Mining Incidents

Fork Creek Prep Plant Coal

Alum Creek, Lincoln County, WV  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4608752

Fork Creek Prep Plant has $201K in proposed MSHA penalties and $122K outstanding across 9 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
24
Years on record
1999–2019
Latest incident
Sep 2019
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
449
citations
183
significant & substantial
$201,102
proposed penalties
$73,899
paid to date
37% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $127,203 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
210
inspections on record
5,913
inspection hours
7.6
citations per 100 inspection hours
This rate is recorded citations divided by MSHA inspection hours, per 100 hours. It reflects inspection effort, not mine size or production.
449 citations across 5,913 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Fork Creek Prep Plant has $201K in proposed MSHA penalties and $122K outstanding across 9 contested dockets.

Penalty disposition
Differences between proposed and paid penalties reflect both settlements and conference reductions and amounts still owed. Outstanding is the balance currently owed.
$201K
proposed penalties
$196K
current assessed
$74K
paid to date
$122K
outstanding
439 assessments are final orders; 9 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2026-01-13.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Fork Creek Prep Plant shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.20 mg/m3 (100% compliant) across 224 samples.

Health sampling
A sample is a point in time compliance measurement, not an individual exposure history. These figures describe MSHA sampling records and do not establish causation or personal dose.
Respirable coal dust
Respirable coal dust and silica figures cover coal facilities. Dust compliance is measured against the current 1.5 mg/m3 standard; samples predating the 2014 standard are included, so compliance rates are a coarse historical signal.
0.20
dust avg (mg/m3)
1.43
dust max (mg/m3)
100%
within 1.5 mg/m3
224
samples
Most recent sample: 2025-11-13.
Silica (quartz)
6.6
silica avg (%)
7.4
silica max (%)
3
samples
Most recent sample: 2025-06-20.
Noise
8%
over PEL
93
samples
Most recent sample: 2025-11-05.
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million reported employee-hours. Rates begin in 2000, when MSHA's quarterly employment data starts; earlier incidents are counted but cannot be rate-adjusted. Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 6,278 49 10 7805.0
2025 Q3 7,290 15 6 2057.6
2025 Q2 6,094 4 1 656.4
2025 Q1 6,545 9 1 1375.1
2024 Q4 7,807 14 6 1793.3
2024 Q3 5,857 0 0 0.0
2024 Q2 6,789 19 8 2798.6
2024 Q1 5,135 0 0 0.0
Show 89 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2023 Q4 5,113 3 0 586.7
2023 Q3 4,553 13 6 2855.3
2023 Q2 6,737 0 0 0.0
2023 Q1 6,418 20 8 3116.2
2022 Q4 5,315 0 0 0.0
2022 Q3 7,666 32 18 4174.3
2022 Q2 8,251 0 0 0.0
2022 Q1 7,570 3 1 396.3
2021 Q4 7,302 0 0 0.0
2021 Q3 5,585 5 2 895.3
2021 Q2 6,526 0 0 0.0
2021 Q1 7,649 9 4 1176.6
2020 Q4 6,322 0 0 0.0
2020 Q3 5,194 1 1 192.5
2020 Q2 4,694 4 2 852.2
2020 Q1 5,159 9 3 1744.5
2019 Q4 5,523 2 0 362.1
2019 Q3 3,972 7 3 1762.3
2019 Q2 3,477 0 0 0.0
2019 Q1 3,977 6 1 1508.7
2018 Q4 3,805 0 0 0.0
2018 Q3 3,134 3 0 957.2
2018 Q2 937 0 0 0.0
2016 Q3 0 1 0
2016 Q2 0 0 0
2016 Q1 0 0 0
2015 Q4 2,854 0 0 0.0
2015 Q2 4,710 0 0 0.0
2015 Q1 7,714 4 1 518.5
2014 Q4 7,610 0 0 0.0
2014 Q3 15,473 3 0 193.9
2014 Q2 21,357 0 0 0.0
2014 Q1 24,184 8 4 330.8
2013 Q4 21,825 1 0 45.8
2013 Q3 20,638 6 2 290.7
2013 Q2 22,245 0 0 0.0
2013 Q1 23,479 10 5 425.9
2012 Q4 20,782 0 0 0.0
2012 Q3 22,828 1 1 43.8
2012 Q2 24,458 0 0 0.0
2012 Q1 23,593 6 1 254.3
2011 Q4 26,572 0 0 0.0
2011 Q3 30,930 3 1 97.0
2011 Q2 22,982 2 1 87.0
2011 Q1 21,545 6 1 278.5
2010 Q4 25,085 0 0 0.0
2010 Q3 23,081 9 3 389.9
2010 Q2 18,022 0 0 0.0
2010 Q1 23,308 2 0 85.8
2009 Q4 23,377 1 0 42.8
2009 Q3 21,449 14 9 652.7
2009 Q2 16,036 0 0 0.0
2009 Q1 21,928 12 6 547.2
2008 Q4 21,814 0 0 0.0
2008 Q3 20,783 7 5 336.8
2008 Q2 21,727 3 1 138.1
2008 Q1 17,478 5 2 286.1
2007 Q4 26,234 0 0 0.0
2007 Q3 20,167 1 0 49.6
2007 Q2 25,115 9 3 358.4
2007 Q1 20,605 1 0 48.5
2006 Q4 25,489 7 3 274.6
2006 Q3 22,663 2 1 88.2
2006 Q2 22,329 17 4 761.3
2006 Q1 19,162 8 5 417.5
2005 Q4 24,051 0 0 0.0
2005 Q3 21,255 1 1 47.0
2005 Q2 15,732 0 0 0.0
2005 Q1 12,911 16 8 1239.3
2004 Q4 11,817 0 0 0.0
2004 Q3 10,763 4 4 371.6
2004 Q2 6,889 0 0 0.0
2004 Q1 6,890 4 4 580.6
2003 Q4 5,278 4 4 757.9
2003 Q3 4,258 0 0 0.0
2003 Q2 0 0 0
2003 Q1 0 0 0
2002 Q4 0 0 0
2002 Q3 390 0 0 0.0
2002 Q2 390 0 0 0.0
2002 Q1 6,225 2 2 321.3
2001 Q4 10,901 1 0 91.7
2001 Q3 11,867 19 11 1601.1
2001 Q2 11,669 4 3 342.8
2001 Q1 12,586 6 2 476.7
2000 Q4 12,403 3 0 241.9
2000 Q3 4,764 2 2 419.8
2000 Q2 0 1 1
2000 Q1 0 0 0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

24 on file

2019 · 1 incident

September 21, 2019 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Lexington Coal Company, LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was assisting in the removal of a pump skid from the pump building. EE was behind the pump operating the ratchet hoist when the pump moved and the suction pipe kicked backward striking their left knee. EE was seen at the ER, referred to ortho who released EE back to work. On 10-21-2019 Dr. took EE off work after an MRI reveled a meniscus tear in EE left knee.

2013 · 1 incident

April 11, 2013 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Coal River Processing LLC · Fall from machine

EE was unhooking a beam from the crane when he slipped and fell about 8-9 feet hitting his arm on a beam that was on the ground. EE was transported to the hospital for treatment and x-rays were done showing no broken bones and a dislocated elbow was placed on light duty.

2012 · 1 incident

June 29, 2012 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Coal River Processing LLC · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was trying to unplug a pipe with a hammer while standing on the raw coal pump motor base. Employee slipped off twisting ankle and hurting elbow. Employee did not miss any days until 9/4/2012 and management was notified on 9/5/2012.

2009 · 1 incident

December 26, 2009 WV · Coal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Coal River Processing LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Cutting screen side & knocked bolt out, screen moved/shifted & pull chain wrapped around hand.

2008 · 3 incidents

June 3, 2008 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal River Processing LLC · Struck by falling object

Injured was lifting crescent wrench up to employee working above him. Crescent wrench slipped and as injured tried to catch it his middle finger came into contact with a conduit bracket.

April 22, 2008 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Coal River Processing LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting belt width with a stanley knife and cut right thigh.

April 21, 2008 WV · Coal pumper POWERED HAULAGE
Coal River Processing LLC · Struck against a moving object

EE was coming through the red light toward the prep plant. He turned his windshield wipers on and the lights from the plant blinded him, causing him to strike the rock beside the pond.

2006 · 2 incidents

November 10, 2006 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Coal River Processing LLC · Struck against a moving object

After loading a unit train employee was leaving stockpile area using a Cat dozer. While coming along side #7E#8 feeders the coal gave way & the dozer went into the void & ended up on its top. Some clean coal had doors fouled from opening.

2005 · 1 incident

April 26, 2005 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Coal River Processing LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was changing discharge lip on #1 raw coal screen. He was pushing on a 6"x3/4 carriage bolt while another worker was using an impact wrench to tighten bolt. The bolt had a sharp edge. As they were tightening the bolt, it spun cutting through worker's glove causing a cut to the right index finger. Six stitches to close wound.

2004 · 1 incident

2002 · 1 incident

January 11, 2002 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Fork Creek Mining Company · Fall onto or against objects

EE STATED THAT HE FELL OFF THE DOZER WHILE DISMOUNTING AND STRIKING THE RIGHT LIFT ARM, INJURING HIS GROIN AREA.

2001 · 2 incidents

July 20, 2001 WV · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Fork Creek Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CHARGING HOPPER FOR MAGNETITE BIN FEED SCREW HAD PLUGGED EE HAD REMOVED INSPECTION COVER SO AS TO WATCH FOR MATERIAL TO FEED. AFTER HOPPER HAD BEEN UNPLUGGED EE WAS USING DUCT TAPE TO COVER IN SPECTION HOLE WHILE SCREW WAS RUNNING HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER WAS CUT WHEN IT CAME IN.

July 17, 2001 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Fork Creek Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING A PERMANENCT INSTALLED 240 VOLT CUTOFF SAW TO CUT 1" COLD ROLL ROUND BAR. AS HE WAS CUTTING FINAL PIECE AS THE BLADE OF THE SAW MAD FINAL PENETRATION OF THE METAL THE ROD KICKED B ACK AND THE SHARP EDGE STRUCK #4 AND #5 FINGERS ON LEFT HAND. (11 TOTAL STITCHES)

2000 · 9 incidents

October 23, 2000 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Fork Creek Mining Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES TO CUT A PIECE OF METAL SHEETING TO PUT IN THE END OF A HEADER.WHEN HE STOOD BACK UP FROM HIS KNEELING POSITION, HE FELT A SHARP PAIN IN THE BACK OF HIS LEFT K NEE.

August 22, 2000 WV · Coal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator, crane operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Fork Creek Mining Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS HELPING LIFT BELT SCALES AND FELT SOMETHING POP IN HIS LOWER BACK. HE WAS LIFTING CORNER OF SCALE AT THE TIME SO ANOTHER EMPLOYEE COULD PUT A CHOKER UNDER IT TO LIFT THE SCALES INTO POSITION WITH A BOOM TRUCK.

June 23, 2000 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Fork Creek Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

GEAR BOX LID CLOSED ON HIM, PINCHING HIS LOWER BACK AND BRUISING IT.

March 23, 2000 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Fork Creek Mining Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE ASSISTING WITH INSTALLATION OF DOOR CHANNEL, ANOTHER WORKER STRUCK THE CHANNEL WITH A 416 SLEDGE HAMMER TO REALIGN IT. VICTIM'S HEAD WAS CLOSE TO CHANNEL, AND HE SUFFERED SOUND CONCUSSI ON AND PARTIAL HEARING LOSS. REPORTED AT LATER DATE.

1999 · 1 incident

July 14, 1999 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Fork Creek Mining Company · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EMPLOYEE WAS CHARGING A BATTERY IN A TRUCK AND OPENED COVER TO WATER RESERVOIR AND IT SPLASHED IN HIS FACE AND EYES. LIQUID WAS BATTERY ACID.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Fork Creek Prep Plant

A dated report covering the 26-year penalty trail, line-item violation pattern, contest and docket posture, rate-normalized peer benchmark, and full fatality history. Delivered as a PDF with the underlying data as CSV.