Mining Incidents

UZ Coal

Smoky Quartz · Underground
Controlled by John T Quintrell
Premium, Letcher County, KY  ·  Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 1518469

UZ has $410K in proposed MSHA penalties and $13K outstanding across 18 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
78
Years on record
2002–2008
Latest incident
Oct 2008
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2001
854
citations
315
significant & substantial
$409,505
proposed penalties
$336,175
paid to date
82% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $73,330 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2001
97
inspections on record
6,680
inspection hours
12.8
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.
854 citations across 6,680 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

UZ has $410K in proposed MSHA penalties and $13K 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.
$410K
proposed penalties
$350K
current assessed
$336K
paid to date
$13K
outstanding
837 assessments are final orders; 18 contested dockets.
As of the most recent assessment on 2009-02-23.
Source: MSHA assessed-violations and conference/litigation data, updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at UZ shows respirable coal dust averaging 0.56 mg/m3 (95% compliant) across 986 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.
0.56
dust avg (mg/m3)
7.95
dust max (mg/m3)
95%
within 1.5 mg/m3
986
samples
Most recent sample: 2009-02-09.
Silica (quartz)
6.3
silica avg (%)
15.2
silica max (%)
95
samples
Most recent sample: 2008-12-18.
Noise
12%
over PEL
78
samples
Most recent sample: 2008-09-05.
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
2009 Q2 0 0 0
2009 Q1 11,284 12 4 1063.5
2008 Q4 31,075 38 17 1222.8
2008 Q3 39,681 70 21 1764.1
2008 Q2 63,779 40 12 627.2
2008 Q1 68,006 27 6 397.0
2007 Q4 58,141 51 20 877.2
2007 Q3 58,530 55 7 939.7
Show 23 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2007 Q2 55,524 34 11 612.3
2007 Q1 57,231 51 11 891.1
2006 Q4 65,533 53 10 808.8
2006 Q3 64,544 37 15 573.3
2006 Q2 58,930 25 11 424.2
2006 Q1 56,426 24 6 425.3
2005 Q4 51,704 15 2 290.1
2005 Q3 52,162 19 9 364.2
2005 Q2 45,409 25 10 550.6
2005 Q1 53,897 14 6 259.8
2004 Q4 53,193 20 7 376.0
2004 Q3 49,404 34 19 688.2
2004 Q2 49,988 25 17 500.1
2004 Q1 51,615 48 25 930.0
2003 Q4 65,012 26 11 399.9
2003 Q3 46,276 24 14 518.6
2003 Q2 28,041 17 9 606.3
2003 Q1 51,020 13 5 254.8
2002 Q4 44,421 17 10 382.7
2002 Q3 34,772 20 16 575.2
2002 Q2 18,309 12 1 655.4
2002 Q1 7,350 7 3 952.4
2001 Q4 1,920 1 0 520.8
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

78 on file

2008 · 11 incidents

October 21, 2008 KY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While removing lid employee caught fingers underneath lid and had minor surgery of finger that required stitches.

October 13, 2008 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While removing lid from miner, lid slipped and caught fingers, breaking ring finger and cutting little finger.

September 24, 2008 KY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee tossed a closed knife to the injured employee and the knife bounced off the locker and came open and struck employee in the hand causing a laceration that required stitches.

September 18, 2008 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the # 4 Rt crosscut and extended into # 5 heading on the 001 unit.

June 25, 2008 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While using his feet to push a tire, EE hurt his lower back. He began missing work 10/2/08 from an injury that occurred on 6/25/08 that was diagnosed as degenerative disc disease.

April 14, 2008 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee strained himself on 4/14/2008 while working on a mini-trac. He was using a bar and when it slipped, he felt pain. He later went to a doctor and was diagnosed with a hernia and had surgery to repair on 4/23/2008.

March 19, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) STRIKING OR BUMPING
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee hit a roofbolt with his right elbow and had to have stitches to close the cut.

February 13, 2008 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Chain slipped on batteries and cut left index finger, requiring stitches.

January 31, 2008 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

The continuous miner was stuck and drawrock fell on the miner before it could be removed from the pillar cut.

2007 · 9 incidents

October 2, 2007 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by flying object

Employee was striking an insert with a metal wrench and metal flew into his eye.

October 2, 2007 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by falling object

While loading a Ram Car tire, it fell over onto his foot and ankle resulting in a fracture.

August 17, 2007 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the MMU 002 Section at the Pillar line. The fall caught the miner. The fall occurred when mining the block between the #7 and #8 entries.

June 12, 2007 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Mine sealant splashed in his right eye. Employee suffered a chemical burn to right eye that required medical attention that qualifies as a reportable injury.

June 6, 2007 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was injured 6/6/07 when he twisted his right knee as he was roof bolting. He had surgery on 7/13/07.

March 2, 2007 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by flying object

He was working on the drive chain for the #5 Headpiece when he struck the chain with a hammer and a small piece of metal flew into his eye. Right eye.

February 5, 2007 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator POWERED HAULAGE
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by powered moving object

Employee was struck by a scoop and suffered a laceration to his left lower leg that required stitches.

January 22, 2007 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was moving a rockduster from a scoop bucket and felt pain in his groin and lower back.

2006 · 14 incidents

August 4, 2006 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sapphire Coal Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

He was making a belt splice when a belt clamp came loose and as he fell he was struck in the head. Later in the shift he started having back pain.

July 27, 2006 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler OTHER
Sapphire Coal Company · Unclassified, insufficient data

Details unknown as no report filed by employee. An investigation by mine mgt. has not determined if a Part50 CFR reportable event has occurred. This report is being filed under protest and in response to MSHA by employee.

July 25, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred in the #5 intake entry at the #5 crosscut along the #3 belt panel. The fall was from rib to rib, approx 60 feet long and approx. 6 foot high.

June 21, 2006 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sapphire Coal Company · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was cutting belt with a knife when he fell and accidentally cut his right thigh. Wound required staples to close.

May 12, 2006 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was unloading belt structure when he felt pain in his stomach. He later went to the Doctor and was found to have a hernia.

March 9, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

Unintentional roof fall was found at 11:00 AM during a weekly examination. Area fall was found was 1 x-cut inby spad 2706. Fall was 40' long by 20' wide and 6' to 8' high.

February 22, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the #3 belt panel return entry at the #2 entry intersection of #8 X-cut. Fall was 50' in intersection and cross-cut and 30'long, 7' to 9'high. Area bolted with tension rebar.

February 16, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall has occurred int he #3 hdg of 002-0 mmu inby spad. This fall was 20' wide 6' to 8' high and approx. 70' long. Fall did not impede ventilation or didn't involve any equipment. area bolted with 5' bolts.

February 14, 2006 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was climbing down from belt crossover at No. 5 drive and his foot slipped. This is being reported to abate violation No. 7436824

February 9, 2006 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Loading rock dust and moved quickly and twisted his back.

January 20, 2006 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Sapphire Coal Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ROOF BOLTING WHEN HE CAUGHT HIS FINGER BETWEEN THE WRENCH AND A ROOF BOLT BEING INSTALLED. CONTUSION & LACERATION - INDEX FINGER ON LEFT HAND.

January 18, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

AN UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL WAS FOUND AT 2:00 PM ON 1/18/06 IN THE #5 BELT PANEL IN #5 ENTRY, APPROX. 150' INBY SPAD 2282.

January 17, 2006 KY · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Sapphire Coal Company · Accident type, without injuries

UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL, APPROX. 20' WIDE X 150' LONG X 6-8' HIGH. LOCATED AT BREAK 25 ON NO. 5 BELT PANEL IN THE #4 ENTRY.

2005 · 9 incidents

December 9, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee standy a chain w/hammer and a small piece of metal was imbedded in his right hand. Metal was removed.

October 11, 2005 KY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler STRIKING OR BUMPING
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck against stationary object

HE WAS WALKING TO TOOL CAR WHEN HE RAN INTO A METAL STRAP AND LACERATED HIS RIGHT EAR REQUIRING SUTURES.

October 6, 2005 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Sapphire Coal Company · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee splashed plaster in his left eye and material was removed from eye.

April 13, 2005 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CUTTING MINER CABLE THE KNIFE SLIPPED CUTING HIS LEFT KNEE

March 25, 2005 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STRIKING OR BUMPING
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WENT THROUGH A CURTAIN AND HIT HIS MOUTH ON BOLTER CABLE RESULTING IN A BROKEN TOOTH. INJURED ON FRIDAY AND RTW ON MONDAY.

February 17, 2005 KY · Coal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Sapphire Coal Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING A BELT AND CUT PALM OF HIS HAND REQUIRING STITCHES.

2004 · 22 incidents

November 11, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

HURT HIS BACK WHILE SHOVELING BELT

September 13, 2004 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

TWISTED HIS KNEE (WHILE WALKING).

July 19, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Coal Extraction LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

DRILL STEEL CAME LOOSE & HIT EE'S LEFT FOREARM

July 7, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

HE WAS LOADING BELT STRUCTURE AND MASHED HIS MIDDLE FINGER ON HIS RIGHT HAND AGAINST THE SCOOP BUCKET.

June 22, 2004 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Coal Extraction LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Trimming belt splice knife slipped and cut left palm.

June 9, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

LIFTING TIMBERS AND FELT PAIN IN LOWER BACK.

June 9, 2004 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Working slack back on cable and hurt lower back. Was pulling cable.

May 5, 2004 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Reoccurance of old back injury while shoveling belt.

May 3, 2004 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Coal Extraction LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

REOCCURANCE OF OLD BACK INJURY (LIFTING BELT STRUCTURE).

March 1, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting a 5 gallon oil can to put oil in the the roof bolter when he felt pain in lower side of stomach

February 14, 2004 KY · Coal scoop car/scooptram operator, load/haul/dump (lhd) operator, teletram operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

HE SLIPPED ON WET BOTTOM AND TWISTED HIS LEFT ANKLE.

January 29, 2004 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

DRAW ROCK FELL AND CUT RIGHT SIDE OF FACE. HE GOT TWO STITCHES.

January 20, 2004 KY · Coal scoop car/scooptram operator, load/haul/dump (lhd) operator, teletram operator POWERED HAULAGE
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

TRAMMING SCOOP, WHEEL DROPPED IN A HOLE. HE BOUNCED INTO CANOPY.

January 14, 2004 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler ELECTRICAL
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Contact with hot objects or substances

HE WAS STANDING BY THE FEEDER WHEN THE POWER CABLE HANGING FROM THE ROOF BLEW A SPLICE OUT BURN-ING HIS RIGHT EYE.

2003 · 11 incidents

December 11, 2003 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

STEM BLEW OUT OF VALVE BAND ON THE MINER CUTTING LEFT HAND AND FINGERS.

October 8, 2003 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

THE EE WAS CARRYING A BAG OF BLOCK BOND TO A BRATTICE AND STUMBLED OVER A 6" BLOCK AND FELL ON HIS BACK WITH THE BAG OF BLOCK BOND LANDING ON TOP OF HIM CAUSING PAIN IN HIS LOWER BACK AND LEGS .

August 25, 2003 KY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler OTHER
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

REOCCURRENCE OF OLD INJURY ON FELT FOOT.

August 6, 2003 KY · Coal

HE WAS BOLTING TOP WHEN A PIECE OF DRILL STEEL GOT LOOSE AND HIT HIM IN RIGHT SIDE OF HIS HEAD.

July 21, 2003 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

WORKING ON RUB RAIL ON MINER WHEN IT FELL ON EMPLOYEE'S LEFT FOOT (CONTUSION LEFT FOOT).

February 24, 2003 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS BOLTING TOP AND HE LET THE DRILL POT DOWN ON HIS RIGHT KNEE (BRUISED RIGHT KNEE).

February 7, 2003 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

USING A BOX CUTTER TO OPEN A BUCKET OF PLASTER &THE KNIFE SLIPPED AND CUT HIS RIGHT THIGH.

January 28, 2003 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

REOCCURRENCE OF OLD INJURY. NOTE: NEW INCIDENT AT DIFFERENT MINE.

2002 · 2 incidents

December 4, 2002 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Struck by flying object

PICKED UP A PIECE OF METAL THREW IT DOWN AND GOT SOMETHING IN LEFT EYE.

August 20, 2002 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Cook and Sons Mining, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

TAKING CABLE UP WITH THE REEL ON THE ROOF BOLTER & CAUGHT THE EE'S FEET & FLIPPED HIM ON THE MINE BOTTOM LANDING ON HIS RIGHT SIDE. FRACTURED 1 RIB & BRUISED RIGHT SIDE.

For insurers, brokers, and safety consultants

The full compliance file on UZ

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.