Mining Incidents

Plant No. 1 Coal

Kimper, Pike County, KY  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 1511162

Plant No. 1 has $170K in proposed MSHA penalties and $4K outstanding across 18 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
34
Years on record
1989–2024
Latest incident
Jul 2024
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
683
citations
304
significant & substantial
$169,983
proposed penalties
$159,292
paid to date
94% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $10,691 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
247
inspections on record
6,346
inspection hours
10.8
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.
683 citations across 6,346 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Plant No. 1 has $170K in proposed MSHA penalties and $4K outstanding across 18 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.
$170K
proposed penalties
$163K
current assessed
$159K
paid to date
$4K
outstanding
655 assessments are final orders; 18 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2025-12-22.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Plant No. 1 shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.28 mg/m3 (98% compliant) across 235 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.
0.28
dust avg (mg/m3)
1.83
dust max (mg/m3)
98%
within 1.5 mg/m3
235
samples
Most recent sample: 2026-03-04.
Silica (quartz)
1.4
silica avg (%)
3.5
silica max (%)
12
samples
Most recent sample: 2025-06-09.
Noise
19%
over PEL
120
samples
Most recent sample: 2026-02-18.
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 9,362 4 1 427.3
2025 Q3 10,401 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 10,687 3 0 280.7
2025 Q1 10,907 2 0 183.4
2024 Q4 11,797 3 2 254.3
2024 Q3 12,281 0 0 0.0
2024 Q2 12,959 6 2 463.0
2024 Q1 18,301 16 4 874.3
Show 93 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2023 Q4 19,154 0 0 0.0
2023 Q3 16,626 15 4 902.2
2023 Q2 18,060 0 0 0.0
2023 Q1 17,680 0 0 0.0
2022 Q4 18,776 28 6 1491.3
2022 Q3 14,250 1 0 70.2
2022 Q2 10,728 8 2 745.7
2021 Q4 8,640 5 1 578.7
2021 Q3 7,680 0 0 0.0
2021 Q2 7,680 2 0 260.4
2021 Q1 7,200 0 0 0.0
2020 Q4 7,200 2 1 277.8
2020 Q3 7,200 9 1 1250.0
2020 Q2 8,160 0 0 0.0
2020 Q1 8,200 10 3 1219.5
2019 Q4 8,640 0 0 0.0
2019 Q3 8,640 16 6 1851.9
2019 Q2 8,640 0 0 0.0
2019 Q1 8,640 2 0 231.5
2018 Q4 8,640 5 0 578.7
2018 Q3 8,640 0 0 0.0
2018 Q2 8,140 6 1 737.1
2018 Q1 8,140 0 0 0.0
2017 Q4 8,640 7 1 810.2
2017 Q3 8,640 2 0 231.5
2017 Q2 2,880 0 0 0.0
2017 Q1 2,880 1 0 347.2
2016 Q4 2,880 0 0 0.0
2016 Q3 2,880 2 0 694.4
2016 Q2 2,400 10 0 4166.7
2016 Q1 2,880 1 0 347.2
2015 Q4 2,880 6 0 2083.3
2015 Q3 2,880 8 2 2777.8
2015 Q2 0 1 0
2015 Q1 1,680 5 1 2976.2
2014 Q4 2,880 0 0 0.0
2014 Q3 0 8 3
2014 Q2 2,880 0 0 0.0
2013 Q3 4,786 14 5 2925.2
2013 Q2 4,680 0 0 0.0
2013 Q1 0 1 0
2012 Q4 0 1 0
2012 Q3 0 0 0
2012 Q2 0 0 0
2012 Q1 2,992 0 0 0.0
2011 Q4 1,723 0 0 0.0
2011 Q3 4,202 5 3 1189.9
2011 Q2 4,704 3 1 637.8
2011 Q1 4,467 6 4 1343.2
2010 Q4 2,582 0 0 0.0
2010 Q3 2,526 0 0 0.0
2010 Q2 2,890 42 15 14532.9
2010 Q1 1,903 1 0 525.5
2009 Q4 2,416 3 0 1241.7
2009 Q3 1,893 1 1 528.3
2009 Q2 2,327 5 2 2148.7
2009 Q1 1,945 0 0 0.0
2008 Q4 1,237 2 0 1616.8
2008 Q3 1,345 0 0 0.0
2008 Q2 1,329 10 1 7524.5
2008 Q1 1,009 1 0 991.1
2007 Q4 1,486 4 1 2691.8
2007 Q3 1,815 1 0 551.0
2007 Q2 2,047 6 3 2931.1
2007 Q1 2,540 1 0 393.7
2006 Q4 3,649 0 0 0.0
2006 Q3 3,862 5 1 1294.7
2006 Q2 3,976 0 0 0.0
2006 Q1 4,798 0 0 0.0
2005 Q4 3,860 0 0 0.0
2005 Q3 6,132 0 0 0.0
2005 Q2 13,370 8 4 598.4
2005 Q1 14,738 0 0 0.0
2004 Q4 13,910 10 4 718.9
2004 Q3 11,798 8 4 678.1
2004 Q2 11,709 10 4 854.0
2004 Q1 5,992 0 0 0.0
2003 Q4 22,088 79 57 3576.6
2003 Q3 21,204 33 24 1556.3
2003 Q2 9,126 30 16 3287.3
2003 Q1 4,671 0 0 0.0
2002 Q4 6,739 2 1 296.8
2002 Q3 5,804 14 9 2412.1
2002 Q2 8,156 34 21 4168.7
2002 Q1 8,772 43 21 4902.0
2001 Q4 14,855 55 42 3702.5
2001 Q3 8,194 9 5 1098.4
2001 Q2 4,488 8 0 1782.5
2001 Q1 3,688 8 4 2169.2
2000 Q4 5,684 3 3 527.8
2000 Q3 5,943 0 0 0.0
2000 Q2 4,540 8 2 1762.1
2000 Q1 5,933 2 0 337.1
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

34 on file

2024 · 2 incidents

July 17, 2024 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
STAR RIDGE LAND, LLC LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was using boom cable from the service truck, attempting to pull a dent from an inspection plate around the engine compartment of the D9T dozer. The hook slipped off with extreme force hitting the employee in the face. Mainly the forehead and nose.

May 7, 2024 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
STAR RIDGE LAND, LLC LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Subject was tempting to lift with help of another person a heavy component from the rotary break when EE said, something popped in EE's arm. Then EE felt a burning sensation in the arm. Left Upper Arm injury, 5/13/24 surgery to repair the torn injury. Complete immobilization required.

2022 · 1 incident

June 6, 2022 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
High Ridge Mining, LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Crew was changing out Wet End on a 4X3HH Warman Slurry Pump. When they were taking the Impeller off, subject was turning pump with the drive belt when EE's glove got caught and pulled EE's finger between sheave and belt.

2021 · 1 incident

December 15, 2021 KY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
High Ridge Mining, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a pry bar to hold a drive belt pully from turning while another EE was attempting to replace belts on the screen. The bar slipped causing EE to catch self. In doing so, EE had a whipping action with neck. Initially thought had whiplash but had cracked vertebra in neck. EE never mentioned the injury until 12/27/21 when EE went to Dr. EE had worked up to that point.

2020 · 1 incident

January 6, 2020 KY · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
High Ridge Mining, LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was attempting to lift a sheet of metal from loader bucket while the bucket was lifted up to roof area where work was being performed resulting in pulling something in EE's back. Employee returned to work but got worse and wasn't getting better. Last day worked was 1/31/20.

2017 · 1 incident

September 26, 2017 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman STRIKING OR BUMPING
High Ridge Mining, LLC · Struck against stationary object

Going up ladder to platform above plant reclaim belt. Hit a light in tunnel knocked hard hat off and cut top of head.

2008 · 1 incident

December 22, 2008 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

After dumping load of coal, EE noticed the tail gate of his trailer was not latched, while trying to get gate latched he injured his right shoulder muscle, MRI showed it was torn. Employee was not scheduled to return to this site.

2006 · 1 incident

February 28, 2006 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EE stepped out on running board of truck top step and slipped and fell on four inch pipe on scales. He hit his knee cap on pipe and arm on another pipe.

2005 · 1 incident

March 17, 2005 KY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee, squatting inside rotary breaker, was prying material loose with a slate bar when his back muscle began to hurt. Two other employees assisted him get out of the breaker. He was taken to the medical center for treatment.

2004 · 3 incidents

November 27, 2004 KY · Coal weighman, scale person SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Fall down stairs

EE WAS GOING DOWN THE STEPS AT THE SCALE HOUSE. THERE WAS FROST ON THE STEPS AND EE SLIPPED. WHEN EE FELL, INJURED TAIL BONE, X-RAYS DID NOT SHOW A FRACTURE.

August 12, 2004 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CARRYING TOOLS, CROSSING 3RD FLOOR. HE STEPPED ON AN UNEVEN FLOOR DRAIN AND HIS RIGHT FOOT BENT TO THE SIDE. X-RAYS WERE POSITIVE.

May 26, 2004 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The ee reported that he was in the raw coal truck dump shoveling mud and coal. While shoveling he got his shovel hung on the tail piece while lifting, causing injury to his back. He worked Jun 27 and 28, and has since been taken off work by a physician.

2003 · 7 incidents

December 31, 2003 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver

MEMBER WAS BACKING A HAULAGE TRUCK UNDER THE ROCK BIN. HIS TRUCK STRUCK A HOLE RESULTING IN A BURNING SENSATION IN HIS LOWER BACK.

November 4, 2003 KY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer

MEMBER WAS OPERATING A BULLDOZER, BACKED INTO A HOLE JARRING HIM AND STRAINING HIS BACK. HE CONTINUED WORKING UNTIL 1-7-04.

August 30, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

REMOVED DRAIN COVER; HE WAS SLIDING IT BACK IN TO COVER DRAIN HOLE & IT SLID INTO ANOTHER COVER & HIS FINGER WAS CUT OFF BETWEEN THE TWO DRAIN COVERS.

August 13, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS MOUNTING 930 LOADER WHEN HIS FOOTING SLIPPED CAUSING HIM TO FALL AGAINST LEFT FRONT FENDER STRIKING HIM IN THE BACK AREA. EE CONTINUED TO WORK UNTIL 8-22-03 WHERE HE REVISITED THE DR. AND WAS PUT ON RESTRICTED DUTY.

April 29, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

MOVING A PIECE OF CHUTEWORK OUT OF SCREEN-EE STOOD CHUTE UP TO CUT & THE CHUTE SLID, CATCHING RIGHT KNEE BETWEEN CHUTE AND SCREEN. (1 DAY MISSED FOR DR. APPT.)

April 25, 2003 KY · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MOVING OLD CHUTE WORK FROM PREP PLANT, 2-TON COME-ALONG WAS PULLED BY CO-WORKER. COME-ALONG CAME LOOSE, HITTING EE IN THE MOUTH.

2002 · 1 incident

March 5, 2002 KY · Coal truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Fall from machine

EE WAS GOING TO IMPOUNDMENT TO DUMP A LOAD OF REFUSE. TRUCK GOT STUCK IN ROADWAY. HE WAS GETTING INTO PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WHEN DOZER STARTED PUSHING HIM. FRONT OF TRUCK STARTED TO RAISE UP AND EE JUMPED OFF. HE ALLEGED IT STRAINED HIS BACK WHEN HE JUMPED OFF TRUCK.

2001 · 2 incidents

September 27, 2001 KY · Coal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator, crane operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Struck by falling object

EE WAS HELPING CHANGE A MOTOR USING A CHAIN RACHET TO LIFT THE MOTOR. THE MOTOR SHIFTED AND FELL STRIKING SLATER ON THE HAND. THIS TIME HE WAS TOLD TO REMAIN OFF WORK UNTIL NOV. 2, 2001. HE RETURNED, HOWEVER, ON OCT. 15. HE MISSED FOUR DAYS OF WORK.

February 9, 2001 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS MOUNTING A D9N BULLDOZER WHEN HE LOST HIS FOOTING AND FELL INTO A HANDRAIL ON THE DOZER. HE FRACTURED 3 RIBS.

2000 · 1 incident

July 24, 2000 KY · Coal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator, crane operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS SHOVELING GRAVEL AND AS HE TWISTED AROUND TO TOSS THE GRAVEL FROM THE SHOVEL HE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN HIS BACK. HE WENT TO THE E.R. AND WAS PRESCRIBED PAIN MEDICATION.

1995 · 1 incident

October 13, 1995 KY · Coal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO UNPLUG THE COAL SAMPLING SYSTEM. HE OPENED THE INSPECTION DOOR AND CALLED FOR THE OPERATOR TO START THE SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM STARTED AND CLEANED THE CHUTE OUT. HE CLEANED OU T THE SECONDARY CHUTE WITH HIS RIGHT HAND AND ASKED THE OPERATOR TO START THE REST OF THE SYSTEM. WHEN THE CRUSHER STARTED, THE CUTTER MASHED HIS RIGHT HAND. THE INJURY REQUIRED STITCHES.

1994 · 3 incidents

August 11, 1994 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO LINE UP THE END OF ANACTUATOR WITH THE SHAFT YOKE, WHICH THREAD TOGETHER. THE SHAFT WOULDN'T EXTEND FAR ENOUGH TO REACH THE YOKE. AIR PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO EXTEND THE SHAFT. WHEN IT EXTENDED, IT MISALIGNED AND PINCHED EMPLOYEE'S RIGHT THUMB BETWEEN END OF SHAFT AND THE YOKE.

February 14, 1994 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HOISTING
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Struck against stationary object

THE EMPLOYEE WAS RIDING ONT HE PASSENGER ELEVATOR WHEN IT CEASED OEPRATION. HE WAS INT HE PROCESS OF CHECKING THE VARIOUS MECHANICAL LIMIT SWITHCES WHEN THE UNFORESEEN MOVEMENT OF HT EPERSONN EL CAGE CAUSED HIS KNEE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH A PIECE OF CONDUIT SUPPORT. THIS CONTACT RESULTED INA LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED 5 STITHCES

January 14, 1994 KY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PUTTING A PLASTIC SUCTION HOSE ON A GASOLINE PUMP. TO ALIGN THE FITTINGS THE HOSE HAD TO BE BENT DOWNWARD. WHILE TRYING TO THREAD THE FITTING ONTO THE PUMP, THE EE S HAND SLIPPED AND HT THE HOSE RECOILED AND STRUCK THE EE ON THE MOUTH

1993 · 1 incident

June 12, 1993 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OCCUPATIONAL SKIN DISEASES
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

WHILE CUTTING WEEDS, EMPLOYEE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH POISON IVY VINES. INJURY APPEARED TO BE ONLY A FIRST-AID CASE; BIT DEVELOPED INTO LOST TIME.

1992 · 2 incidents

September 19, 1992 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

INSTALLING NE WHEAD ROLLER IN CONVEYOR. EMPLOYEE WAS GUIDING ROLLER INTO PLACE WHEN WEIGHT SHIFTED AND CAUGTH HIS HAND BETWEEN ROLLER AND CHUTE.

June 30, 1992 KY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Sidney Coal Company Inc · Struck against a moving object

I.NAME RAISING BED OF TRUCK TO DUMP COAL WHEN IT BROKE OFF AND TOSSED EMPL AROUND IN CAB OF TRUCK CAUSING BACK AND NECK PAIN.

1991 · 2 incidents

June 4, 1991 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Wellmore Coal Corp · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVING SOME OLD GRATING FROM THE SUMP AS HE THREW A PIECE OVER THE SIDE A PROTRUDING PIECE OF THE GRATING CUT HIS ARM REQUIRING 8 STITCHES

May 29, 1991 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Wellmore Coal Corp · Contact with heat

EMPLOYEE WAS USING A JACKHAMMER TO BREAK UP PAVEMENT WHILE OUTSIDE IN THE SUN (APPROX) 94 WEATHER) IMMEDIATELY AFTER FINISHING THIS JOB (APAPROX TIME 2:30PM)HE ATE LUNCH & DRANK COLD LIQUIDS L ATER IN THE EVENING HE FELT NAUSEOUS & BEGAN VOMITING AT ABOUT 8:30PM HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL & ADMITTED

1989 · 2 incidents

August 22, 1989 KY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Wellmore Coal Corp · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS TAKING SAMPLES OF COAL BETWEEN THE DRYER AND CLEAN COAL BELT, USING A SHOVEL. THE SHOVEL USED FOR COLLECTION INADVERTENTLY MADE CONTACT WITH THE MOVING BELT, AT WHICH TIME HIS RI GHT THUMB BECAME OPINCHED BETWEEN THE SHOVEL AND MEATL SKIRTING OF BELT FRAME.

March 23, 1989 KY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Wellmore Coal Corp · Struck by falling object

DRILLING OVERHEAD METAL SHAVING IN RIGHT EYE.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Plant No. 1

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.