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.
Rate withheld: 698 inspection hours is too few for a stable rate. A minimum of 1,000 inspection hours is required.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.
Imminent-danger orders
ⓘA Section 107(a) order removes miners from an area when an inspector finds an imminent danger. Each order is lifted once the condition is corrected, so this counts orders issued, not orders now in effect.
1
Section 107(a) orders
Most recent order: 2012-12-13.
On record since 2012.
Source: MSHA imminent-danger order records, updated weekly.
Opelika Quarry has $24K in proposed MSHA penalties and $0 outstanding across 10 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.
$24K
proposed penalties
$24K
current assessed
$24K
paid to date
$0
outstanding
77 assessments are final orders; 10 contested dockets.
Of $10K in penalties contested before the Commission, $10K was upheld in final decisions.
As of the most recent assessment on 2014-10-22.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.
Violation severity profile
ⓘShares are computed over citations that carry the MSHA gravity and negligence coding; a small share of records are uncoded.
Source: MSHA violations gravity and negligence coding, updated weekly.
When citations were contested
ⓘContesting a citation before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is a lawful right. These figures state the public outcomes of that process, from MSHA's Contested Violations file.
17citations taken to the federal commission · 21% of citations on record
Settled
11 · 65%
Stood as issued
5 · 29%
Vacated or withdrawn
1 · 6%
88%
S&S designation survived the contest
ⓘCounts a Significant & Substantial citation as surviving when a settlement or judge's decision kept the designation, or the contest was dismissed or defaulted so the citation stands as issued. Vacated and withdrawn citations, and settlements that removed the designation, count against.
of 8 decided S&S contests · industry: 79%
3%
Penalty reduction in decided contests
$10K proposed, $10K after decisions · industry: 39%
Source: MSHA Contested Violations file (public record), updated weekly. A dismissed or defaulted contest leaves the citation standing as issued; a vacated or withdrawn citation is removed from the violation record. Latest contest filed 2014-07-17.
Contested penalties
ⓘA reduction or dismissal at the Commission is a lawful outcome of contesting a proposed penalty. Figures are the proposed amount and the amount upheld in the docket's decision.
Largest penalties this mine contested before the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission, with the outcome on record.
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.
Metal and nonmetal contaminants (personal samples)
ⓘMany samples are screening measurements of substances with no applicable exposure limit; they are counted as samples but excluded from every over-limit figure. Over-limit shares use only limit-tested samples.
Last sampled: 2010-07-01, 16 years ago
0%
of limit-tested samples over the exposure limit
10
samples
6
limit-tested
Most sampled contaminants
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz6
Respirable dust, <.1mg3
Fibers, >5um1
Show the individual readings (10)
Date
Contaminant
Concentration
Limit
Conc / limit
Occupation
2010-07-01
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0.04
Lab Technician
2010-07-01
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.2
10
0.02
Washer Operator
2010-07-01
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.24
10
0.02
Supervisor, Co. Official
2010-07-01
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.23
10
0.02
Front-end Loader Operator
2006-05-24
Fibers, >5um
0.02
Laborer, Bullgang
2004-11-02
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.25
10
0.03
Laborer, Bullgang
2004-11-02
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.23
10
0.02
Truck Driver
2004-11-02
Nuisance dust, respirable, <1% Qtz
0.53
10
0.05
Rotary Bucket Ex. Operator
2004-11-02
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Front-end Loader Operator
2004-11-02
Respirable dust, <.1mg
0
Truck Driver
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly. Metal/nonmetal contaminant figures come from MSHA's Personal Health Samples and Area Samples files (public record), updated weekly.
Opelika Quarry recorded 0.00 reportable injury cases per 100 full-time workers in 2013.
Injury rate, 2013
ⓘThis rate is reportable injury cases per 100 full-time-equivalent workers per year, computed as 200,000 times cases divided by MSHA operator-reported employee-hours. Cases are injuries MSHA graded degree 01 through 07; accident-only events that hurt no one are excluded, and so are contractor injuries, whose hours do not attach to a single mine. Rates begin in 2000, when quarterly employment reporting starts, and are withheld below 20,000 hours in a year.
0.00
total case rate
0.00
days-away rate
0.000
fatality rate
Below average. The US metal and nonmetal mining average was 2.46 and the all-US-mining average was 2.99 cases per 100 workers.
In Alabama, metal and nonmetal mining averaged 1.99 cases per 100 workers that year.
Under 100,000 employee-hours were reported that year, so a single case moves the rate by two or more. Read the figure as approximate.
Year
total case rate
days-away
fatal
2013 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2012 *
6.56
0.00
0.000
2011 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2010 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2009 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2008 *
9.64
0.00
0.000
2007 *
5.02
0.00
0.000
2006 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
* Fewer than 100,000 employee-hours that year; the rate is less stable.
Source: injury cases from MSHA accident and injury records; employee-hours from MSHA quarterly employment reports. Rate is cases per 100 full-time-equivalent workers, operator employees only.
Source: MSHA controller and operator history, updated weekly.
Workforce and production
Year
Employees
2015
2
2014
11
2013
13
2012
16
2011
15
2010
14
2009
15
2008
19
2007
13
2006
18
2005
22
2004
16
2003
14
2002
14
2001
13
2000
15
Source: MSHA quarterly employment and production, updated weekly.
Opelika Quarry sits in Lee County, Alabama, where the Census mining category is 0.2% of county employment.
Local economic context
ⓘCounty figures come from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey, 5-year pooled estimates, so the 2023 vintage covers 2019 through 2023. The Census category is 'mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction', which is broader than MSHA jurisdiction and includes oil and gas workers no mine employs. These figures describe the surrounding county, not this mine, and are not a factor in any specific incident.
Lee County, Alabama · Population 177,663
0.2%
Mining share of county employment
$61,123
Median household income
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates.
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
2015 Q4
0
0
0
2015 Q3
938
0
0
0.0
2015 Q2
1,148
0
0
0.0
2015 Q1
2,914
0
0
0.0
2014 Q4
4,207
3
0
713.1
2014 Q3
2,689
0
0
0.0
2014 Q2
5,927
2
0
337.4
2014 Q1
2,598
0
0
0.0
Show 55 earlier quartersHide earlier quarters
Quarter
Hours worked
Citations
S&S
Per 1M hrs
2013 Q4
6,083
4
0
657.6
2013 Q3
6,443
0
0
0.0
2013 Q2
7,173
1
0
139.4
2013 Q1
5,808
0
0
0.0
2012 Q4
7,806
3
2
384.3
2012 Q3
8,534
0
0
0.0
2012 Q2
7,332
1
0
136.4
2012 Q1
6,822
0
0
0.0
2011 Q4
5,750
1
1
173.9
2011 Q3
6,264
0
0
0.0
2011 Q2
6,296
1
0
158.8
2011 Q1
7,025
0
0
0.0
2010 Q4
7,278
0
0
0.0
2010 Q3
7,660
0
0
0.0
2010 Q2
8,222
0
0
0.0
2010 Q1
7,460
1
0
134.0
2009 Q4
7,188
0
0
0.0
2009 Q3
7,525
5
2
664.5
2009 Q2
9,717
1
0
102.9
2009 Q1
9,054
0
0
0.0
2008 Q4
10,272
3
3
292.1
2008 Q3
10,572
0
0
0.0
2008 Q2
10,565
4
1
378.6
2008 Q1
10,095
6
1
594.4
2007 Q4
9,194
0
0
0.0
2007 Q3
10,189
0
0
0.0
2007 Q2
9,229
6
1
650.1
2007 Q1
11,196
0
0
0.0
2006 Q4
10,674
0
0
0.0
2006 Q3
12,199
0
0
0.0
2006 Q2
13,797
0
0
0.0
2006 Q1
14,978
0
0
0.0
2005 Q4
13,982
0
0
0.0
2005 Q3
14,024
3
1
213.9
2005 Q2
15,247
0
0
0.0
2005 Q1
15,238
0
0
0.0
2004 Q4
15,100
2
0
132.5
2004 Q3
12,727
0
0
0.0
2004 Q2
14,301
2
2
139.9
2004 Q1
10,834
4
1
369.2
2003 Q4
9,974
1
0
100.3
2003 Q3
10,008
0
0
0.0
2003 Q1
6,935
1
0
144.2
2002 Q4
6,897
0
0
0.0
2002 Q3
7,574
0
0
0.0
2002 Q2
7,418
0
0
0.0
2002 Q1
8,132
0
0
0.0
2001 Q4
9,462
0
0
0.0
2001 Q3
9,182
3
1
326.7
2001 Q2
9,296
1
1
107.6
2001 Q1
8,878
0
0
0.0
2000 Q4
9,898
0
0
0.0
2000 Q3
10,654
0
0
0.0
2000 Q2
10,051
2
1
199.0
2000 Q1
9,218
0
0
0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.
Reportable incidents
32 on file
2012 · 1 incident
September 4, 2012AL · Metal/Non-Metalbelt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
inside crusher chute maintenance. loss balance falling 26 inches striking knee on the side of chute
2008 · 2 incidents
October 6, 2008AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rock was lodged inside cone crusher. Employee got inside cone crusher and was twisted around to grab a rock. While pulling at a rock his back made a popping sound. Emploee was treated at local clinc; was diagnosed with a pulled muscle.
July 11, 2008AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Employee was assisting in removing the bushings from the bucket of the excavator (changing over to the hammer) and he cut his right index finger requiring 5 stitches.
2007 · 1 incident
February 14, 2007AL · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee was cleaning the head box at the scalping screen and the bar slipped out of the employee's hand, hit the handrail, and fell to the ground striking the employee on the ground on the right ear. Employee required 6 stitches.
2003 · 1 incident
December 11, 2003AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techPOWERED HAULAGE
Midsouth Aggregates · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects
EMPLOYEE WAS TRACKING BELT AND HIS GLOVE GOT CAUGHT IN A ROLLER PINCHING HIS THUMB ON THE ELECTICAL BOX.
2000 · 1 incident
February 23, 2000AL · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
INJURED EE WAS WATCHING ANOTHER EE REPLACE CLAMPS ON A CONVEYOR BELT WHEN THE CLAMP CAME OFF STRIING THE EE IN THE LIP.
March 1, 1999AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techEXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
EX-EE CAME BACK TO PLANT TO PICKUP HIS PAYCHECK.HE EXCHANGED WORDWS WITH EE AND A FIGHT ENSUED EE WAS HIT IN THE FACE & KNOCED TO THE GROUND FROM THE PORCH OF THE OFFICE
September 24, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
EMPLOYEE WAS CLIMBING OFF OF ROCK TRUCK WHEN TRUCK MOVED AND SHE FELL TO GROUND.
August 6, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Opelika Materials Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
EE WAS PUTTING A WATER PUMP IN PLACE WHEN THE PUMP CAME TO REST IT WAS ON THE EE'S FINGER.
July 13, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metallaborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitmanSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
EE WAS SHOVELING AND SLIPPED DOWN AND STRAINED HER BACK.
June 12, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorPOWERED HAULAGE
Opelika Materials Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
EE WAS REMOVING A PIECE OF METAL FROM A CONVEYOR BELT WHEN HIS HAND GOT TOO CLOSE TO A MAGNET CAUSING THE PIECE OF METAL TO BE PICKED UP BY THE MAGNET AND CRUSHING HIS HAND BETWEEN THE METAL A ND MAGNET.
June 12, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
EE WAS WORKING ON A PULLEY UNDERNEATH A CONVEYOR BELT WHEN HE DROPPED HIS HAMMERS. AS HE REDCLED TO PICK IT UP ANOTHER EE HIT HIS LEFT MIDDLE FINGER WITH A BAR.
EE WAS DRIVING A WATER TRUCK DOWN A HILL WHEN HE LOST CONTROL AND FLIPPED THE TRUCK.
May 15, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalcoal/ore shovel operator, shoveler, power shovelerHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Opelika Materials Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
EE WAS RAISING THE FRONT WINDOW BACK ON THE TRACK HOE HE WAS OPERATING. WHEN THE WINDOW STARTED BACK IT CAUGHT HIS LITTLE FINGER ON HIS LEFT HAND BETWEEN THE WINDOW FRAMING AND A CAB FAN BRACK ET.
May 14, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalfront-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EE WAS TRYING TO REMOVE A PIECE OF CLASS 2 RIP RAP FROM THE BED OF A CUSTOMERS TRUCK THAT WAS OVERLOADED. HE DID HTIS FROM THE LADDER PLATFORM ON HIS LOADER WHILE THE TRUCK BED WAS IN THE AIR. HE REMOVED ONE ROCK FROM THE BED AND A LARGE PIECES THAT WAS ABOVE IT SLID DOWN THE PILE ON THE TRUCK STRIKING HIS THUMB ON HIS LEFT HAND.
May 12, 1998AL · Metal/Non-Metalhaul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driverSTEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
EMPLOYEE WAS HELPING TO REPAIR A HOLE IN A CONVEYOR BELT BY CARRYING SOME TOOLS DOWN AN EMBANKMENT TO THE BELT. HE LOST HIS FOOTING ON A LOOSE ROCK AND SLIPPED TWISTING HIS RIGHT ANKLE.
1997 · 2 incidents
September 27, 1997AL · Metal/Non-Metalwarehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operatorHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
EE WAS CHANGING A SCREEN WIRE ON A SHAKER SCREEN HE WAS TIGHTENING THE BOLTS & PULLED A MUSCLE.
May 16, 1997AL · Metal/Non-Metalhaul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driverHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Opelika Materials Llc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object
EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE TAILGATE ON A DUMP TRUCK TO LET THE TAILGATE LOCK RELEASE, SO THAT THE TAILGATE WOULD THEN LOCK PROPERLY. IN DOING THIS, ONE HAND SLIPPED OFF AND THE WEIGHT OF TH E TAILGATE PULLED HIS OTHER HAND INTO THE BED ATTHE PINCH POINT, WHICH ENDED UP PULLING THE TOP OF HIS FINGER OFF FROM THE NAIL DOWN.