Mining Incidents

Rawhide MineCoal

30Gillette, Campbell County, WY · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800993
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
86
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
Sep 2025
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

86 on file

2025 · 3 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Fire ball from coal shot got into vegetation. No people or resources affected.

Accident type, without injuries

Lightning strike that started a grass fire. No people or resources at risk.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE finished EE's train, left the spray booth to conduct post inspections, and proceeded down the stairs. When EE reached the 2nd to last stair on that first set of stairs coming out of the booth, EE's right boot got caught as EE was taking a step and EE twisted EE's knee in the process.

2024 · 7 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Operators noticed a spontaneous combustion ignition of coal in the Northwest Pit. We are currently in the process of getting equipment to the area, to bury the hot spot and will cover it to extinguish the hot spot. No flames visible but it is smoking.

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker identified in the Northwest pit. No personnel or resources at risk.

Accident type, without injuries

Spontaneous combustion of coal on the West pit. No people or resources are at risk.

Accident type, without injuries

Do not know the cause of the fire. Fire on top of Silo. No personnel at risk.

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

Walking into the front of a Locomotive cab, hand was in the doorway while the door was closing. The gloved right hand was pinched in the door momentarily, causing right index finger to be lacerated when the door closed on it.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

At the end of shift, the employee was bending down to turn of master switch on a track dozer. Employee felt a pain in lower back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Poor body mechanics while performing duties.

2023 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

During a rain event. IE operating a Cat articulating fuel truck jarred back while going through a mud hole. On 8/18/2023 IE was seen by a doctor with a strained back, was given two weeks off.

Struck by flying object

Employee was struck by a piece of debris to the forehead.IE was evaluated at ER, received 5 sutures. Was given a full release.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Poor body mechanics while walking to train.

2022 · 2 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

At start of shift employee was walking to the plant area when IE tripped and had a same level fall in the parking lot on dry ground, landing on and injuring left shoulder. IE has worked since and had surgery on 2-22-2023 to repair shoulder making this a reportable injury. IE has not missed any work due to this accident. IE returned to work on restricted duty.

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker identified in the North West Pit. No personnel or resources at risk.

2021 · 2 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker was identified in the South West pit. No personnel or resources at risk.

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker was identified in North West pit, no personnel or resources at risk.

2020 · 2 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker was identified in Mid West pit after daylight, no personnel or resources at risk

Accident type, without injuries

Spontaneous combustion of coal in SW pit, will take time to get equipment in area to push dirt and smother the fire.

2019 · 5 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Smoker was identified in the West Pit, bull dozer was deployed to area and is working to extinguish.

Accident type, without injuries

D11 caught on fire, operator performed emergency shutdown, exited the cab and called MAYDAY. No personnel were injured during the incident; D11 sustained considerable damage from fire. Root cause is still under investigation.

Accident type, without injuries

Spontaneous combustion smoker was found in the MW pit. Had to push dirt over the top of it. The area was buried at 10:00 am 10/17/2019.

Struck against a moving object

IE was riding in passenger seat of pickup when pickup hit a bump. IE was wearing hardhat and EE's head contacted the roof of the pickup. IE was evaluated and released from the ER. Pain continued and IE was referred to orthopedic specialist. After a couple tests and a Nerve Study, IE was restricted by the physician on 9/18/19 with whiplash injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

Gas flash fire/mini explosion inside boiler room. Natural gas leak on the main regulator allowed the boiler room to fill up with gas. Ignition source is unknown but believed to be the flame from boiler that was running inside the building. This resulted in a flash that charred the insulation inside the building.

2016 · 4 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Smoke identified coming from ""A"" hopper/crusher, covers removed from crusher, water and foam applied to hot spot for 30 minutes. Fire watch for 8 hours following event.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

IE removed sight tube from F&L truck and was setting it off to the side when IE felt the right shoulder dislocate, no mechanism of injury identified. Because of previous injuries/dislocations to the same shoulder IE reset own shoulder; SMET arrived and transported to ER. Orthopedic follow-up scheduled, MRI taken, later revealed bankart tear.

Accident type, without injuries

Grass fire located approx. ¼ mile south of the South West Pit, no mine personnel, equipment or facilities were at risk at any time. Suspected cause of fire deemed unknown by the CCFD. Fire was extinguished approximately 2 hours after it was detected. CCFD posted a fire watch for one hour after extinguished.

Accident type, without injuries

Coal Fire located in East Pit. No mine personnel or facilities were at risk at any time, the nearest mine equipment (Hitachi excavator 951) was approximately 1200 yards away. Suspected cause was spontaneous combustion. Fire was controlled within 2 hours, fire watch continued no evidence of fire on May 25, 2016, 09:00am.

2015 · 5 incidents

Struck by falling object

Rigging sling broke, ripper shank fell and struck employee's feet

Struck against stationary object

IE slipped and struck left hand on engine access door causing a laceration

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IE was drilling hole to install a ladder. Drill bit became stuck causing IE's LT. wrist to twist resulting in a fractured wrist bone.

Struck against a moving object

IE was bounced while operating a 24H blade and began to experience lower back pain. He was diagnosed with severe arthritis. He received an epidural injection on 03/12/2015 making this a reportable illness.

Struck against a moving object

IE was jarred while dumping a haul truck. IE continued to work several shifts and began to experience lower back pain. On 03/12/2015 IE saw a physician and was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease and given a release to return to work. IE saw physician again on 03/19/2015 and was not allowed to return to work.

2014 · 3 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Employee was dismounting from the rear of the fire apparatus when he stepped onto a large piece of rock. This misplacement resulted in acute pain and the employee was evaluated by a physician. This injury resulted in a partially torn meniscus and ligament that required surgical repair.

Struck by falling object

Employee was replacing a haul truck tie rod end when the part fell and pinched his hand between the part and a jack stand. This force resulted in a fracture to his finger.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was leaving the cab of his utility pickup and he stepped on an uneven surface. The employee sprained his ankle. The employee was taken to a physician for observation and he was diagnosed with an ankle sprain. He received a release to return to work with restrictions.

2013 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Tech's hand was caught between a manlift handrail and a mounting bracket while replacing a limit switch.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was making shim adjustments to an idler frame. The employee was using a pry bar to lift the assembly when the bar slipped striking him in the jaw. This resulted in a laceration of his chin requiring sutures.

2012 · 3 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting material with a razor knife that was being held in his right hand. Knife slipped and blade struck EE's left hand causing a laceration between his thumb and pointer finger. Required 4 stitches to close wound.

Struck against stationary object

Operator was collecting tools required to start the repairs inside of the shop. When operator left his work station he turned around striking a tool with his mouth. This resulted in the laceration of his upper lip and did require sutures.

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

Employees finger was pinched between a piece of metal and a work table. This injury resulted in sutures to his finger.

2011 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing an intake tube when the tube slipped and hit him in the mouth, cracking a tooth.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Removinng air filter from machine and there was sharp edge on the outer edge of the air filter element which cut inside of left thumb.

2010 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Walking on job site, scoria surface, stepped on dirt clump and rolled ankle.

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

Technician was installing a driveline on a loader when the driveline pinched his finger causing a laceration to thumb that required 5 stitches.

Struck against stationary object

The tech was trying to get a windsheild wiper in a 1900 P&H shovel to work and scraped the skin from the first knuckle on the right hand that required sutures.

Accident type, without injuries

A belt line fire was noticed at 9:17am. The fire occurred approx 50' upstream from the transfer building in the 201 belt gallery. The fire was called under control at 10:2 am. It is unknown at this time what caused the fire. The belt was not running and had been idle since 4:45am.

2009 · 5 incidents

Struck against stationary object

On 24 August 2009 employee was walking across parking lot, stepped on a rock and twisted his knee. His doctor scheduled orthoscopic surgery for 24 Sept, and returned him to full duty. He received orthoscopic surgery on 24 Sept where small pieces of cartilage were removed. He returned to duty on his next scheduled work day.

Accident type, without injuries

A fully loaded CAT 776C water truck with a 20,000 gal. tank was traveling up a ramp made of coal, when the truck lost momentum and started to travel back down the ramp. The tech engaged the retarder and the truck came to rest on its tail end.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Tech finger was caught between a hoist block and the hoist arm on a loader while replacing the hoist cylinder.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The tech was attempting to install a scavenge pump when the pump slipped and smashed the middle finger on the left hand.

Fall from ladders

The tech was traveling down a ladder, lost balance, slipped, and fell approximately 6ft. The left heel hit the frozen ground causing a fracture to the calcaneous bone.

2008 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The production tech was walking and tripped over a rock, causing a twisting motion to the left knee.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee made decission to adjust a 5""X14' machining bar, 2"", by lifting it with his shoulder. Impatience in waiting for the availability of a forklift or setting it up with rigging were contributing conditions.

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

The employee was rolling up a fuel hose using an air driven reeler, when the hose (which was kinked) straightened out, twisting the end of the hose. The right hand of the employee stayed in the handle on the end of the hose, causing the wrist to twist, causing a hair line fracture to a carpel bone in the right wrist.

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

Tech was replacing a chain case with the help of two others. One was pulling and two were pushing the case jammed and the two pushed harder and the case gave way catching the left index finger between the case and frame resulting in a laceration.

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

The collar on the Kelly bar was loosened to adjust the depth level. As ee recahed to resecure the bar, it shifted, pinching the tip of the right index finger between the bolt at the top of the bar and the top of the collar. The finger was cut resulting in six stitches.

2007 · 6 incidents

Struck by falling object

Replacing dump rope on dragline bucket. Had already cut cable and was putting new cable in place. Climbing ladder to remove wedge, other hand bumped the wedge and it slid out and landed on middle finger of left hand.

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

Tech was exiting the house of 325 overburden shovel. The tech lost balance and grabbed the door jam to keep from falling at the same time the door slammed shut on the ring finger of the left hand amputating approximately one quarter inch of the finger.

Fall onto or against objects

Climbing on shovel after lunch, operator tripped and hit tooth, cracked it before he could catch himself. Had tooth repaired a number of weeks later on December 19, 2007.

Struck against stationary object

After putting fuel into the pressure washer, the tech was stepping backwards off the pressure washer trailer, while holding onto a handle on the pressure washer. There is a piece of sharp sheet metal that covers the instrument panel of the washer and the tech's small finger was cut on the metal.

Contact with heat

Extremely hot weather conditions

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Technician stepped backwards off of bottom step of a step ladder, felt a shock in his calf in right leg. Went to doctor on 4-17. MRI on 4/24 - diagnosis on 4/27. Released for light duty on 4-27. No time lost. Determined to be reportable on 4-27.

2006 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Individual was stepping off prill tower steps when he experienced a sharp pain in his left knee. On 12 October 2006 individual was diagnosed with a small tear in his ACL and meniscus in his left knee. At that time he was ordered to stay off his leg until further evaluation on 16 October 2006.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE REMOVING SEAT FROM A 637G, EMPLOYEE HEARD A POP IN SHOULDER. TOOK EE TO EMERGENCY ROOM, NO MEDS WERE PRESCRIBED, REFERRED TO AN ORTHEPEDIC SPECIALIST. DIAGNOSIS FROM DR. ON 7-3-06 WAS. ARTHRITIS MASS ON SHOULDER THAT OVER TIME HAD CUT THROUGH THE BICEP TENDON. THE INCIDENT COULD HAVE HAPPENED ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME. RAWHIDE IS REPORTING THIS AS A REPORTABLE ILLNESS.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

While moving a D-11 dozer, he noticed flames coming from inside exhaust. Shut machine down, got hand-held fire extinguisher to prevent fire in engine area. When tech activated fire extinguisher, hose broke away from nozzle allowing hose to whip around, strike tech in face several times, spray powder into eyes; diagnosis - chemical inhalation, eye injury (corneal abrasions).

Fall onto or against objects

While walking across shop, EE slipped and fell, striking his shoulder against loader bucket teeth. Took EE to doctor; doctor released EE back to work with no medication. Scheduled another doctor visit, as shoulder wasn't getting much better. Injury became reportable on 3/30/06 when EE had MRI which indicated a torn rotator cuff injury that will require surgery to repair.

Accident type, without injuries

#152 D11 dozer caught on fire while in operation, SMET team responded, almost got fire put out when dozer started on its own. This happened several times due to starter wires shorting. No injuries were sustained. Campbell County Fire Investigator, Catterpillar, and Firemaster came out to help with investigation. The cause of fire still has not been determined.

Fall from machine

While dismounting the 1850 loader, employee slipped on the bottom rung of ladder. This action drove his foot into the hard coal, and caused him to fall. The injury caused from this was a comminuted fracture of the left distal tibia.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees changing a lift cylinder on a loader. Employee was using a 20# sledge hammer, and a piece of 1 1/2' all thread to (drive) remove an inside collar. Employee swung hammer, and missed the driver pinching his right index finger between the hammer handle and the head of driver, resulting in a finger laceration.

2005 · 5 incidents

Struck by flying object

AFTER GRINDING WELDING SLAG EARLIER IN THE DAY, EYE STARTED TO HURT THAT EVENING AT HOME. WENT TO HOSPITAL NEXT MORNING. DIAGNOSIS - FOREIGN BODY (RUST & SLAG) ON CORNEA OF LEFT EYE.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Was cutting rubber off conveyor belt roll. Knife slipped out & hit left ring finger.

Struck against a moving object

EE was driving a haul truck hauling overburden. Nothing out of the normal laoding was noted throught out the shift. EE noticed back pain that evening starting around 9:30 pm.

Fall down stairs

EE WAS WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS FROM SILO LOADOUT, FELL STRUCK HEAD ON HANDRAIL AND SCRAPED SHIN ON A STAIR

Struck by flying object

WHILE REMOVING RUBBER FROM A PULLEY WITH A HIGH SPEED GRINDER DEBRIES WAS EVERYWHERE. RUBBER LODGED IN EE EYE. EE TRIED TO REMOVE PARTICLE WITH EYE SOLUTION. EE USED OTC DROPS FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT EYE DIDN'T GET BETTER. SAW DR 02/15/05 TO HAVE PARTICLES REMOVED.

2004 · 6 incidents

Struck against a moving object

A large rock dropped into bed of haul truck shaking the truck hard enough to hurt employee's neck.

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

(2)EMPLOYEE'S WERE LIFTING A BRAKE DRUM ONTO A FLATBED TRAILER. INJURED EE DID NOT LIFT HIGH ENOUGH & HIS FINGER WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN BRAKE DRUM & TRAILER.

Struck by falling object

Employee was stacking pipe, fast plug on pipe came off and then pipe fell off of pipe rack onto ee's left shoulder, causing a fractured scapula on shoulder

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS WALKING DOWN THE STEPS FROM THE RECEPTION AREA (THERE ARE 2 STEPS) TO THE SECURITY OFFICER STATION WORK AREA. WHEN SHE STEPPED DOWN SHE WRENCHED HER LT. KNEE CAUSING A TORN MENISCUS.

Struck by flying object

LOADER JARRED TRUCK AND DUST FLEW UP AND GOT IN HIS EYE.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE REMOVING ""POST DRIVER"" FROM POST, THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER CAUGHT THE RIGHT INDEX FINGER BETWEEN THE POST AND DRIVER. EE RECEIVED AN OPEN TUFT FRACTURE AND 7 STITCHES.

2003 · 2 incidents

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE HAD SKIN IRRITATION AND SWELLING ON HIS FACE AND ARMS UPON ARRIVAL TO WORK 7/1/03. HE WAS EXAMINED BY A DR. & WAS TREATED FOR ALLERGIC REACTION TO UNKNOWN SOURCE. HE WAS REFERRED TO AN ALLE RGIST. THE PREVIOUS DAY HE WAS DRILLING HOLES INTO CONCRETE AND INSTALLING EPOXY.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING WITH A CONCRETE CORE DRILL BEING CONTROLLED THROUGH A FOOT-OPERATED SWITCH. WHILE CHANGING A BIT HE STEPPED INTO THE FOOT SWITCH. THE BIT CAUGHT HIS GLOVE, TWISTED HIS WRI ST, CAUSING A SPRAINED WRIST. A SPLINT IS NOW BEING WORN.

2001 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WENT TO CHECK ON CREW INSTALLING PINS IN TRACK PADS. WHEN HE WAS 5 - 6 FEET FROM THE CREW HE FELT A STING IN HIS LEFT CHEEK WHICH BEGAN TO BLEED. A SPLINTER OF METAL FROM THE EDGE OF THE PIN FLANGE SPLINTERED OFF AND ENBEDDED INTO HIS CHEEK. THIS CAUSED A 3/4"" CUT THAT REQUIRED STITCHES.

Fall from ladders

EE WAS REMOVING RETAINING BOLTS & UPPER RAIL PADFROM UNDERSIDE OF THE HOUSE (REVOLVING FRAME) OFA 295B SHOVEL. HE STATED THE WRENCH SLIPPED OFF THE BOLT. HE FELL 41"" OFF THE FIRST RUNG OF A 6' STEP LADDER HE WAS USING & LANDED ON THE GROUND.HE STRUCK HIS HEAD AGAINST THE MATT BOARDS BEINGUSED AS A PLATFORM TO HOLD UP THE BOOM FOOT AREAHE WAS TAKEN TO E.R. & RECEIVED SUTURES TO HEAD

2000 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS RETURNING TO THE SECURITY STATION FROM HER PATROL OF CHECKING CHANGE ROOMS. SHE SLIPPED ON A PATCH OF SNOW COVERED ICE AND FELL. SHE FELL BACKWARDS HITTING HER BACK, TAILBONE AND BACK O F HER HEAD AGAISNT THE GROUND. SHE HAS SORE NECK & HEADACHE.