Roaring Fork No 4 has $469K in proposed MSHA penalties and $35 outstanding across 55 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.
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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
54
Years on record
2005–2016
Latest incident
Jan 2016
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2006
834
citations
269
significant & substantial
$468,717
proposed penalties
$396,460
paid to date
85% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $72,257 gap.
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.
834 citations across 8,855 inspection hours.
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.
2
Section 107(a) orders
Most recent order: 2013-05-14.
On record since 2011.
Source: MSHA imminent-danger order records, updated weekly.
Roaring Fork No 4 has $469K in proposed MSHA penalties and $35 outstanding across 55 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.
$469K
proposed penalties
$396K
current assessed
$396K
paid to date
$35
outstanding
817 assessments are final orders; 55 contested dockets.
Of $284K in penalties contested before the Commission, $200K was upheld in final decisions.
As of the most recent assessment on 2014-02-25.
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.
258citations taken to the federal commission · 31% of citations on record
Settled
244 · 95%
Stood as issued
3 · 1%
Vacated or withdrawn
11 · 4%
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 148 decided S&S contests · industry: 79%
30%
Penalty reduction in decided contests
$284K proposed, $200K 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 2014-11-17.
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.
MSHA sampling at Roaring Fork No 4 shows 94% of 970 respirable coal dust samples met the 1.5 mg/m3 standard.
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.
Last sampled: 2013-09-18, 12 years ago
94%
within 1.5 mg/m3
970
samples
5.70
dust max (mg/m3)
418 samples taken by MSHA inspectors, 552 by the operator.
Noise
ⓘThe share counts noise samples whose measured dose exceeded the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit. It describes the sampled workplace, not what reached the miner's ear: hearing conservation programs and the hearing protection worn during the shift are recorded separately and are not reflected here.
Health sampling trend
ⓘ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 by year
ⓘ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.
Roaring Fork No 4 reported liberating 0 metric tons of methane to EPA in 2015.
Methane emissions (EPA-reported)
ⓘMethane figures are what the operator reported to EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (subpart FF), collected at facility level. Only EPA facilities that resolve to a single MSHA mine record are shown, and the CO2-equivalent applies the GWP-25 factor EPA's published data uses.
Roaring Fork No 4 recorded 2.31 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.
2.31
total case rate
0.00
days-away rate
0.000
fatality rate
Below average. The US coal mining average was 3.94 and the all-US-mining average was 2.99 cases per 100 workers.
In Virginia, coal mining averaged 4.69 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 *
2.31
0.00
0.000
2012 *
0.00
0.00
0.000
2011 *
2.48
0.00
0.000
2010 *
9.27
4.64
0.000
2009
4.64
4.64
0.000
2008
4.84
0.00
0.000
2007
13.73
5.72
0.000
2006
5.76
5.76
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
ⓘCoal production is reported quarterly and lags the current period; the most recent quarters may be incomplete.
Year
Employees
Coal produced (tons)
2016
0
2015
0
2014
0
2013
47
108,193
2012
38
169,988
2011
36
170,641
2010
44
193,453
2009
65
362,092
2008
77
588,442
2007
83
639,633
2006
52
315,886
2005
10
Source: MSHA quarterly employment and production, updated weekly.
Roaring Fork No 4 sits in Dickenson County, Virginia, where the Census mining category is 9.8% 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.
Dickenson County, Virginia · Population 13,920
9.8%
Mining share of county employment
$43,831
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
2016 Q1
0
0
0
2015 Q4
0
0
0
2015 Q3
0
0
0
2015 Q2
0
0
0
2015 Q1
0
0
0
2014 Q4
0
0
0
2014 Q3
0
0
0
2014 Q2
0
0
0
Show 34 earlier quartersHide earlier quarters
Quarter
Hours worked
Citations
S&S
Per 1M hrs
2014 Q1
0
1
0
2013 Q4
6,966
0
0
0.0
2013 Q3
24,880
35
7
1406.8
2013 Q2
28,024
16
2
570.9
2013 Q1
26,663
14
3
525.1
2012 Q4
26,352
7
2
265.6
2012 Q3
20,061
9
1
448.6
2012 Q2
18,990
17
2
895.2
2012 Q1
19,743
19
4
962.4
2011 Q4
19,250
20
8
1039.0
2011 Q3
20,132
36
9
1788.2
2011 Q2
20,042
57
9
2844.0
2011 Q1
21,102
35
13
1658.6
2010 Q4
19,422
50
16
2574.4
2010 Q3
21,351
45
19
2107.6
2010 Q2
20,930
65
28
3105.6
2010 Q1
24,561
52
15
2117.2
2009 Q4
26,106
25
15
957.6
2009 Q3
27,520
56
29
2034.9
2009 Q2
34,418
33
10
958.8
2009 Q1
41,286
34
7
823.5
2008 Q4
40,091
7
0
174.6
2008 Q3
41,079
11
2
267.8
2008 Q2
40,174
21
7
522.7
2008 Q1
43,938
43
15
978.7
2007 Q4
41,032
30
8
731.1
2007 Q3
44,630
4
2
89.6
2007 Q2
44,890
10
6
222.8
2007 Q1
44,310
15
6
338.5
2006 Q4
40,736
20
4
491.0
2006 Q3
38,228
14
4
366.2
2006 Q2
16,771
14
8
834.8
2006 Q1
8,446
2
2
236.8
2005 Q4
351
0
0
0.0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.
Reportable incidents
54 on file
2016 · 1 incident
January 15, 2016VA · Coallaborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scalerDUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
He was removing a 4" piece of PVC waterline that was hung from the roof with chains. As he removed the coupling the water line hit him in the mouth busting his lip and chipping his two top front teeth.
Experienced an unintentional rock fall at break #8 on Southwest Mains. #4 entry at spad #86 on Southwest Mains. This roof fall was cleaned up, rebolted and additional supports were added where needed.
A non-injury, unintentional roof fall was discovered approximately 2500' from the working section on 7/13/2011 at 10:05 am. The fall measured approximately 170' long by 18' wide and above anchorage. The fall did not impede ventilation or travel. It will not be cleaned up and all areas leading to the fall have been cribbed and dangered off.
2010 · 5 incidents
June 28, 2010VA · Coallaborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scalerDUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
On 06/28/2010 the employee had a preliminary diagnosis of Pneumoconiosis (black Lung). The claim was denied by workers compensation. This 7000-1 is being submitted to abate citation 8184397.
While trying to straighten a bent bolt that was being installed, the bolt spun in the operator's hand causing a strain to his abdomen. Employee started losing time on 03/24/2010.
February 15, 2010VA · Coalshuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
An owl shift repairman discovered a non-injury, non-intentional roof fall 1 break inby the section power center on the 002 MMU. The fall measured 40' x 18' x 8'.
July 18, 2009VA · Coalshuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operatorFALL OF ROOF OR BACK
EE was installing the second bolt from rib on last row in #3 entry. Had bolt in hole, trying to align bolt head with drill chuck. Used rotation to align, plate spun and cut EE's forearm.
This mine experienced a non-injury roof fall in the number three entry on 001 MMU at spad # 4559. This roof fall trapped the section feeder. The fall measured 20 feet X 20 feet X 12 feet.
May 9, 2009VA · Coalroof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
EE was installing a 10' cablebolt using fast feed to push bolt to top, bolt bent dislodging a portion of roof. Dislodged rock and struck EE on left elbow, causing a small cut to elbow.
A non-injury roof fall was discovered in the intersection in front of #4 seal off of #8 entry in the Northwest mains, spad 589. Fall was approx. 20' x 20' x 6'. Fall did not block access to the seal. Additional support in the form of crib installed. Ventilation not affected by fall but rerouted to allow safe travel of airway.
2008 · 10 incidents
November 30, 2008VA · Coalroof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)MACHINERY
While installing roof bolt, rust off of roof bolt plate managed to get into the employee's left eye. He was prescibed a topical anitbiotic for preventative measures.
Non-injury, non-intentional roof fall was discovered at 2:30 PM by Mine Foreman on Panel #2 one break outby the #9 Seal. Size of the fall was approx. 90' long, 20' wide and 5+' high.
A non-intentional, non-injury roof fall occured on the the 002 section at spad 3888 on Panel I in the #5 entry. Size of the fall measured 19' wide x 40' long x 12' high. Roof Fall will not be cleaned up and will not affect ventilation.
Roof fall was discovered in #5 entry on 002 MMU in LOCC. Fall occured at 7:45 am. Size of fall approximately 18' wide by 30' long by 5' high. Fall will not be cleaned up, does not affect ventilation or travel.
August 11, 2008VA · Coalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Roof Fall discoverd on 002 MMU at spad # 3620 # 6 heading, size of fall 18' wide x 10' high x 60' long fall does not effect ventilation and will not be cleaned up.
Roof Fall was discovered on 001MMU return entry at SS# 648, size of fall 20'W x 20"L X 8"H. Fall does not effect ventilation or travel and will not be cleaned up.
Roof Fall was discovered at mouth of # 7 Panel in # 1 entry at SS# 1621, size of fall 17'W X 17'L X 6"H. Fall does not effect ventilation or travel and will not be cleaned up.
2007 · 18 incidents
December 17, 2007VA · Coalshuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operatorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Injured was bolting top when a rock fell from the roof striking him on his left shoulder and back. EE continued working until 2/5/08 at which time he started missing work.
Fall at spad #1855. Fall reported by foreman. No injuries, no equip. involved, no blockage of vent. or escapeway. Will not be cleaned up. Breakered off & dangered & plotted on mine map. Fall app. 40' x 16' x 10'. (2nd fall.)
2 brks. inby spad #1855. Fall reported by foreman. No injuries, no blockage of vent., no blockage of escapeway. Pinner was inby fall in the 3 left break. Submitted action plan to recover pinner. Fall app. 40' long, 16' wide & 10' high. Will not be cleaned up. Dangered and breakered off, plotted on mine map.
October 4, 2007VA · Coalroof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)MACHINERY
EE was moving pinner when pinner cable got caught on a roof bolt lying on top of pinner, cable jerked bolt off pinner, striking EE on top of rt. ear. Went to dr. 10/04/07.
September 26, 2007VA · Coalbull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift bossFALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Employee was setting jack against top - rock fell from top catching his finger between rock & jack. Went to doctor on 9-26-07. Started restricted duty on 9-27-07.
August 24, 2007VA · Coallaborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scalerHANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Pre-shift & mine examiner found fall on weekly check-fall in #6 hd. 3700' outby face and adjacent to #5 hd. belt no blockage of vent. Escape wasy no injured and no equip. involved. Breakered off and dangered plotted don mine map and will not be cleaned up. app 5' to 6' high, 18' wide and 25' long.
Pre-shift and mine examiner found fall on weekly check-fall in #6 hd. (3700' outby face and adjacent to #5 hd. belt) No blockage of Vent. Escapeways no injuries and no equipment. involved. Breakered off and dangered-plotted on mine map and will not be cleaned up. App. 5' to 6' high, 18' wide and 25' long
June 19, 2007VA · Coalmaintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service techSLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
EE alleged that he was walking down haulway toward tool sled, stepped in a hole, twisting his back. Continued to bother him, went to doctor on 8/9/07, started losing time on 8/10/07.
June 4, 2007VA · Coallaborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scalerDUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
EE was shoveling the belt-down on his knee's-raised up, bumping his head against the belt roller frame. Went to doctor on 5/12/07. Started losing time on 5/14/07.
Employee was using a hammer to knock the bolt wrench out of the chuck on the roof bolting machine. A piece of metal struck him on the thigh. Went to doctor on 4-4-07. Returned to work on 4-4-07.
Discovered fall in bleeder entry off of 001-0 unit spad # 1117 - #4 entry. Fall app 20' long, 16' wide, 7' thick. No blockage of vent. No blockage of escapeways. No injuries. Fall will not be cleaned up - dangered off and breakered. Plotted on mine map.
March 26, 2007VA · Coalroof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Employee was preparing to put bolt in hole that had been drilled. A piece of rock fell and struck him on nose. Went to Dr. on 3-26-07 (simple fractur of nose & 3 stitches to left side of nose). Returned to work on 3/27/07.
January 8, 2007VA · Coalbelt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
Employee had loaded a shuttle car tire in a mantrip-bent over to move tire around hearing a pop in the calf area of his right leg. wnt to dr 1-9-7, started losing time 1-10-07.
2006 · 5 incidents
November 21, 2006VA · Coalbelt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisorHANDLING OF MATERIALS
EE was helping to build a back stop for belt drive, a piece of metal got fouled and he bumped the metal with his hand, catching hand between metal on side of chute.
Fall app 0 to 7' high 18' wide, 50' long no injuries no equipment involved no blockage of of escape way or ventilation, will not be cleaned up breakered off & danger & plotted on mine map. Bolted with 5' resin bolts & 8' cable bolts.
June 1, 2006VA · Coalroof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)MACHINERY
EE was spinning a roof bolt that he was installing, bolt bent, EE reached to get bolt and the bend in bolt struck him on the fingers and hand. Started losing time on 6/2/06.
INJURED STARTED TO STEP FROM THE HOOD OF A VOLVO TRUCK ONTO A LADDER. HIS FEET SLIPPED & HE MISSED THE STEP OF THE LADDER CAUSING HIM TO FALL TO THE GROUND & THE LADDER FELL ON TOP OF HIM WHILE HE WAS INSTALLING TIN TO A SHOP BUILDING.
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