Mining Incidents

Thornton PlantMetal/Nonmetal

Upton, Weston County, WY · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4801042
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
19
Years on record
2005–2024
Latest incident
Aug 2024
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

19 on file

2024 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving screw upstairs when it slipped in hand and pinned thumb back to their wrist.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Miner was walking into plant when miner slipped and fell onto knee. The following day, the miner experienced swelling and pain. The miner was evaluated by a physician on 5-15-2024 and was advised to rest at home for 2 days while applying ice to injured knee.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a pipe bender off the ground and felt a pop in the left elbow. EE did not seek immediate medical attention, but the pain didn't go away. Doctors visit was scheduled for 02/01/2024. Employee is now out of work.

Fall from machine

Employee was exiting loader, and slipped off the top step falling and injuring their shoulder

2023 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

employee was attempting to close a chop gate by hitting it with a hammer when they missed and struck their left hand and wrist with the hammer.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

at the end of the shift the employee was leaving the plant when they slipped in the mud and fell, hurting their left arm

2022 · 1 incident

Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee started feeling unwell shortly after arriving on shift. At 11:40pm plant employees took the ill miner to the ER. The hospital could not give a definitive diagnosis and the employee is currently waiting to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis and treatment and is off work at this time.

2021 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling dirt when they felt a pop in their back. Reported the injury to the shift supervisor, and informed them at that time they were able to work with no issue. On Sunday 04/18/2021 the employee informed the supervisor that they were experiencing numbness and wanted to go to the doctor on 04/19/2021.

2020 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was picking up a head pulley shaft, when they strained their lower back. did not notify management until the next day when they called in to work.

2017 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was shoveling material off the rail road track, when ee dropped the shovel and it hit the top of ee's hand.

2013 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climbing down from front-end loader and slipped from second step in wet conditions and pulled muscles in left shoulder. Several days will be missed.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was running Front-end loader when he got out to unhook a tow rope. While climbing back into the loader he felt a pop in his left calf. He went to clinic to see a doctor who diagnosed a strained calf muscle. Ice and rest were recommended.

2012 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Slipped on ice. Fell on right shoulder and ribs, pulled muscle in shoulder.

2010 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting heavy metal plates from a hammer-mill in a constricted location. This caused the lifting to be awkward and in various positions. Trauma was done to the trunk of the body, most likely resulting in a hernia. The doctor has not yet been consulted and no time has been missed as of this point; on self imposed lite duty restriction.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was helping change hammers in a hammer-mill when a hammer got caught and caused the rotor to change directions. It spun backwards and caught the pry bar the EE was holding onto, causing it to swing and strike him in the lower chin area. This action resulted in many teeth being fractured and three stitches in the lower jaw.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was shoveling bentonite and strained lower back. Attempts to run 627G scraper on the 17th and 18th met with severe pain. EE went to doctor on the 18th and was given a no work slip until 05/24/2010, at which time he returned to full capacity.

2008 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Electrician was pulling wire when he did ligament damage to left shoulder. Surgery may be required to re-attach it.

2007 · 1 incident

Struck by flying object

Employee was grinding inside of fire-box when a piece of metal by-passed his protective eyewear and lodged in his right eye. He went to doctor the following morning and had it extracted, causing him to miss one day of work.

2005 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was reaching for a railcar lid that had been blown by the wind and felt a sensation in lower back area. He will take a few days off to allow healing.