Mining Incidents

Jap Creek Mine Coal

Mays Mining, Inc. · Surface
Controlled by Rodney Mays
Goodsprings, Walker County, AL  ·  Abandoned
MSHA Mine ID: 0102996

Jap Creek Mine has $198K in proposed MSHA penalties and $1K outstanding across 3 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
1
Total incidents
47
Years on record
1994–2013
Latest incident
Sep 2013
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
167
citations
45
significant & substantial
$197,560
proposed penalties
$141,360
paid to date
72% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $56,200 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
132
inspections on record
2,421
inspection hours
6.9
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.
167 citations across 2,421 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Jap Creek Mine has $198K in proposed MSHA penalties and $1K outstanding across 3 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.
$198K
proposed penalties
$143K
current assessed
$141K
paid to date
$1K
outstanding
162 assessments are final orders; 3 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2020-04-15.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Jap Creek Mine shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.35 mg/m3 (97% compliant) across 492 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.
0.35
dust avg (mg/m3)
5.79
dust max (mg/m3)
97%
within 1.5 mg/m3
492
samples
Most recent sample: 2020-05-04.
Silica (quartz)
12.3
silica avg (%)
26.6
silica max (%)
33
samples
Most recent sample: 2020-04-09.
Noise
2%
over PEL
151
samples
Most recent sample: 2019-12-02.
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
2020 Q2 0 9 5
2019 Q4 0 0 0
2019 Q1 0 0 0
2018 Q4 1,099 2 0 1819.8
2018 Q3 3,729 4 0 1072.7
2017 Q2 2,597 0 0 0.0
2015 Q3 692 0 0 0.0
2015 Q2 1,040 0 0 0.0
Show 61 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2015 Q1 4,055 0 0 0.0
2014 Q4 11,284 0 0 0.0
2014 Q3 29,180 0 0 0.0
2014 Q2 32,367 0 0 0.0
2014 Q1 28,568 0 0 0.0
2013 Q4 44,058 0 0 0.0
2013 Q3 43,766 0 0 0.0
2013 Q2 42,243 0 0 0.0
2013 Q1 34,026 1 0 29.4
2012 Q4 32,960 0 0 0.0
2012 Q3 28,588 0 0 0.0
2012 Q2 30,270 5 3 165.2
2012 Q1 31,460 1 0 31.8
2011 Q4 30,348 0 0 0.0
2011 Q3 32,929 0 0 0.0
2011 Q2 31,450 0 0 0.0
2011 Q1 26,350 6 1 227.7
2010 Q4 36,000 0 0 0.0
2010 Q3 35,070 0 0 0.0
2010 Q2 25,101 1 0 39.8
2010 Q1 25,324 0 0 0.0
2009 Q4 25,965 0 0 0.0
2009 Q3 28,482 0 0 0.0
2009 Q2 19,452 5 1 257.0
2009 Q1 32,149 0 0 0.0
2008 Q4 28,799 5 2 173.6
2008 Q3 33,312 0 0 0.0
2008 Q2 38,332 12 5 313.1
2008 Q1 62,405 1 0 16.0
2007 Q4 28,201 9 3 319.1
2007 Q3 29,107 2 2 68.7
2007 Q2 39,488 3 0 76.0
2007 Q1 31,624 12 5 379.5
2006 Q4 27,823 0 0 0.0
2006 Q3 31,002 9 0 290.3
2006 Q2 25,416 0 0 0.0
2006 Q1 31,087 1 0 32.2
2005 Q4 36,370 0 0 0.0
2005 Q3 40,947 7 1 171.0
2005 Q2 38,513 0 0 0.0
2005 Q1 38,265 9 4 235.2
2004 Q4 37,955 0 0 0.0
2004 Q3 31,381 0 0 0.0
2004 Q2 36,197 15 6 414.4
2004 Q1 30,166 0 0 0.0
2003 Q4 40,533 1 0 24.7
2003 Q3 33,075 5 0 151.2
2003 Q2 36,139 0 0 0.0
2003 Q1 29,593 5 0 169.0
2002 Q4 30,458 4 1 131.3
2002 Q3 29,688 3 2 101.1
2002 Q2 30,270 1 0 33.0
2002 Q1 33,167 3 1 90.5
2001 Q4 33,260 2 0 60.1
2001 Q3 24,988 1 0 40.0
2001 Q2 30,508 0 0 0.0
2001 Q1 25,072 3 1 119.7
2000 Q4 9,784 2 1 204.4
2000 Q3 16,636 0 0 0.0
2000 Q2 19,524 1 0 51.2
2000 Q1 15,546 1 0 64.3

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
February 1, 2008 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck by flying object

The victim (mechanic) removed fuel injector from engine and then instructed his helper to turn the engine over. Diesel fuel and/or air came out of the 1/4 inch injector hole and struck him in the left eye and entered his brain, causing fatal injury.

Reportable incidents

46 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2013 · 3 incidents

September 6, 2013 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck by falling object

While attempting to remove a tilt cylinder from a push arm from a D11 the tilt cylinder became lodged. This caused the push arm to swing out and hit the contractor on the foot. This resulted in a bruised foot.

May 11, 2013 AL · Coal water truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

When employee started up the steps of the CAT water truck he put his right foot onto the bottom step, as he done this he felt his left knee twist. Doctor states employee has a slight "strain" in his left knee.

January 21, 2013 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
Reed Minerals Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee backed into position to have his 777G rock truck loaded. When the PC2000 operator completed the loading process he attempted to notify the employee that the truck was loaded. After no response it was noticed that the driver was slumped over. Rescue efforts began. Employee was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

2012 · 1 incident

March 15, 2012 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

While employee was performing the pre operational check on the Kenworth Tandem Coal truck he was going to operate, employee attempted to raise the hood by himself. As employee pulled the hood he felt a pain in his right arm. This resulted in a strain to his arm.

2010 · 2 incidents

October 17, 2010 AL · Coal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Flash burns (welding)

EE dayshift foreman,was welding using a welding hood that belonged to someone else. The hood did not provide adequate protection for ee eyes. EE eyes were irritated due to the welding. EE was written off work for 10/18/2010 and returned to work on 10/19/2010.

January 7, 2010 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall from machine

Operator was getting on 375 Komatsu Dozer, he put his foot on the step on the side of the push arm and grabbed the handle on the tilt cylinger, his hand slipped off the handle and he fell backwards onto the ground on his backside.

2009 · 1 incident

June 23, 2009 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Injured mechanic pulled on the latches on the battery box cover on mechanic truck and felt pain in right forefinger.

2008 · 4 incidents

July 31, 2008 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was replacing an air compressor on a Mack water truck. The compressor mounts in close quarters, and slipped, mashing his little finger against the truck frame. The little finger was cut, requiring 3 stitches.

April 10, 2008 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

The rock truck driver backed up to the trackhoe to be loaded. The spoil rock on the left side of the rock truck slid down against the truck wheels. The action jarred the truck. The driver claimed his back was hurting, and was taken to the emergency room for examination.

February 29, 2008 AL · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey OTHER
Reed Minerals Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was opening day-box when a gust of wind slammed door causing contusion to right hand middle finger.

January 25, 2008 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stepped in bore hole, twisting/straining right foot and leg.

2007 · 5 incidents

October 26, 2007 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall from machine

The employee was climbing down ladder on front-end loader, and slipped and fell to the ground. The ladder was in good condition. The employee stated his steel toe workboots were worn and did not have any grip on the bottom of the boots. A physical inspection of the boots confirmed his statement.

August 20, 2007 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee went to step off the bumper of his ladder onto the bumper on mechanic's truck and didn't realize it was as far as it was. Employee fell hitting the truck and rolled hitting the ground.

August 17, 2007 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was repairing equipment and piece of metal struck right eye.

July 23, 2007 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was returning to pit and lost control of rock truck and hit head on back of cab.

June 26, 2007 AL · Coal EXPLOSIVES AND BREAKING AGENTS
Reed Minerals Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A direct lightning strike on a seven foot deep bore hole loaded with one foot of explosives, caused a premature detonation of the borehole. Flyrock from the detonation shattered the rear window on a Komatsu D475 bulldozer, no injuries involved.

2006 · 1 incident

December 19, 2006 AL · Coal drill operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall from machine

Employee let his boom down to walk drill out for service. He forgot to turn carousel to lock the steel in place. Starting back to work he raised boom and steel fell out. He was trying to roll the steel over into the rack with a bar. Steel rolled and the bar slipped & he went off side of drill onto the ground. Landed on side on his face.

2005 · 1 incident

October 17, 2005 AL · Coal coal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shoveler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EMPLOYEE BENT DOWN TO PULL LADDER UP ON 1800 AND LADDER WAS NOT UNLATCHED AND STUCK.

2004 · 2 incidents

March 17, 2004 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was returning to the trackhoe when he ran over a rough place in the road causing him to bounce into the roof of the truck. He told his supervisor that he did not have on his seat belt.

March 16, 2004 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

Backed over a rock in his dozer, jolted his back and strained a muscle.

2003 · 1 incident

2002 · 4 incidents

November 13, 2002 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS GETTING OFF HIS DOZER. HIS FOOT SLIPPED AND TURNED HIS ANKLE.

November 12, 2002 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS SERVICING A PC1800 TRACKHOE. WHEN GETTING OFF THE MACHINE HE SLIPPED AND TWISTED HIS RIGHT KNEE.

September 11, 2002 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EE WAS PUSHING OVERBURDEN, WHEN HE REACHED THE END OF HIS PUSH HE REVERSED DIRECTION AND RAN OVER A ROCK WHICH JARRED HIM AND CAUSED HIM TO FULL A MUSCLE IN HIS BACK.

August 24, 2002 AL · Coal drill helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall from machine

THE EMPLOYEE WAS SERVICING HIS DRILL WHEN HE WAS CLIMBING DOWN; HIS HAND SLIPPED OFF THE HAND RAIL. HE FELL TO THE GROUND LANDING ON HIS REAR-END.

2001 · 3 incidents

November 26, 2001 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS PUSHING OVERBURDEN WITH D9L, WHILE BACKING UP EMPLOYEE RAN OVER A ROCK THAT CAUSED THE DOZER TO SHIFT UP THEN DOWN, WHICH JARRED THE EMPLOYEE. THIS CAUSED THE EMPLOYEE TO AGGRAVAT E A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION ON HIS BACK.

February 13, 2001 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS SERVICING THE BACKHOE WHEN CLIMBING DOWN THE LADDER HIS FOOT SLIPPED. CAUSING HIM TO TWIST HIS RIGHT ANKLE.

February 7, 2001 AL · Coal truck driver EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall from machine

EE WAS HAULING MATERIAL FROM PIT. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DUMP THE LOAD A HOSE BURST CAUSING A FLASHFIRE. EE JUMPED FROM THE TRUCK INJURYING HIS LEFT FOOT.

2000 · 1 incident

1999 · 4 incidents

November 26, 1999 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CLIMBING UP INTO THE TRUCK. WHEN HE REACHED THE TOP OF THE PLATFORM HE SLIPPED WHILE GETTING INTO THE CAB. HE FELT A PAIN BELOW HIS STOMACH

November 4, 1999 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A DOZER WHEN HE BACKED OVER A ROCK CAUSING HIM TO BE JARRED. THIS STRAINED HIS LOWER BACK.

May 8, 1999 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against stationary object

EE WAS ON A TRACTOR HE STEPPED OFF THE TRACTOR & STEPPED ON A ROCK. WHEN HE STEPPED ON THE ROCKHE TURNED HIS ANKLE Y

April 3, 1999 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS GREASING D10 DOZER WHEN HS FOOT SLIP OFF THE TRACK HIS BACK HIT THE PUSH ARM AND HIS LEG SCRAP THE TRACK. EE BRUISHED HIS BACK & LEG

1998 · 7 incidents

December 9, 1998 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EE IS A MECHANIC. HE WAS WORKING ON THE SERVICE TRUCK. HE WAS THRU AND HAD ANOTHER EE START THE TRUCK. AFTER THE TRUCK STARTED HE LOOK DOWN INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHEN HIS HARD HAT FELL O FF OF HIS HEAD AND INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE REACHED OUT OF REDLEY FOR THE HAT WHEN HIS THUMB OFF THE FEEN. HE HAD TO HAVE FOUR STITCHES THE CUT ON HIS LEFT HAND.

September 3, 1998 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against stationary object

EE WAS REACHING FOR SOMETHING ON FUEL TRUCK WHENHIS FOOT SLIPPED AND HIT HIS RIGHT KNEE CAP ON ABAR ON THE FUEL TRUCK.

August 10, 1998 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CHECKING TOUR METERS ON EQUIPMENT. HE STEPPED OFF OF THE SK-40 DRILL AND FELT PAIN ABOVE HIS BELLY BOTTON

April 7, 1998 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS RUNNING A DOZER WHEN A LIMB FROM A TREE STRUCK HIM IN THE FACE, SCRATCHING HIS RIGHT EYE.

February 27, 1998 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS ADJUSTING SEAT BELT ON DOZER. REACHED UNDER THE SEAT AN LEANED INTO THE ARM REST AND FELT PAIN IN SIDE.

February 23, 1998 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CAME BY THE PIT OFFICE COMPLAINING ABOUT PAIN IN HIS BACK.

February 19, 1998 AL · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Reed Minerals Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS UNCOVERING COAL PILES. HE WAS PULLING A TARP OFF OF THE PILE. WHEN HE FELT A PAIN IN HIS LOWER BACK.

1997 · 1 incident

April 7, 1997 AL · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck by flying object

ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WAS STRIKING A BOLT ON A PIECE OF METAL BROKE OFF OF THE BOLT AND STRUCK THE INJURED MAN IN THE NECK.

1996 · 4 incidents

November 1, 1996 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS RUNNING A DOZER. WHILE PUSHING ON A SHOT HE RAN OVER A ROCK AND CAUSED THE DOZER TO TILT QUICKLY CAUSING EMPLOYEE TO BE SHAKEN IN THE CAB.

August 10, 1996 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Reed Minerals Inc · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE DRIVES A ROCK TRUCK. WHILE DUMPING HIS LOAD HE RECEIVED A HARD BOUNCE. THIS BOUNCE CAUSED EMPLOYEE BACK PAIN. LATER IN THE SHIFT HE BECAME SICK TO HIS STOMACH.

March 9, 1996 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

FELL AND TWISTED HIS ANKLE.

1994 · 1 incident

September 8, 1994 AL · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Reed Minerals Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS FLAGGING PERMIT LINE THROUGH WOODS HE WALKED OVER A BRUSH PILE & SLIPPED HE FELL CAUSING A SPRAIN TO LEFT ANKLE

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Jap Creek Mine

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.