Mining Incidents

Trace Fork Coal

Vicco, Knott County, KY  ·  Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 1518222

Trace Fork has $73K in proposed MSHA penalties and $664 outstanding across 1 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
57
Years on record
2001–2006
Latest incident
Sep 2006
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
610
citations
178
significant & substantial
$72,851
proposed penalties
$72,187
paid to date
99% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $664 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
86
inspections on record
4,935
inspection hours
12.4
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.
610 citations across 4,935 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Trace Fork has $73K in proposed MSHA penalties and $664 outstanding across 1 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.
$73K
proposed penalties
$73K
current assessed
$72K
paid to date
$664
outstanding
592 assessments are final orders; 1 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2006-08-24.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Trace Fork shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.75 mg/m3 (88% compliant) across 936 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.
0.75
dust avg (mg/m3)
10.22
dust max (mg/m3)
88%
within 1.5 mg/m3
936
samples
Most recent sample: 2006-04-26.
Silica (quartz)
6.8
silica avg (%)
26.9
silica max (%)
98
samples
Most recent sample: 2006-04-21.
Noise
1%
over PEL
86
samples
Most recent sample: 2006-04-12.
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
2006 Q4 885 0 0 0.0
2006 Q3 3,612 2 2 553.7
2006 Q2 10,090 7 3 693.8
2006 Q1 57,231 96 43 1677.4
2005 Q4 60,976 96 40 1574.4
2005 Q3 61,056 43 8 704.3
2005 Q2 56,483 44 10 779.0
2005 Q1 43,464 49 15 1127.4
Show 20 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2004 Q4 53,247 39 4 732.4
2004 Q3 50,302 25 6 497.0
2004 Q2 47,955 27 6 563.0
2004 Q1 37,570 15 1 399.3
2003 Q4 21,114 18 7 852.5
2003 Q3 16,800 20 5 1190.5
2003 Q2 17,822 7 0 392.8
2003 Q1 19,695 9 1 457.0
2002 Q4 18,836 15 4 796.3
2002 Q3 12,090 12 2 992.6
2002 Q2 14,798 9 4 608.2
2002 Q1 19,469 13 2 667.7
2001 Q4 13,060 25 5 1914.2
2001 Q3 0 1 0
2001 Q2 0 0 0
2001 Q1 0 0 0
2000 Q4 0 19 2
2000 Q3 10,301 13 6 1262.0
2000 Q2 1,088 5 2 4595.6
2000 Q1 0 1 0
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

57 on file

2006 · 8 incidents

September 5, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Enterprise Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

Rock fall in No. 7 entry five breaks outby #3 Head drive on #2 mains. Rock fall was 8 ft long, 20 ft wide and 5 ft thick. It was bolted with 4' resin bolts. Crib off.

July 24, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Enterprise Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

Rock fall at NO.4 beltline, 14 breaks above No. 4 head drive. Between No.5 & 6 entry. Didn't fall on beltline. Fall was 30'long, 18-20' wide and 10'thick.

July 10, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Enterprise Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

During the mine examination a rock fall was found The fall occured in the left return in No. 2 entry on No. 4 main belt line starting at spad #3812 fell 2 1/2 breaks inby fall was 160 ft long and 20ft wide 5 to 6 foot thick.

June 28, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Enterprise Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

During the mine examination a rock fall was found. the fall accured int he #6 entry on the 4 mains, one break outby spad #3304. The fall measured 4 foot thick, 20 feet long and 20 feet wide.

June 12, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Enterprise Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

During the mine examination a rock fall was found. The fall occurred in the #1 entry & #2 entry and adjoining crosscut, located in the 4th break inby the portal. The fall was approx 5-6 ft thick, 18-20 ft wide.

February 28, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A rock fall occured at the number 8 entry while making returns. The fall measured 40 foot long, 20 foot wide, 10 foot thick. The top was bolted with 6 foot resin bolts and 10 foot cable bolts

February 5, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A rock fall occured in number one entry on left return for 007 section on number four main belt. A continous fall from previous rock fall. The rock fall was 130' long, 20' wide, 4-10' thick.

2005 · 22 incidents

December 20, 2005 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator MACHINERY
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was spraying plaster on bratttice, the end of the spray nozzle blew off striking him in the left eye.

December 19, 2005 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was hanging curtain using knife to cut curtain, cut middle finger on right hand

December 2, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occured on the 006 section in 6 right over to intersection of 7 right. The rock fall measured 24 foot long, 18 foot wide and 7 foot thick.

October 29, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing a bit lug from a continuous miner, a piece of metal struck employee in right leg.

September 23, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A rock fall occured in the intake in the number 6 entry 3 breaks out by the number 2 tail piece, one break in by spad number 1266.

September 9, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A rock fall occured in bleeder line one break above regulator in #5 entry. rock fall did not affect regulator. Rock fall measured 30'L. X 20' W. X 5' H.

September 9, 2005 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was changing miner bits and struck his left thumb with a hammer.

September 3, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was getting out of mantrip, felt pain in lower back, starting missing work 12/09/2005

September 1, 2005 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a ram car, twisted around in the seat and felt pain in his right shoulder.

August 22, 2005 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was taking steel beams down with scoop, when beam fell striking him on right leg.

August 22, 2005 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating scoop, when machine hit coal rib causing the rib to fall, resulting in laceration to top of left hand.

August 15, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The mine experienced a rock fall in the #5 entry (Belt) 1 break across from spad #3268. The fall measured 35'L X 20'W X 5'H.

August 7, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The mine experienced a number of roof falls at the face of 001 super-section. The falls were in the #2 entry, #6 and 6 right entry, and #1 and 1 right entry.

August 1, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was striking a pick breaker conveyor chain on a feeder and a piece of metal came loose striking him in the right eye lid.

August 1, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

This mine experienced a rock fall in the #7 entry approx. 80' feet inby spad #3047. The fall measured 20'L X 20'W X 4.5'H.

June 22, 2005 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occured on the 002-0 MMU. The fall extended from the face of the #3 entry to the intersection. The fall measured 30'L X 20'W X 48"H.

March 21, 2005 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling miner cable and felt pain in lower back. Started missing work on 3/22/2005.

March 15, 2005 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was shoveling tailpiece and fell backwards and landing on a piece of rock. Started missing work 3/17/2005.

February 16, 2005 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting a piece of belt and the knife slipped cutting his little finger on his left hand.

February 15, 2005 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator ELECTRICAL
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Flash burns (electric)

Employee was handling energized roof bolter cable and the cable blew out, causing burns on the employees hands and face.

January 3, 2005 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling on a piece of belt and felt a sharp pain in his lower back.

2004 · 17 incidents

October 18, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was reaching across roof bolter to get a box of glue and felt pain in lower back.

October 15, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating roof bolter and a piece of draw rock fell striking employee on left leg.

October 1, 2004 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was putting lid on miner and the lid slipped catching his right index finger.

October 1, 2004 KY · Coal examiner, fire boss, pre-shift examiner, mine examiner HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was striking miner bit with hammer and a piece of metal came off the hammer striking the employee in the chest.

September 8, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was driving mantrip and ran over rock and hit his head on top, twisting his neck. (Started missing work on 9/9/2004).

August 26, 2004 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by falling object

Draw rock fell from top striking employee on right foot. (Started missing work on 8/27/04).

July 27, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was riding mantrip and went under a overcast, the mantrip ran over a rock or rut and caused employee to hit beam. (Required 6 stitches).

July 15, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating roof bolter and a piece of draw rock fell striking the employee on the lower back.

July 13, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was driving a belt buggy and ran over a block and the knob on the steering wheel hit him on the back of the right hand.

June 25, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was striking at a timber with a pick hammer and missed the timber striking himself in the right thigh. Started missing work on 6/29/2004.

June 12, 2004 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling miner cable and felt pain in lower back. Started missing work 6/14/2004.

April 22, 2004 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling belt and felt pain in groin area.

March 5, 2004 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator POWERED HAULAGE
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a ram car and run over a hole in the roadway causing a sudden jolt. He reported pain in lower back. Started missing work 3/6/2004.

February 23, 2004 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Diamond May Coal Co Inc · Accident type, without injuries

IN THE #2 ENTRY AND THE #6 CROSSCUT ON THE FIRST LEFT NORTH MAINS, A BLEEDER PANEL A ROCK FALL OCCURRED. THE FALL MEASURED APP 25'L X 50'W X 8'H.

2003 · 4 incidents

November 22, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler

CRAWLING ON KNEE BOLTING TOP FELT SHARP PAIN IN RIGHT KNEE.

November 13, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kentucky May Mining · Struck by flying object

EE WAS CHANGING OUT OLD BELT STRUCTURE WHEN REMOVING, A PIECE OF RUST FROM OLD STRUCTURE CHIPPED OFF AND WENT BETWEEN FOREHEAD AND SAFETY GLASSES, STRIKING HIM IN EYE.

July 28, 2003 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs)

A SMALL SECTION OF ROCK FROM THE ROOF CAME DOWN STRIKING THE EMPLOYEE ON THE LEG AS HE SET THE ATRS ON THE FLETCHER ROOF BOLTER. THE EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO BOLT THE #1 ENTRY. THE ROOF ROCK STRCUK THE EMPLOYEE ON THE BACK.

2002 · 4 incidents

June 13, 2002 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator POWERED HAULAGE
Kentucky May Mining · Struck by flying object

A ROCK WAS CAUGHT IN THE TAILPIECE & WHEN BELT STARTED IT FLEW OUT STRIKING EMPLOYEE IN THE MOUTH.

April 29, 2002 KY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Kentucky May Mining · Struck by falling object

REPAIRMAN MAKING CABLE SPLICE, CUTTING CABLE OPEN, KNIFE CUT THROUGH CABLE AND CUT UPPER RIGHT THIGH.

March 18, 2002 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kentucky May Mining · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS TAKING MINER ACROSS SECTION, MOVING MINER CABLE, FELT PAIN IN LOWER BACK.

March 5, 2002 KY · Coal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Kentucky May Mining · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS DRILLING TEST HOLE AND LAID HIS HAND ON BOOM OF ROOF BOLTER AND RAISED THE BOOM UP CATCHING HIS RT. 2ND FINGER ON THE RT. HAND.

2001 · 2 incidents

December 17, 2001 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Kentucky May Mining · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS DRILLING A HOLE WITH A PIECE OF DRILL STEEL WITH A BOLT WRENCH ON THE BOTTOM. THE WRENCH SLIPPED OFF STEEL STRIKING EMPLOYEE ON THE HEAD.

October 2, 2001 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kentucky May Mining · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS BENDING A ROOF BOLT ON TOP OF THE SAFETY CANOPY WHEN BOLT SLIPPED OFF STRIKING EM-PLOYEE ON HIS UPPER LIP.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on Trace Fork

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.