine property. The fire could not be put out within 30 minutes
Employee slipped and fell while getting on EE's equipment.
The employee was dismounting the drill from the offside ladder. When on the last rung of the ladder, EE's foot slipped off and when EE landed on the uneven ground EE felt a pop in EE's ankle.
A coal fire was located in the 5 west pit that could not be extinguished within 30 minutes
Employee tripped in the revolving frame of a dragline catching their fall with their right arm. Employee was diagnosed with a torn bicep tendon on 1/16/2026 and had a procedure on 1/22/2026 to repair the bicep tendon
2025 · 12 incidents
while moving a part in the warehouse the employee lost their grip causing the part to move suddenly pinching finger and causing a laceration that required 6 stitches.
Employee was trimming a piece of plastic when knife slipped resulting in a laceration to left index finger requiring five stitches.
Dark out with dry/calm weather conditions. Uneven walking surface with loose ballast and exposed rail ties.
A coal fire was discovered in the 6 west spoils that could not be extinguished within 30 minutes
A coal fire was discovered in the 5 west pit that could not be extinguished within 30 minutes
Employee was removing a metal cover plate which contacted their right shin causing a hairline fracture
A coal fire was discovered in the south pit that could not be extinguished within 30 minutes.
A coal fire was discovered in the South Pit that could not be extinguished within 30 minutes
Employee slid out of seat on bus ride out to EE's equipment. When EE slid out of EE's seat EE hit EE's left side (ribs) on a lunchbox. Positive X-ray showed fractured ribs. Was released to work and returned EE's next scheduled shift.
A driver was stepping off truck step onto the lowboy when EE misplaced EE's footing, causing a small fall to the ground. Employee landed on EE's shoulders and struck back EE's head on the ground causing a small laceration on the back of the head, requiring one staple to repair laceration.
While securing a load to the bed of a service truck with a ratchet strap the anchor point failed. the buckle from the strap struck the employee in the mouth damaging three teeth.
Employee needed to get a strap under a RAX link pin, so they could lift it up into place. They tried to lift one end of the pin to slide the strap under it. When employee lifted on the pin employee tore bicep and tendon.
2024 · 19 incidents
bottom of a coal pit, discovered a small coal fire burning at toe of coal wall.
A coal smoker was found and it took longer than 30 minutes to get it put out.
Team member was making a squatting motion on level dry ground when what EE claimed to be EE's knee gave out and EE fell down to the ground. Outside conditions at the time were clear and sunny.
Snow and ice on haul road caused i.e. to slip and break their left ankle.
A Mechanic removed a fender from a bulk truck and with help lifted and placed the fender on the ground. After setting fender down mechanic felt pain in EE's back and sat down in hopes the pain would pass. Employee was transported to hospital and diagnosed with lumbar spasms and required to miss one day of work to rest.
Employee came into office 9/11/2024 claiming smoke inhalation from torching on material on mine site. Unknown time of return.
Employee was operating a skid steer stemming holes on pattern. Once finished, the employee parked skid steer and went the lift the lap bar and exit skid steer. Employee received 1st Aid for pain in the right shoulder and returned to work. On 10/15/2024 , employees rotator cuff was repaired and was placed on leave by the medical provider.
An employee was making adjustments to a shovel bucket, when the stand kicked out from under the latch bar and it pinched the web of the employee's thumb, causing a laceration that required stitches.
An employee reported that EE's back was sore from a shovel dropping a bucket of material in EE's haul truck. EE continued working for two days and then went on days off. EE did not report to work on 7/26/2024 and began missing time.
A grass fire started under the powerlines and burned for over 30 minutes. Five dead black birds were found at the ignition point, indicating they had caused a phase-to-phase arc flash.
An employee with a history of back injuries began experiencing increased pain and was taken in for evaluation on 06/16/2024. An MRI was schedule with a follow up appointment on 06/20/2024. A previously bulged disc and arthritis were diagnosed, and physical therapy was recommended to relieve nerve impingement, and EE began missing time.
Employee was getting a chain into position around body retaining pin to aid in pulling a lower strut pin. While holding the body retaining pin up placing chain into position, the pin slipped out of their hand. When pin fell it pinched their middle and ring finger of left hand between body retaining pin and differential housing.
Employee was prepping a splice for vulcanization when the olfa knife employee was using slipped and contacted employee's arm. Employee was transported to the hospital and received stitches resulting in a recordable incident. Employee was released back to work full duty.
A wash bay attendant got into the cab of a grader and the door closed on EE's finger.
A powerline air switch arced and caused sparks that ignited a grass fire that burned for over 30 minutes.
An employee slipped and injured EE's knee getting off a pit bus. EE continued working until 03/27/2024, at which time EE missed work to go have knee surgery.
Subject exited axle box on unit 192, the hand grab bar welds broke and employee fell to the ground, approximately 4 feet, landing on back.
A millwright was thawing out an airhorn on an electric shovel with a small butane torch, when methanol sprayed out of a connection and was ignited by the torch. The flash caused burns to the employee's lower face and neck areas which were treated with First Aid.
A Part 90 Miner applied for short-term disability on 01/11/2024 and did not come to work on the next schedule shift, which was 01/12/2024.
2023 · 17 incidents
A haul truck operator drove into the back of a haul truck that had stopped, crushing the cab and pinning EE under the steering column for about 1 hour. EE had nerve damage to EE's legs.
A haul truck was driving erratically up a ramp. It stopped near the top, rolled back down into the left repose and tipped onto its side. The operator was found unresponsive, removed from the truck, and airlifted to a Medical Center. Driver died the following day from an apparent medical condition, as no injuries were found.
A wash bay technician was on a portable stairway, trying to remove a mud clod from the ripper frame of a track dozer. EE's hands slipped off and EE fell back on the concrete floor, fracturing two ribs.
Employee lifted a riffle drawer with coal and pulled something in their lower back.
A maintenance employee stepped from an IT loader to the third step of a 6' step ladder and fell to the concrete floor, bruising their hip. Employee was released by the doctor but did not report to work on 10/23/2023.
An area was seen smoldering at the top of an 85-foot coal wall. Dozers were used to push an access ramp in, so a water truck with surfactant could be applied to the area and extinguish it. The area burned for over 30 minutes.
A mechanic smashed their little finger between a track dozer and a jack handle.
Smoldering coal was found in five different areas of the coal mine. The apparent cause was spontaneous combustion from the recent rain, followed by hot dry weather. The areas were difficult to access, so they burned for over 30 minutes.
An area was seen smoldering at the top of an 85-foot coal wall. An elevated dirt ramp had to be constructed to get a water truck high enough to extinguish and seal the area, so it burned for over 30 minutes.
An electrical fault on a mining shovel, initiated a coal dust ignition that caused some material to catch fire on top of the shovel house.
A series of three grass fires started along the railroad tracks west of the mine property and burned onto the mine. It took firefighting personnel over 30 minutes to extinguish the flames.
The front suspension bolts sheared off and caused the front of a haul truck to hit the ground. The operator was bruised by the seatbelt.
Smoldering coal was found in an area of the pit that was difficult to access. It was over 30 minutes before a loader could reach the area and dig it out.
The technician was working outside when dust/dirt blew into their left eye. After removing the dirt particle, the Doctor prescribed an antibiotic for the tech's eye.
A grass fire started along the railroad tracks, west of the mine pit. Firefighting personnel contained the fire within the 30-minute time frame, but total extinguishment took over 30 minutes.
A dragline operator elected to go get carpal tunnel surgery on this date for an illness that has occurred over many years.
An employee slipped from the deck of a track dozer and fell between the track and the push-arm, sustaining fractures to their ribs.
2022 · 15 incidents
An employee was lowering a folding handrail and caught EE's ring finger in a pinch-point, resulting in an avulsion of the tip.
A coal wall fire started from spontaneous combustion, in an inactive area of the mine property. It burned for over 30 minutes, due to difficult access.
An electrician was kneeling and when EE stood up EE felt knee pain. EE was assessed by doctors and released back to work. An MRI and follow up appointment were scheduled. EE was later diagnosed with a torn meniscus and began missing time on 08/11/2022.
A mechanic felt a pop in the knee stepping from a platform to a bull dozer. EE was diagnosed with some small meniscus tears and released back to work. EE continued to experience pain and was later scheduled for surgery. EE began missing time on 08/23/2022.
A fire occurred on a coal shovel that MSHA believes was the result of an arc flash initiating a coal dust ignition. The fire damaged a motor and a compressor.
Was trying to lift 75 pound bag but pulled something in lower back.
An employee with a history of shoulder injuries began experiencing increased pain after helping pry on a dragline pin with a bar. EE continued to work and had it evaluated by a specialist on 09/19/2022, finding multiple injuries from various incidents. EE elected to have surgery on 11/17/2022 and began missing time.
Injured Employee was torqueing a CAT 795 haul truck with a RAD 34 torque gun. Injured employee received a dislocation, laceration and break to EE's right thumb when it became caught between the extension of the RAD 34 and wheel motor.
The employee reported back pain and was checked and release by a doctor at a clinic. The employee continued working, but was unable to report to work on July 1 due to back pain that increased during scheduled days off. An MRI was taken and a doctor diagnosed a chronic back condition, not related to any specific incident.
A haul truck operator backed through a berm and tipped the truck over, resulting in a back injury.
Team member suffered heart attack as they were coming in to work, Team member had not yet started their shift and was walking to the office when they collapsed.
While working in the wash bay the employee tripped and fell, resulting in a head abrasion and rib fractures.
A large coal wall was found burning in a pit that was not currently being mined.
In the process of moving the Rad 15 impact gun from one nut to the other, the injured employee received a fracture and laceration to EE's left ring finger when EE's finger became lodged between the Rad 15 impact gun and the wheel.
The employee felt a pop in the knee while getting into a pickup truck. EE continued to work until was diagnosed with a ruptured ACL on 3/11/22 and began losing time.
2021 · 14 incidents
Employee made a right turn off the haul road to enter the site. Upon entering the site, the employee turned sharply to the right. The truck was unable to complete the turn and overturned onto the driver's side. Employee received a cut to the top of right hand requiring stitches and extensor tendon repair of right index finger.
A coal wall caught fire and took longer than 30 minutes to extinguish.
A section of coal wall was found burning in an area of the pit that was not being mined. The fire started from spontaneous combustion and was spread by wind conditions. The fire could not be extinguished in 30 minutes due to the need to move equipment into the area to create access and attack the fire.
A technician was welding in close proximity to other welders inside a rev. frame. The light reflected off the walls behind and came in behind EE's welding hood causing EE to receive flash burn to EE's eyes. EE was given a prescription of eye drops.
Employee was preparing to drain oil from swing case of machine. Employee fell approximately 7 feet to ground sustaining multiple injuries.
Tech was moving a heavy turbo from part cart to the back of the service truck bumper. The right pinky finger was smashed in between the turbo and the bumper. Tech has a fractured pinky.
The employee was using a handheld grinder with a cutting wheel to cut off a section of handrail, when the tool kicked back, striking EE in the lower leg, which resulted in a laceration that required stitches.
A coal shovel caught fire following an electrical fault. The fire originated in the reactor cabinet area and burned for over the 30-minute time frame.
A fire started on the upper area of a coal highwall from spontaneous combustion. The open pit was not being mined and it took over 30 minutes to build access to the area and extinguish the fire.
The employee was placing a large wood block onto the fender of a forklift, when the block bounce up and pinch EE's two finger tips between the block and the forklift fender. This resulted in a tuft fracture and lacerations that required stitches.
The employee says: felt knee pop while walking around haul truck. The employee continued to work and did not want medical care until 05/03/2021. Employee was then evaluated and scheduled for arthroscopic surgery. Employee had surgery on 07/06/2021 and became reportable and began missing work shifts on 07/09/2021.
While using a hoist and a forklift to position a piece of machinery, the employee got EE's finger pinched between a fork and the load.
An electrician was driving a pickup and dropped a handheld radio. While picking it up they ran up on a berm and rolled the pickup over. Employee was released back to work by the doctor, but an X-ray showed cracked ribs.
Tech pinched finger between action arm and rim while removing wheel stud bolts with a rad gun on a rear inside dual of a haul truck. Injury resulted in a laceration on Techs left middle finger requiring 10 stitches.
2020 · 7 incidents
Employee reports EE was carrying a sample of approximately 50lbs down the stairs. EE's foot missed a step and EE fell forward.
Employee reports they were dumping approximately 30 lbs of coal on a pile with a twisting motion. Employee then felt pain. Employee informed management on 10-16-2020. Letter attached to original form for further information.
Smoke was discovered in the 5 1/2 West coal pit at the top of the coal face. The smoke could not be extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mining equipment were at risk during this event.
Socket detached from air wrench and struck i.e. on RT cheek causing a laceration.
The equipment operator tore the quadriceps muscle and patellar tendon on EE's right knee when EE missed a ladder rung dismounting the equipment. Surgery was required to repair the torn tissues.
IE was tapping on a rear strut with a hammer when EE's hand contacted a pulling rod that was in the strut pin causing a laceration to EE's left middle finger that required 5 sutures to close.
The delivery driver was found unresponsive laying on the ground near the cab of the truck. CPR and an AED were administered by mine rescue personnel. The victim was immediately transported by ambulance and turned over to local EMS crew. This is a non-chargeable medical event.
2019 · 14 incidents
An equipment operator experienced a non-displaced fracture to a bone in the right shoulder when pulling on the cab door of the electric shovel.
A Technician was in the process of replacing a rear strut on a 798 haul truck. As they removed the lower rear strut pin, the lower section of strut fell. This was caused by an unknown internal failure which allowed the lower section of strut to fall hitting the Technician in the leg.
Smoke was discovered in the spoils between 4N & 5N. Waste coal had spontaneously caught fire and caught tumble weeds on fire as well. The fire was not extinguished in 30 minutes.
A haul truck operator began feeling ill with chest pains and shortness of breath. EE was transported to a local hospital where diagnosed with having had a mild heart attack and a blood clot. Reporting Non Chargeable.
Smoke was discovered in the 6W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
A Technician was using a bar to hold the bolt into place so they could attach the nut to the end of a bolt. While screwing the nut to the bolt, the bar slipped. This caused the bolt and attached nut to drop, pinching the Technicians left 5th finger in between the drag case and the nut. This split the Technicians skin on their finger requiring 4 stitches.
A millwright was using a carbon arc gouging tool to begin to remove a brass bushing when the bushing came loose and fell on the millwright's foot, fracturing the foot.
The electrician had been troubleshooting a misalignment switch at the bottom of the conveyor. When walking up the incline to exit the area they began experiencing chest pains. Electrician was transported to the ER where they were diagnosed with having had a mild heart attack.
The technician was dismounting a forklift when EE missed the bottom step and fell, landing on EE's left hand and wrist. The result was a fractured wrist.
Smoke was discovered in the 5 1/2 W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Smoke was discovered in the 5W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
The electrician was beginning to board the shovel when ee slipped, landing on back on a chunk of coal. The result was a fractured rib and non-treatable transverse process fractures.
The employee was walking from the parking lot to the changehouse prior to the start of shift when the employee fell, fracturing left femur.
Smoke was discovered in the 6W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
2018 · 13 incidents
At 4:35AM the plant technician was going to the top of the silo in the elevator when the elevator stopped near the top of the silo. The elevator passenger was never in any danger of being injured. This person was safely out of the elevator at 7:05AM.
An employee was attempting to disconnect a 4 inch hose secured by camlock fittings. The employee opened the ears and was attempting to disconnect it by holding onto the hose with both hands and wiggling it off. Once the hose came free, the end of the hose hit the employee in the mouth, breaking a tooth.
At the beginning of shift, the equipment operator fell while walking to the pit bus resulting in a fractured left elbow.
Smoke was discovered in the 6W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Smoke was discovered in the 1N coal pit at the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Smoke was discovered in the 5W coal pit on the coal face. The smoldering coal was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
The blade operator was climbing the boarding ladder to the cab when ee lost grip on the right inside cab handrail causing ee to fall to the ground. The fall resulted in a right elbow dislocation fracture and a right pelvis fracture.
Descending from haul truck caught foot on water pump fitting while twisting body. Felt pain in left knee. Employee continue to work until recent surgery resulting in injury becoming recordable.
A mechanic caged and removed a brake can that needed replaced from a truck. The mechanic had the old brake can on the shop floor and was in the process of removing the cage bolt. The mechanic attempted to relieve some of the air pressure, however the air pressure released quicker than expected, resulting in the cage bolt/nut pinching the mechanics finger. 6 stitches req'd.
Smoke was discovered in the 6W coal pit at the top edge of the coal face. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Injured employee was dragging welding leads behind them when they became lodged under a stationary tire. This jerked employee's arm and injured the shoulder.
On 3/16 at 1530 employee secured train returned to cab, felt pain in back, at the time employee refused all medical treatment. The Next day, went to the clinic. Was released back to work with no restrictions and no loss of time. On 3/19, employee went back for a follow up appt. Did receive additional medical treatment. At that point made it reportable.
The injured employee was sprayed by pressurized hydraulic oil during the removal of a sensor. The release of the pressure caused EE to move rapidly and had struck the ground. Injuries were sustained to face and hand.
2017 · 19 incidents
Smoke was discovered in the 5W coal pit on the highwall. The smoke was not able to be extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
IE twisted Left Knee, complained of pain. On 1/11/2018, IE was diagnosed with torn ACL, which will require surgery.
Smoke was discovered on the west high wall in the 5 1/2 West entry. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Smoke was discovered on the west high wall in the 6 West entry. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
employee was removing sample from sampling system. As employee pulled the sample out, it was too heavy for employee and employee strained lower back
The mechanic was guiding the left front spindle assembly into position on a motor grader when the assembly suddenly slipped into place pinching the mechanic's gloved left ring finger between the spindle and the frame. This resulted in a laceration requiring stitches.
Smoke was discovered on the 4W end wall, in the upper coal seam. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Smoke was discovered in the 4W coal fender near the bottom of the ramp. The smoke was not extinguished in 30 minutes. No miners or mine equipment were at risk during this event.
Removing fittings with a crescent wrench. While pulling on the wrench the employee felt a pop in left elbow. Initial diagnosis is muscle strain.
The equipment operator was assisting electricians remove a cover from on top the RPC cabinet when the cover fell to the floor, bouncing and hitting the operator. This resulted in a laceration to the inside of the right calf muscle requiring stitches.
The employee walked near an open blast hole when the collar of the hole caved, resulting in the employee's foot and leg falling into the hole. The employee grabbed the discharge auger of the truck, which was positioned to load the hole. The employee received 1st Aid for a shoulder strain and returned to work. On 8/7/2017, the employee was placed on leave by the medical provider.
The IE tripped on a forklift pocket of a stand. When EE fell EE landed on left knee. Other than a little pain and some initial swelling the employee was feeling fine and able to walk and move the knee as normal. About 3 weeks later the knee had some fluid build up in a bursas sack and the employee had it drained. It became reportable when EE had the knee drained on 6/26/17.
Employee was assisting another employee with the dovetail of a trailer to add an extension to lengthen the trailer when the incident occurred. There is a handle on the dovetail but it was stuck so employees put hands underneath to pull up on it and the stand that is underneath came swinging back pinching employee's left middle finger. This resulted in a nine stitch repair.
Team member was climbing the ladder on the locomotive. Team member reported that EE heard popping noise in the right wrist. Poor body mechanics.
An equipment operator slipped on the dozer tracks while pulling on a pry-bar causing the bar to hit EE in the mouth, chipping EE's upper left front tooth.
The IE was working in an engine compartment of a 795 haul truck when ee lost balance. When ee grabbed the deck of the truck to catch balance the twisting motion on shoulder caused it to pop.
Employee walked out of bldg. with sample and slid on rock salt on the cement, falling on both knees. EE continued to work until 2/21/2017 when Dr. restricted EE to no work.
Crew was dipping center pin of shovel in liquid nitrogen when it started to bubble out of the tank coming into contact with employee's left hand.
Two millwrights were removing a dragline swing pinion retainer plate when the plate slipped from their grip, resulting in a crushing/fracture of the left little finger for one of the technicians.
2016 · 14 incidents
Employee was spraying off front entrance to the prep bldg with air hose. Employee turned around to go inside and tripped over a 4/4 block of wood that was on the ground holding the door open. Employee returned to work with regular duty and then missed work beginning 12/30/16.
Employee was swinging a sledge hammer against the outside of a bulk storage bin to dislodge the material inside. The end of the hammer became entangled in a stainless steel lifeline cable, causing a strain to the employee's shoulder. The employee received first aid treatment initially, but was later placed on restricted duty by the medical provider on January 13, 2017.
A mechanic was beginning to lift a gear case off the floor with a crane when one of the slings caught on a bolt. This caused the case to tip over, whipping a drain hose on the case towards the mechanic, fracturing left wrist.
A small blower was bolted onto a pallet. When the pallet was loaded onto the flatbed truck it had to be turned 90 degrees to allow for proper securement to the flatbed. The employee was in the act of turning the pallet back 90 degrees when the board EE was pulling came loose and the employee fell off the truck bed to the ground.
Was changing a bearing and got a piece of metal stuck in hand. Had it removed and required 3 stitches.
While walking across the drill pattern, the drill operator tripped on uneven terrain, twisting knee. On 10/27/2016 the employee underwent a medical procedure that makes this incident reportable.
Employee was picking up a coal sample and EE stood up and felt back pop.
A millwright stepped up on a tub cable hook to connect the ground lead from welding machine to the revolving frame of the dragline. When EE stepped up EE felt pain in right knee. On August 18, 2016 EE had a medical procedure to knee that makes this incident reportable.
Changing ties at the mine - setting spikes and a shard split off and hit arm of employee, small particle removed, no lost time went back to work put wrap on arm.
Employee was removing a swing motor from a PC2000 Komatsu Excavator, when the fitting became loose employee's hand slipped down the wrench crushing it between the wrench and a hardline hose.
Employee was struck in arm by boom after cylinder failure caused boom to drop to bed. Employee was bruised and received 2 stitches.
The employee's hard hat made contact with the uncut portion of a protruding zip tie. The end of the zip tie was deflected by the hat, and then whipped back when released. The end of the Zip tie went around the top of the employee's safety glasses and made contact with the eye, causing a minor corneal abrasion.
The employee was welding and grinding when a particle got into left eye.
The pickup truck's RR tire blew while driving south on the haul road causing the truck to slide into the ditch. The abrupt stop caused the driver's back to be jarred resulting in a thoracic vertebrae compression fracture.
2015 · 29 incidents
While trying to loosen a nut on a steering wheel of a 793 haul truck, the employee was pulling the wrench towards himself the wrench slipped and struck the employee in the mouth causing a chipped tooth.
While lifting/pulling a conveyor belt wiper, the employee's shoulder was dislocated. The employee underwent 2 medical procedures to have the shoulder put back in position.
While pre-loading the 32nd car of a coal train, an unplanned dust ignition occurred. The pre-load was immediately stopped, the automatic wash system was initiated and the train was moved outside the silo.
employee lifted a sample bag to put it in the back of the truck and felt shoulder pop. NO scheduled work shifts missed. 11/23/2015 EE went to the Chiropractor for evaluation, and was assigned to light duty. 02/29/2016 Doctor return to work statement- do not lift over 25 lbs. 03/14/2016 Doctor's evaluation - return to regular duty
The rescue team was conducting plant fire system familiarization training, when an owl flew off an overhead beam and swooped at a technician. His natural reaction was to duck and in the process, his chin hit a metal guard resulting in a broken tooth and a laceration requiring stitches.
The rescue team was conducting plant fire system familiarization training when a technician's hand was pinched/smashed between the upper and lower sections of the elevator door while pulling it closed. The result was a fractured right index finger.
A 2"" X 10' web sling was laying across the hood of the dozer with a 3/4"" shackle attached to one end and the other end on the OH crane hook. The mechanic was pulling the sling across the hood when the shackle struck him in the mouth. The result was a broken upper left tooth.
A grass fire was discovered in the tall grass above 7&8 North Pre-strip area. The fire was not extinguished within 30 minutes. A motor grader and mine firefighting equipment extinguished the grass fire. No miners, mine equipment or structures were ever at risk during this fire event.
A miner was climbing down a ladder when it shifted forward. The miner fell approximately 6 to 8 feet onto the bed of his pickup. It is possible that he briefly lost consciousness upon impact.
There was a possible ignition of coal dust in the electrical cabinet of the 18 Shovel when the shovel was restarted after an electrical fault.
A fire was discovered in the tall grass above the 6 West pres-trip area. The fire was not extinguished within 30 minutes. A motor-grader and mine firefighting equipment extinguished the fire along with Campbell County Fire Dept. No miners or mine equipment and structures were ever at risk during this fire event.
The drill was walking past DL11 when there was an engine failure which caused a fire. The operator shut the key off, actuated the fire suppression system and then immediately jumped out of the offside cab door to the ground. The result from jumping to the ground was a fractured left heel.
The electrician was in the process of opening an 8KV disconnect switch on a substation when his hand slipped off of the throw handle causing the handle to recoil, striking him on the right lower lip. The result was a laceration requiring stitches and a very minor chip of a tooth.
A fire was discovered in the tall grass above the 6 West prestrip area at 1:50pm. The fire was not extinguished within 30 minutes. A motorgrader and mine fire fighting equipment extinguished the fire along with Campbell County Fire Dept. No miners or mine equipment and structures were ever at risk during this fire event.
Employee pinched hand between a hitch ball and trailer coupler. Broke bone in left hand near joint between index finger and palm.
The haul truck driver has developed bone spurs and arthritis over a long period of time which has caused a narrowing of the space between the C4 & C5 vertebrae. This narrowed space due to the bone spurs has resulted in neck pain when operating equipment. He had an injection to reduce inflammation on 7/29/15 which makes this condition reportable as an illness.
Ops techs were pulling slack up in the trailing cable with a pu truck with the tech on the ground being inside the slight radius of the cable. The action of the cable forming a straight line between the cable tree and the pu truck swept the tech's feet out from under him causing him to land on his left shoulder. A medical procedure on 7/9/15 makes this incident reportable.
A pit millwright and a dragline oiler were replacing a spreader bar pin to the upper chain when the weld on the pin's lifting-eye broke. The lifting-eye hit the dragline oiler in the mouth breaking a tooth and fracturing his jaw.
Employee was working in engine compartment and slipped. Back hit platform causing laceration requiring stitches.
A mechanic's right middle finger was pinched/smashed when the upper park brake assembly slipped while being removed from the left rear wheel motor on a haul truck. The result was a finger tip fracture and laceration requiring stitches.
An equipment operator walked up over a berm and when descending his knee buckled under him. He underwent a medical procedure on 4/8/2015. The procedure followed by restricted duty make this a reportable incident.
The tugger cables were being used to pull the front sloped house roof panel back into position when it became stuck. A millwright's left middle finger was pinched between the rope window edge and the channel frame of the panel when the panel shifted. The result was a laceration requiring stitches.
A pit millwright was using a come-a-long to lift a shovel track pad when the hook slipped off the pad striking him on the forehead above the right eye. The result was a laceration requiring stitches.
Employee was clearing airline with methanol when a fire erupted causing burns to his face, neck, chest and hands.
Employee was lifting a sheet of metal with the forklift to place on sawhorses. Sawhorses were not level and when employee tried to level the sheet of metal on them the metal fell and struck the employee on the back of the ankle. This resulted in a fractured left ankle.
A haul truck operator was walking from the haul truck to the man-trip at the end of shift when she slipped on a patch of snow covered ice causing her to fall backwards. The left wrist was fractured when the hands were outstretched to break the fall.
A mayday was called for an unresponsive haul truck operator at the SH22. A loader operator boarded the haul truck and confirmed there was a medical emergency. He began chest compressions until mine rescue personnel arrived. The patient was then transferred to the public ambulance service. This was a medical emergency and not the result of an accident.
A plant millwright was pushing on a wire rope cable to free up the feeder chain that was being pulled by the cable when his glove was pulled into a sheave, lacerating his right thumb, requiring stitches.
Employee was securing a down line to a wooden stake when a splinter entered the employee's right hand between the thumb and first finger as the employee was sliding his gloved hand along the wooden stake. Surgery was required to remove the wooden splinter and sutures were applied.
2014 · 21 incidents
The millwright was adjusting a web sling on the rod of the hydraulic hammer on the IT (Integrated Tool handler) when the rod was tilted downward, pinching/lacerating the millwright's left index finger requiring stitches.
The left index finger was lacerated when picking up a piece of broken dozer blade, resulting in 9 stitches.
A millwright was replacing dump ropes and links on the arch of bucket. The new dump rope and link were installed and pinned on the left side. While attempting to install the keeper bolt, the rope and socket assembly slipped, pinching/amputating the end of the left index finger between the link and socket assembly.
Employee was using a hydraulic torque wrench (high torque) that slipped off the nut. The employee reached to catch the wrench at which time his left ring finger was pinched between the wrench and drag line hoist case
A fire lasting approximately 50 minutes was discovered shortly after the primary crusher was unplugged. The stilling shed curtains were burned along with some coal that remained in the hopper.
At 12:00 noon the HVAC technician was going to the top of the silo in the elevator when the elevator stopped near the top of the silo. The elevator passenger was never in any danger of being injured. This person was safely out of the elevator at 12:42 pm.
Heavy gust of wind blew dust and foreign material into eye requiring removal of material by optometrist.
Employee was performing a latch bar adjustment on the 28 shovel. While installing a shim, his right thumb was jolted in the latch bar assembly resulting in a fracture.
Using pipe wrench to back up while being tightened. Wrench broke and struck worker on left hand. Fractured left index finger
The wash-bay tech tripped and fell while walking backwards as she was guiding a water truck out of the wash-bay. Her left wrist was fractured when her outstretched hand was used to break her fall.
The haul truck driver fell off the engine compartment ladder landing on the ground on her shoulder. This was a short fall that resulted in pain in her left shoulder. On 7/15/2015 she received medical treatment that makes this incident reportable.
An electrician was in the process of cutting the tape off a blower motor connection when the knife slipped and cut through his leather glove resulting in a laceration to his left hand that required stitches.
The mechanic was struck under the chin by a 1"" nut when attempting to pull the right tie rod pin from a haul truck. The result was a chipped tooth and two small lacerations that required stitches.
While loosening a plug with a ratchet the injured employee felt a pull in his shoulder/neck area which was diagnosed as a strained muscle and resulted in restricted duty.
A fire on DR23 was discovered by a nearby loader operator approximately 1 hour after maintenance personal had finished removing the Kelly drive bushing. The fire was discovered at 11:08 and MSHA was notified at 11:41 due to the fire not being extinguished within 30 minutes.
An equipment operator's left middle finger was pinched/smashed while positioning the latch bar on a shovel dipper to change the shim pack. When the latch-lever was lowered onto the prop device, the prop shifted and pinched the technician's finger. The result was a laceration that required stitches.
Employee was exiting the change room during a heavy rainfall when he slipped and lost his balance on the stairway landing causing him to fall. The employee received a laceration on his left hand as a result of the fall requiring sutures to close the wound.
The mechanic twisted his right ankle when dismounting the engine access ladder on a haul truck. He received a treatment that makes this injury reportable on 5/9/2014.
While riffling coal sample, employee lifted the hinged door (approx. 1 - 2 lbs.) to riffle and complained of shoulder pain afterwards 03/28/14 Dr. ordered tests and restriction - do not return to work until evaluated - workers' comp has made no decision at this time
The mechanic was pulling a wheeled oil drain cart across the shop floor when a wheel hit a small obstacle on the floor causing the handle he was pulling on to deflect. This unexpected movement pinched his finger between the handle and a nearby bolt bin. The result was a smashed little finger on his right hand that required stitches.
The teeth on the shovel bucket hooked the side of the truck bed jarring the operator in the cab of the truck. On January 28, 2015 the operator received medical treatment that makes this incident a medical reportable injury.