Mining Incidents

Wyodak Mine: 1 recorded fatality Coal

Black Hills Energy · Surface
Controlled by Black Hills Corp
Gillette, Campbell County, WY  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800083

Wyodak Mine has $207K in proposed MSHA penalties and $0 outstanding across 5 contested dockets, plus health sampling and the full incident record.

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Fatalities
1
Total incidents
115
Years on record
1983–2026
Latest incident
Aug 2026
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2002
316
citations
54
significant & substantial
$207,401
proposed penalties
$190,630
paid to date
92% of proposed penalties paid to date, a $16,771 gap.
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Inspection activity
MSHA inspections since 2000
131
inspections on record
5,747
inspection hours
5.5
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.
316 citations across 5,747 inspection hours.
Source: MSHA inspections data, updated weekly.

Wyodak Mine has $207K in proposed MSHA penalties and $0 outstanding across 5 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.
$207K
proposed penalties
$191K
current assessed
$191K
paid to date
$0
outstanding
303 assessments are final orders; 5 contested dockets.
Of $66K in penalties contested before the Commission, $49K was upheld in final decisions.
As of the most recent assessment on 2026-03-04.
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.
17.4%
significant & substantial
6.1%
high negligence or reckless
17.7%
reasonably likely or greater
29.6%
permanently disabling or fatal if injury occurs
Negligence coding: 0.0% none, 25.1% low, 68.8% moderate, 6.1% high, 0.0% reckless.
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.
10 citations taken to the federal commission · 3% of citations on record
  • Settled 9 · 90%
  • Stood as issued 1 · 10%
38%
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%
25%
Penalty reduction in decided contests
$66K proposed, $49K 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 2013-05-08.
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.
Docket Decision Judge Year Proposed / upheld
WEST 2011-1457 Settlement Manning 2012 $31K → $16K
WEST 2009-12 Dismissal Manning 2011 $28K → $28K
WEST 2009-499 Settlement Manning 2010 $3K → $3K
WEST 2013-797 Settlement Manning 2013 $2K → $2K
WEST 2013-573 Settlement Miller 2013 $1K → $896
Source: FMSHRC civil penalty dockets and decisions (public record), updated weekly.

MSHA sampling at Wyodak Mine shows 98% of 539 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: 2026-08-20
98%
within 1.5 mg/m3
539
samples
4.54
dust max (mg/m3)
0
over MSHA ECV
The excessive concentration value (ECV) is MSHA's own per-sample enforcement threshold, which builds in measurement uncertainty; a sample over its ECV can trigger a citation. The count covers only samples MSHA assigned an ECV.
316 samples taken by MSHA inspectors, 223 by the operator.
Most-sampled occupations
  • BULLDOZER OPERATOR162
  • HIGHWALL DRILL OPERATOR133
  • OILER/GREASER72

Silica (quartz)

Last sampled: 2022-02-01, 4 years ago
4.0
silica avg (%)
8
samples
7.9
silica max (%)
Most-sampled occupations
  • HIGHWALL DRILL OPERATOR3
  • OILER/GREASER3
  • BULLDOZER OPERATOR1

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.

Last sampled: 2026-08-11
0%
over PEL
207
samples
Most-sampled occupations
  • BULLDOZER OPERATOR44
  • HIGHLIFT OPERATOR/FRONT END LOADER36
  • REFUSE TRUCK DRIVER/BACKFILL TRUCK DRIVE28
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly.
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.
Year within 1.5 mg/m3 samples
2026 100% 24
2025 100% 28
2024 100% 22
2023 100% 37
2022 100% 30
2021 100% 27
2020 100% 24
2019 100% 39
2018 100% 25
2017 100% 42
2016 100% 28
2015 100% 35
2014 100% 12
2013 100% 4
2012 100% 10
2011 100% 8
2010 100% 23
2009 91% 22
2008 86% 14
2007 79% 19
2006 95% 21
2005 100% 5
2004 100% 5
2003 100% 14
2002 100% 6
2001 100% 10
2000 100% 5
Silica (quartz) by year
Year silica avg (%) samples
2022 5.4 1
2019 7.0 1
2017 7.9 1
2015 2.6 1
2009 0.7 1
2008 3.9 2
2006 0.7 1
Noise by year
Year over PEL samples
2026 0% 8
2025 0% 9
2024 0% 4
2023 0% 12
2022 0% 4
2021 0% 9
2020 0% 4
2019 0% 14
2018 0% 5
2017 0% 12
2016 0% 10
2015 0% 12
2014 0% 8
2013 0% 5
2012 0% 9
2011 0% 10
2010 0% 4
2009 0% 5
2008 0% 12
2007 0% 5
2006 0% 12
2005 0% 5
2004 0% 5
2003 0% 4
2001 0% 6
2000 0% 14
Source: MSHA respirable dust, quartz, and noise sampling records, updated weekly.

Wyodak Mine recorded 0.00 reportable injury cases per 100 full-time workers in 2025.

Injury rate, 2025
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 coal mining average was 3.19 and the all-US-mining average was 1.97 cases per 100 workers.
In Wyoming, coal mining averaged 0.91 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
2025 * 0.00 0.00 0.000
2024 * 2.26 2.26 0.000
2023 * 0.00 0.00 0.000
2022 * 0.00 0.00 0.000
2021 * 2.02 0.00 0.000
2020 0.00 0.00 0.000
2019 0.00 0.00 0.000
2018 1.67 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.
Ownership history
  1. Black Hills Energy 1950 to present
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)
2026 54 1,664,821
2025 54 3,345,502
2024 53 3,686,049
2023 56 3,749,605
2022 57 3,735,402
2021 59 3,503,112
2020 62 3,736,695
2019 63 3,716,480
2018 66 4,085,044
2017 63 4,182,800
2016 67 3,717,414
2015 68 4,140,386
2014 66 4,317,023
2013 65 4,285,445
2012 80 4,245,981
2011 116 5,691,756
2010 120 5,930,614
2009 123 6,016,063
2008 122 6,015,890
2007 89 5,049,231
2006 66 4,698,473
2005 62 4,707,316
2004 59 4,780,101
2003 55 4,772,544
2002 54 3,979,860
2001 47 3,518,160
2000 43 3,051,742
Source: MSHA quarterly employment and production, updated weekly.

Wyodak Mine sits in Campbell County, Wyoming, where the Census mining category is 17.6% 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.
Campbell County, Wyoming · Population 47,018
17.6%
Mining share of county employment
$95,253
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
2026 Q2 21,346 0 0 0.0
2026 Q1 23,366 4 0 171.2
2025 Q4 23,225 1 0 43.1
2025 Q3 22,174 6 0 270.6
2025 Q2 21,959 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 22,887 2 0 87.4
2024 Q4 22,801 0 0 0.0
2024 Q3 20,385 0 0 0.0
Show 98 earlier quarters
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2024 Q2 21,591 4 1 185.3
2024 Q1 23,887 2 0 83.7
2023 Q4 22,317 1 1 44.8
2023 Q3 24,142 0 0 0.0
2023 Q2 25,153 8 0 318.1
2023 Q1 26,024 4 0 153.7
2022 Q4 25,724 0 0 0.0
2022 Q3 24,058 0 0 0.0
2022 Q2 23,295 2 0 85.9
2022 Q1 24,581 8 1 325.5
2021 Q4 22,753 0 0 0.0
2021 Q3 25,057 0 0 0.0
2021 Q2 24,398 3 0 123.0
2021 Q1 26,597 0 0 0.0
2020 Q4 24,386 8 0 328.1
2020 Q3 26,186 0 0 0.0
2020 Q2 26,857 3 0 111.7
2020 Q1 28,280 1 1 35.4
2019 Q4 28,267 3 0 106.1
2019 Q3 27,248 1 0 36.7
2019 Q2 27,080 0 0 0.0
2019 Q1 26,111 4 0 153.2
2018 Q4 28,428 0 0 0.0
2018 Q3 30,855 5 0 162.0
2018 Q2 30,938 0 0 0.0
2018 Q1 29,847 0 0 0.0
2017 Q4 27,390 13 3 474.6
2017 Q3 28,364 2 0 70.5
2017 Q2 28,436 4 0 140.7
2017 Q1 28,435 6 0 211.0
2016 Q4 28,251 0 0 0.0
2016 Q3 28,704 0 0 0.0
2016 Q2 30,647 1 0 32.6
2016 Q1 30,217 3 0 99.3
2015 Q4 27,890 0 0 0.0
2015 Q3 29,109 0 0 0.0
2015 Q2 29,917 7 2 234.0
2015 Q1 31,424 7 2 222.8
2014 Q4 29,411 0 0 0.0
2014 Q3 30,609 3 0 98.0
2014 Q2 30,631 0 0 0.0
2014 Q1 29,255 3 1 102.5
2013 Q4 29,227 1 0 34.2
2013 Q3 29,406 2 1 68.0
2013 Q2 29,886 0 0 0.0
2013 Q1 30,085 1 0 33.2
2012 Q4 31,226 10 1 320.2
2012 Q3 35,399 3 0 84.7
2012 Q2 39,337 3 1 76.3
2012 Q1 42,313 3 1 70.9
2011 Q4 47,971 3 0 62.5
2011 Q3 51,892 4 0 77.1
2011 Q2 53,466 1 0 18.7
2011 Q1 51,739 1 1 19.3
2010 Q4 55,411 4 1 72.2
2010 Q3 56,203 17 4 302.5
2010 Q2 54,535 6 3 110.0
2010 Q1 64,781 0 0 0.0
2009 Q4 53,963 11 4 203.8
2009 Q3 63,019 2 2 31.7
2009 Q2 54,024 11 1 203.6
2009 Q1 63,369 0 0 0.0
2008 Q4 53,291 9 1 168.9
2008 Q3 59,526 1 0 16.8
2008 Q2 70,563 12 3 170.1
2008 Q1 50,615 0 0 0.0
2007 Q4 50,259 3 1 59.7
2007 Q3 38,500 0 0 0.0
2007 Q2 42,046 5 0 118.9
2007 Q1 31,519 0 0 0.0
2006 Q4 34,446 3 0 87.1
2006 Q3 28,793 0 0 0.0
2006 Q2 33,976 3 1 88.3
2006 Q1 27,283 5 0 183.3
2005 Q4 28,004 0 0 0.0
2005 Q3 24,895 1 0 40.2
2005 Q2 26,090 2 0 76.7
2005 Q1 25,600 2 0 78.1
2004 Q4 26,916 0 0 0.0
2004 Q3 24,818 4 0 161.2
2004 Q2 30,009 0 0 0.0
2004 Q1 24,976 2 1 80.1
2003 Q4 29,519 0 0 0.0
2003 Q3 28,541 0 0 0.0
2003 Q2 23,507 0 0 0.0
2003 Q1 23,401 0 0 0.0
2002 Q4 27,379 0 0 0.0
2002 Q3 22,506 0 0 0.0
2002 Q2 22,905 2 1 87.3
2002 Q1 24,993 0 0 0.0
2001 Q4 21,949 0 0 0.0
2001 Q3 22,182 0 0 0.0
2001 Q2 16,586 0 0 0.0
2001 Q1 19,254 0 0 0.0
2000 Q4 16,408 0 0 0.0
2000 Q3 18,204 0 0 0.0
2000 Q2 17,103 0 0 0.0
2000 Q1 19,858 0 0 0.0

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
October 28, 2008 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee received fatal crushing injuries while operating haul truck, parked in line waiting to be loaded at the shovel. The employee exited the cab and was standing behind the cab, between the cab and air receiver tank when the truck in front started to move in reverse, pinning the employee.

Reportable incidents

114 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2026 · 1 incident

August 8, 2026 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

Water truck operator stated EE blacked out while traveling west from the loading area. The truck traveled over the berm, tipped onto its side, slid down the pond slope, and came to rest upside down in the water. The operator regained consciousness, exited the truck, swam to shore, and walked up the hill for assistance. EE was transported to the hospital.

2024 · 1 incident

January 15, 2024 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Crew members were working to start beltline in sub-zero temperatures. On start up, EE noticed coworker standing too close to the belt, reached out and pulled coworker away from belt. When pulling, EE felt a pop in right shoulder. Full Thickness rotator cuff tear was diagnosed on 01/24/2024. Surgery is scheduled for 01/31/2024

2023 · 1 incident

December 19, 2023 WY · Coal POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

While returning from the dump with an empty haul truck, truck driver lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway, hitting a berm and pile of dirt on the opposite side of the road. Extensive damage was caused to the front of the haul truck. No injuries were sustained.

2022 · 1 incident

July 25, 2022 WY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee's right hand was caught between winch hook and winch fairlead opening resulting in the amputation of the right ring and middle finger approximately 1/2" 1" from the tip.

2021 · 2 incidents

August 25, 2021 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Black Hills Energy · Struck by flying object

EE was grinding while repairing a coal crusher. The wind picked up, causing dust to kick up and get behind the face shield and safety glasses EE was wearing, embedding metal shavings in EE's left eye.

February 14, 2021 WY · Coal FIRE
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Coal had built up in the cone/hopper of the truck load out of Silo #3. Changing weather conditions contributed to the spontaneous combustion of the coal in the hopper, causing the coal to burn. The fire burned for over an hour and was contained to the metal hopper/duct work. There was no damage to the hopper or duct work.

2019 · 2 incidents

September 12, 2019 WY · Coal welder (non-shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting plastic when knife slipped. Laceration on wrist, three stitches. See Below: Wet and rainy conditions; Not utilizing proper cutting tool; Not wearing appropriate protective PPE.

August 30, 2019 WY · Coal FIRE
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Warm coal in head chute of module #230 combined with prevailing SE wind, high humidity and light rain caused coal to spontaneously combust. Wind drove the flames to the west, down the belt lines, causing all combustible parts to burn and causing heat damage to the metal components.

2018 · 2 incidents

November 24, 2018 WY · Coal welder (non-shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was moving channel iron in tight conditions by self. Getting in a hurry in cold conditions not thinking of the proper lifting techniques. Lifting from below knees ee felt the strain in groin area. EE realized ee should have received help with the task. EE failed to follow lifting procedures and proper ergonomics. Follow up training on policy and procedures.

November 10, 2018 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by flying object

EE was using a pry bar when it came into contact with EE's chin, causing a laceration that required stitches.

2012 · 5 incidents

July 21, 2012 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Flash burns (welding)

Employee received flash burns to the eyes during welding operations. Employee was seen at the doctor and received prescription medication for the eye condition.

June 19, 2012 WY · Coal FIRE
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

High winds combined with shot coal were the predominate contributer to the resulting coal fire in the pit. The winds were sustained at approximately 45 mph over several hours. The fire was extinguished within 55 minutes of verification.

June 18, 2012 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck by falling object

Welder removed sealed safety eye wear in lunch room after welding and grinding and felt particle fall into left eye. A piece of metal was removed later by an eye doctor and prescription medication was given.

May 17, 2012 WY · Coal FIRE
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

A planned detonation in the slot barn produced a fire ball; which in turn resulted in a grass fire. The grass fire was extinguished within 15 minutes. Due to the nature of this event and its unknowns, MSHA was notified.

March 18, 2012 WY · Coal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE pulling discharge hose out of the back of a pick-up; "felt" tension when pulling; a 4" coupler (male component)that was attached to the end of the discharge hose snagged on rope in back of pick-up; pulled harder; released and struck EE on the lower left lip causing a laceration. EE returned to work the same day.

2011 · 1 incident

April 1, 2011 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall down stairs

ManPower Contractor (EE) was on lunch break with co-workers; suddenly EE had strange look on face and went outside. Co-workers heard a noise. Went outside and found EE lying head first, part way down a flight of steps. Appeared EE had blacked out / had a seizure and fell down steps. Medical tests revealed a tumor on the brain which caused the incident.

2010 · 9 incidents

December 1, 2010 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting zip tie off of a new coiled brake line when pocket knife slipped, causing a laceration including cut tendon on left thumb and puncture wound to left index finger.

November 29, 2010 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was coming down the lower ladder of a loader, when they felt a pain in at the base of their neck. Conditions contributing to the event were a very cold, windy, snowy morning. Employee had all of the correct PPE to protect the head, neck, back, and entire body from the outside elements. Medication was prescribed.

November 9, 2010 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cleaning up coal spill by coal trolley using a 6 inch vacumn hose, shovel and hands. Employee was bent over the vacumn hose and felt a pain in their lower back.

June 6, 2010 WY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Changing glass light fixture and as it was being removed, the fixture began slipping out of EE's hands causing the left hand / fingers to turn in an awkward position. EE sustained a clean fracture to the left middle finger.

April 27, 2010 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stepping across standing water, pushed off with left knee which hyper-extended while fueling / lubing haul trucks on hotstart line on April 27, 2010. Received full return to work. On June 4, 2010 injury became reportable due to orthroscopic surgery on the left knee meniscus for a slight tear. Received a post-op full return to work release.

February 28, 2010 WY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting skirting (belting) with a utility knife when it slipped cut into left hand palm.

February 26, 2010 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Individual was carrying a reciprocating cylinder to the bottom of the primary crusher. The next morning the shoulder was stiff.

February 1, 2010 WY · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall to the walkway or working surface

When walking alongside pick-up to hook up the welding trailer, the individual slipped on snow covered ice. This resulted in doing the "splits" and landing on the ground.

January 9, 2010 WY · Coal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Rolled left ankle while cleaning windows on the #290 scraper. Employee was taking a small step down when his ankle rolled.

2009 · 8 incidents

December 14, 2009 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

An employee was operating a haul truck and began experiencing lower back pain. The employee was being seen by a doctor and on 12/14/2009 recieved a no work release for one month.

November 12, 2009 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

While at work an employee began to experience pain in his left shoulder when pulling up the boarding ladder on P&H 2300 shovel. The employee saw an orthopedic specialist and had surgery on 11/12/2009 for a left torn rotator cuff. The employee was placed on restricted duty.

March 25, 2009 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

Driving a bobcat through sump area, hit something covered with mud. Bobcat went forward, was not wearing seat belt and went forward, hitting ribs on the safety bar and face in the windshield. Treated in first aid for small cut on nose and returned to work. Ribs became more sore during the week, decided to seek medical attention on 4/1. Remains on restricted duty for 2-3 weeks.

March 13, 2009 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was assigned failing object guard installation on mobile conveyor #1. To gain access to one of the rollers he attempted to move a 3" power cord by himself instead of using come along and strap provided.

March 7, 2009 WY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating track dozer and while traveling over berm, when dozer hit ground employee was thrown from seat, hitting head in cab. Employee was wearing seatbelt, but seatbelt was improperly latched and employee was thrown from seat. Employee received head laceration, 32 stitches, and was on restricted duty for 10 days (cannot wear hard hat).

January 28, 2009 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was having reoccrring back pain from an injury in April 06, 1998 that resulted a reportable injury of that year.

January 14, 2009 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

Employee slipped on track of track dozer while dismounting. Employee injured right knee and recieved perscription medication for pain. Employee was on restricted duty for two weeks.

January 10, 2009 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was moving wheelbarrow full of coal and felt a pinching in lower back, resulting in pain in right hip. Employee returned to work with restricted duty and perscription medication.

2008 · 4 incidents

September 30, 2008 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck by flying object

Employee was operating Haul Truck and received forgien body in right eye. Employee recieved medical treatment for cornea scratch and was put on antibiotics for 7 days. Employee was wearing safety glasses at the time of the incident.

June 13, 2008 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck against stationary object

Employee lacerated left thumb while installing hose clamp on air filter. Laceration came from hose clamp edge. Suture was required to close laceration. Employee was released to work with lifting restrictions until the suture was removed.

June 1, 2008 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck by falling object

Employee was lifting sun gear for scraper wheel assembly when lifting bracket shifted causing the gear to break loose from rigging. Gear landed on employees left foot, resulting in crushing injuries and two broken toes.

April 26, 2008 WY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was air arching on frame crack on Haul Truck and recieved eye injury by metal splinter. Employee was wearing proper PPE for the job.

2007 · 7 incidents

December 26, 2007 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was trying to put cable back on pulley using pry bar. Cable jumped to other side of pulley and contacted employee's left middle and ring fingers. Ring finger received laceration requiring stitches and middle finger received compound fracture that required reconstructive surgery. Employee missed 2 days of scheduled work.

November 28, 2007 WY · Coal miner, prospector, nec POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

A civilian vehicle traveling east bound on Interstate 90 crashed into the Wyodak Mine's Peerless pit (south side of I-90). The Peerless pit is not currently part of the active mining operations and no Wyodak Mine employees were injured in this crash. The vehicle traveled off of the Interstate approx. 3/4 to 1.5 miles before rolling over the edge of the embankment.

November 16, 2007 WY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Contact with hot objects or substances

Welder/Mechanic burnt arm while welding on loader. Employee reported 11 days after incident happened because burn became infected and needed medical treatment. Employee was not wearing proper protective clothing that was provided. He was diagnosed with contact dermatitis (the infection) as a result of the un-treated burn.

July 28, 2007 WY · Coal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Black Hills Energy · Struck against stationary object

Employee slipped on wet coal at the Loadout facility and sprained right ankle. Received X-ray and air cast at the hospital and is working light duty.

May 18, 2007 WY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was cutting with a torch, when he felt his leg getting warm. Hot slag had come in contact with his lower coverall pant leg and started to burn. He smothered the smoldering cloth and received a burn on his skin on a 4 inch by 4 inch area. He took steps to keep the skin clean and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

April 27, 2007 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

Employee was working in the man basket of a bucket truck. The basket dropped 2-3 feet while employee was leaning against top of basket causing injury to his rib and chest area.

2006 · 1 incident

January 4, 2006 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was arc welding. Raised his welding hood to chip at some slag. A piece of hot slag came over the top of his safety glasses and lodged in the corner of his right eye. Treated and released back to work by a local optometrist.

2005 · 2 incidents

December 19, 2005 WY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator assisting mechanic to drive ripper shank out of socket on tool bar. Metal shard struck left inner thigh becoming imbedded in flesh. Cold morning - about 10 degrees.

Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

One of our dust collectors empties into a trailer mounted bin that is then towed to the waste dump for disposal. As an employee open a slide gate and coal dust began spilling out, the dust ignited. Trailer and towing vehicle sustained paint damage.

2004 · 1 incident

July 13, 2004 WY · Coal ELECTRICAL
Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

Suspect that lightning struck during a severe thunder storm causing ignition of coal dust inside the dust collection baghouse atop silo 3. A computer time stamp of 6:53 p.m. indicated miscellaneous and unconnected electrical disruptions. Baghouse doors found open and bags gone at 12 noon on 07/14/04. Investigation began into how, what and when.

2003 · 2 incidents

November 6, 2003 WY · Coal security guard, watchman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LIFTING A FIVE GALLON BOTTLE OF WATER UP ONTO THE DISPENSER. SHE SOMEHOW TURNED THE WRONGWAY AND INJURED HER BACK.

October 16, 2003 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE UNLOADING OXYGEN & ACETYLENE BOTTLES TO REPLACE THOSE ON A PORTABLE WELDING TRAILER. WHEN SLIDING THEM FROM THE BED OF A PU TRUCK TO THE GROUND, EE CAUGHT HIS MIDDLE FINGER OF LT. HAND BETW EEN BOTTOM OF TANK & BUMPER OF PU TRUCK. EE REPORTED INCIDENT BUT DENIED MEDICAL ATTN. ON 10/23/03, EE REPORTED THAT FINGER WAS NOT BETTER. EE WENT TO ER & X-RAY CONFIRMED FRACTURED FINGER.

2002 · 3 incidents

November 19, 2002 WY · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE CLIMBING DOWN A VERTICAL LADDER FROM A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT, LEFT FOOT MISSED THE BOTTOM STEP CAUSING RIGHT LEG TO BECOME HYPERFLEXED. HE FELT A POP AND PAIN IN RIGHT HIP.

October 15, 2002 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE UNDERWENT SURGERY ON HIS LEFT WRIST FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ON OCTOBER 15TH. PHYSICIAN AND WORKER'S COMPENSATION ARE LISTING THIS AS A REPETITIVE MOTION ILLNESS.

May 27, 2002 WY · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck by falling object

PULLING UPRIGHT SCAFFOLD TO A NEW 10 CANON TO CHANGE LIGHT BULBS, SCAFFOLD TAPPLED OVER ONTO EE.

2001 · 2 incidents

July 16, 2001 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

RMPLOYEE WAS MOUNTING A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. SHOES WERE MUDDY, STEPS AND HANDRAIL WERE MUDDY. SLIPPED OFF, DROPPED TO THE GROUND. HEARD POPPING SOUND FROM RIGHT KNEE.

July 11, 2001 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck by falling object

EE WAS INSTALLING A 30-4O LB BALL STUD ON THE BACK OF A HAUL TRK. BALL STUD SLIPPED & FELL ON EE'S RIGHT F00T

2000 · 3 incidents

September 7, 2000 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

OPERATING A WTR TRK, HAD PARKED UNDER WATER LOADOUT BUT DID NOT LINE UP WITH FILL HOSE. TURNED WATER ON USING A REMOTE DEVICE WHILE STANDING NEXT TO FILL HOLE. HOSE POPPED OUT & WATER PRESSURE KNOCKED EE DOWN ON TOP OF TANK

March 15, 2000 WY · Coal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator, crane operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE DISMOUNTED THE DRILL & STEPPED IN AN UNEVEN DEPRESSION RESULTING IN A TWISTED KNEE. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION UNTIL SURGERY PERFORMED 2/2/01

February 24, 2000 WY · Coal drill helper DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE UNDERWENT SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL (RT WRIST) ON FEB 24TH, WILL HAVE LEFT WRIST DONE AFTER RIGHT ONE HEALS. THERE IS NO ONE INCIDENT TO POINT TO. WORKER'S COMP HAS LISTED THIS A REPETIVE M OTION CONDITION. EE IS A DRILLER/BLASTER BUT FILLS MANY POSITIONS AS NEEDED.

1999 · 3 incidents

Black Hills Energy · Accident type, without injuries

EMPTYING HOT COAL FROM SLOT STORAGE BARN, MAJORITY OF COAL HAD BEEN REMOVED. SOME COAL DUST CLINGING TO SIDES OF HOPPER FELL WHEN VIBRATOR WAS ACTIVATED. THIS DUST IGNITED, RESULTING PRESSURE BLEW CEILING PANEL OUT OF THE TOP OF THE BARN.

May 20, 1999 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Fall onto or against objects

EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING INSIDE A BELT INSPECTION HATCH AND ON TOP OF THE CONVEYOR BELT. USING A SUCTION TUBE TO VACUMM UP COAL SLURRY BEING WASHEDDOWN BY ANOTHER EMPLOYEE. A SUDDEN RELEASE OF CO AL SLURRY KNOCKED HIM BACKWARD INTO CHUTE WORK. SLURRY ALSO PUSHED THE HATCH CLOSED AND HIT HIM IN THE FACE. HE WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE. HE RECEIVED SUTURES AND WAS RELEASED.

May 20, 1999 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Fall onto or against objects

EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF FEEDER DOOR HOSING COAL DOWN ONTO THE BELT WITH WATER. A SUDDEN RELEASE OF COAL SLURRY HIT EMPLOYEE AND KNOCKED HIM BACK. HE RECEIVED A BRUISED BACK AND SHOUL DER AND A TWISTED LEFT LEG. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE, TREATED AND WAS RELEASED.

1998 · 3 incidents

April 15, 1998 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE UNDERWENT SURGERY FOR CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME ON APRIL 15, 1998 PHYSICIAN FEELS THIS WAS DUE TO REPEATATIVE MOTION. NO ONE INCIDENT TO POINT TO AN OCCURANCE DATE. EE IS ASSIGNED TO OPERATE A CAT 992 RUBBER TIRE LOADER BUT PERFORMS MANY DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS AS NEEDED BY WYODAK.

April 6, 1998 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ASSIGNED TO INSTALL A NEW BATTERY IN THE REAR ENGINE BATTERY COMPARTMENT OF A CAT 637 SCRAPER. EE USED A FORK LIFT TO RAISE THE BATTERY ON A PALLET TO THE LEVEL OF THE FENDER. EE WAS ST ANDING WITH ONE FOOT ON PALLET AND ONE ON FENDERAND PALLET SHIFTED WHEN BATTERY WAS LIFTED.

January 14, 1998 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS DESCENDING THROUGH A HATCHWAY WITH HIS LEFT HAND RESTING ON THE OPENING AND HIS RIGHT HAND HOLDING THE EDGE OF THE OPEN HATCH. EE INADVERTENTLY PULLED HATCH FORWARD ENOUGH THAT IT FELL ONTO HIS LEFT HAND, STRIKING THE DISTAL END OF LEFT RING FINGER, CAUSING A SMALL CLEAN FRACTURE. FINGER SPLINT WORN FOR TWO DAYS.

1996 · 3 incidents

June 11, 1996 WY · Coal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Struck against stationary object

STEAM CLEANING UNDER PIECE OF EQUIPMENT. HOSE BECAME STUCK ON THE TIRE LUG. EMPLOYEE PULLED ON HOSE AND WHEN IT CAME FREE, EMPLOYEE'S LEFT ELBOW BUMPED A PROTRUDING CORNER UNDER EQUIPMENT. SUR GERY PERFORMED 12-20-96.

April 11, 1996 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Black Hills Energy · Struck against stationary object

HAD FINISHED WASHING OFF A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IN ORDER TO PERFORM REPAIRS UNDERNEATH. GROUND COVERED WITH ROCKS, MUD AND DEBRIS AND AS EE CRAWLED UNDER TO EXAM THE WORK AREA, HIS LEFT KNEE CAM E DOWN ON TOP OF A SMALL STONE. NO PAIN FOR 4 DAYS, THEN STARTED TO FELL STIFF AND SORE. EXAMINED BY DR ON THE 16TH.

January 15, 1996 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS HAULING FLYASH, STOPPED TO SCRAP HIS TRAILER & BREAK UP AN ASH BRIDGE. THE ASH BRIDGE CAME FREE, FALLING DOWN & THE FALLING ASH CHUNKS BURIED RIGHT LEG, TWISTING RIGHT KNEE OF THE EE.

1995 · 7 incidents

October 5, 1995 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

WHILE CLEANING THE SHOP AREA, THE EMPLOYEE LIFTED AND CARRIED A WOODEN PALLET OUT TO TRASH DUMPTSTER. AT THE DUMPSTER THE EMPLOYEE USED 2 HANDS TO RAISE THE PALLET TO A HEIGHT TO CLEAR THE EDG E OF THE DUMPSTER AND THREW IT IN. EMPLOYEE FELT TWINGE IN LOWER BACK. NO PAIN OR DISCOMFORT FELT, EMPLOYEE CONTINUED SHIFT. INJURY NOT REPORTED FOR 5 DAYS.

September 16, 1995 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS PULLING A HYDRAULIC FILTER FROM TANK ON LOADER #147 USING HIS RIGHT HAND. FILTER BECAME STUCK AND SLIPPED FROM GRASP. EMPLOYEE REACHED WITH HIS LEFT HAND TO CATCH FILTER. FILTER P INCHED MIDDLE FINGER OF LEFT HAND AND CUT FINGER OF SAME HAND. REQUIRED 5 STITCHES AT CCMA-ER.

April 3, 1995 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman ELECTRICAL
Black Hills Energy · Contact with electrical current

EMPLOYEE WAS ASSISTING ELECTRICIAN IN THE RECONNECTION OF LOWER BENCH CONVEYOR SYSTEM. EMPLOYEE REMOVED COVER OFF OF MODULAR PLUG, LOOKED INSIDE PLUG FOR DIRT, REACHED RIGHT HAND INTO COUPLING TO DO CIRCULAR HAND SWEEP TO REMOVE DIRT/DUST AND RECEIVED ELECTRIC SHOCK. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION FOUND THE POWER HAD NOT BEEN DISCONECTED & GROUND MONITOR WAS NOT MONITORING COMPLETE CIRCU

March 21, 1995 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Black Hills Energy · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE REPORTED TO WORK ON 03-21-95 THAT HE WAS EXPERIENCING BACK PAIN & LEG NUMBNESS NO SPECIFIC INCIDENT OR ACCIDENT COULD BE IDENTIFIED EE BELIEVES HIS BACKK PAIN TO BE WORK RELATED ROUGH ROAD S JARRING & BOUNCING OF OPERATOR DR WILL NOT ALLOW RETURN TO WORK AS OF 04-05-95 DR INFORMED WORKDAY 04-18-95 THAT EE WORK AS HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR CONTRIBUTED TO DEGENERATIVE DISK WORKMANS

January 9, 1995 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS ATTEMTPING TO REPOSITION CENTER BUCKET PIN ON UNIT #156 FOR WELDING. EE STRUCK PIN FLANGE WITH 12LB SLEDGE HAMMER. PIN MOVED APPROX 2 " MOMENTUM OF SLEDGEHAMMER CONTINUED FORWARD RIG HT THUMB WAS PINCHED BETWEEN FLANGE AND SLEDGEHAMMER HANDLE.

January 5, 1995 WY · Coal security guard, watchman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS CONDUCTING HIS NIGHT WATCH INSPECTIONS I N THE SOUTH PIT WHEN HE WALKED TO A CLOCK ENTRY POLE AT THE EST WATER LOADOUT WHEN HE SLIPPED ON ICE & FELL ON 06-06-95 EE HAD SURGERY ON HIS BA CK DUE TO THIS FALL MISSED HIS FIRST SCHEDULED WORK DAY 06-07-95

January 4, 1995 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS GETTING IN THE DEWATER PICKUP. THE GROUND WAS UNLEVEL AND HIS LEG TURNED OUTWARD AT THE KNEE. HE DID NOT THINK IT WAS ANYTHING SERIOUS, BUT A FEW DAYS LATER IT STARTED GIVING PROBLEMS.

1994 · 4 incidents

December 19, 1994 WY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

YEARS OF HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION'S OVER VARYING TERRAIN HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A SHIFTING OF SPINAL VERTEBRAE THAT HAS CREATED TENSION/PRESSURE ON SPINALNERVES THAT CAUSE LOWER BACK PAIN AND LEG PAIN.

June 15, 1994 WY · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CHAIN TO LATCH BAR ON P&H 2300 SHOVEL HAD BECOME WEDGED IN HAMMER LOCK LINK NOT ALLOWING THE BUCKET TO LATCH. HE PLACED HIS LEFT HAND ON THE DIPPER HANDLE RELEASE CHAIN TO MOVE IT AWAY FROM WE DGED LINK, USING A 8 LB SLEDGE HAMMER IN HIS RIGHT HAND HE STRUCK THE WEDGED LINK. WHEN THE LINK WAS FREED IT ALLOWED DIPPER HANDLE TO DROP 4 INCHES. THE DIPPER WEIGHT SNAPPED THE CHAINS TOGE

February 7, 1994 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall onto or against objects

INJURED WAS OPERATING HAULER #105, PARKED IT, DISMOUNTED TO GO TO RESTROOM, WALKED TO RIGHT SIDE OF HAULER STEPPED OVER COAL-WHEN BACKING AWAY FROM HAULER TRIPPED OVER COAL AND FELL BACK WARDS. INJURED LANDED ON BACK & STRUCK SHARP PIECE OF COAL AT HIS BELT LINE NEAR CENTER OF SPINE

February 4, 1994 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

EE DROVE #105 HAULER TO PIT TO BE LOADED WITH COAL. ONCE LOADED, THE HAULER HEADED TO HOPPER/DUMP. AT TOP OF HILL, TRAILER BRAKES WERE APPLIED & THEN THE RETARDER & FLOOR BRAKES. THIS DID NOT SLOW HAULER ADEQUATELY ON THAWING/SLICK ROAD. EEPULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE KNOB LOCKED UP TRACTOR BRAKES AND SLIDE INTO COAL PILE CAUSING JARRING TOCAB.FOUND CONDENSATION IN TRAILER BRAKES.

1993 · 4 incidents

November 24, 1993 WY · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

EE HAD WELDED PIN BOSSES ONTO UNIT 158 AND THEN USED A 20 LB SLEDGEHAMMER TO INSERT THREE PINS CONNECTING LOADER TO BUCKET. NOTED 11-25-93 AM PAIN AND SWELLING IN RIGHT SHOULDER.

October 14, 1993 WY · Coal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

LIFTING A CLASS II DIV. I CAST BOX IN EAST DOAL SILO AND TWISTED LOWER BACK.

June 11, 1993 WY · Coal MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by flying object

TENSION ON BEAM BEING REMOVED TO MATCH UP LOWER BOLT HOLES BEAM SPRING OUT STRIKING RT. LEG AND GRAZING RT. SIDE OF NECK AND HEAD, LEAVING SMALL SUPERFICIAL LACERATION ABOUT 2" TO 2-1/2" LONG ON NECK. ALL SAFETY EQUIPMENT WAS WORN AND USED AT TIME OF ACCIDENT.

January 8, 1993 WY · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE RUBBER TIRE DOZER WAS BEING OPERATED ON COAL STOCKPILE. THE OPERATOR LOOKED OVER HIS LEFT SHOULDER WHILE BACKING DOWN THE EDGE OF STOCKPILE AND ROLLED OVER A CHUNK OF COAL CAUSING A JARRY ING MOTION.

1992 · 4 incidents

October 23, 1992 WY · Coal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE GRABBED CONCRETE BUCKE TATTACHED TO CRANE LINE TO STOP IT'S SWING. AS EMPLOYEE GRABBED THE BUCKET, IT JERKED TOWARD HIM PUSHING HIM BACKWARDS APPROX 8 FEET WRENCHING HIS BACK.

September 24, 1992 WY · Coal water truck operator OTHER
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

HAD FILLED WATER TRUCK AND HAD DISMOUNTED FROM TANK OF TRUCK TO CAB LEVEL,PUSHED PASSENGER DOOR SHUT AND WAS HEADED TOWARD ACCESS LADDER TO GROUND WHEN A GUST OF WIND PUSHED I.NAME OFF BALANCE FORWARD OFF THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK. FALL WAS 8'TO GROUND-LANDED ON FEET.

May 6, 1992 WY · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

EMPLOYEE SLIPPED OFF FRONT END LOADER WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHECK OVER THE MACHINE AND CLEAN THE WINDOWS HURTING HIS LOWER BACK ON THE LEFT SIDE AS WELL AS LEG MUSCLES.

April 1, 1992 WY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE A LIFTIME SEAL HAD REMOVED ALL BUT ONE BOLT AND LOCK TAB OIL LEAKING FROM CENTER HOLE EE STUCK THUMB IN CENTER HOLE TO PREVENT OIL FROM LEAKING INTERFERING WITH REMO VAL OF LAST BOLT. WHEN OTHER USED POWER WRENCH TO REMOVE LAST BOLT LOCK TAB ROTATED AROUND AND STRUCK EE THUMB.

1991 · 3 incidents

September 19, 1991 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEES WERE ATTEMPTING TO INSERT A SUNSTRAND 26 PUMP DRIVE INTO DRIVE CASE OF KOEHRING SHOVEL. THE PUMP WAS RIGGED AND BEING PLACED INTO POSITION USING A BANTEM CRANE 5888. THE PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPOSITIONED- THE EXTEND AND LOWER COMMAND WAS GIVEN. THE PUMP MOVED AND THEN UNEXPECTEDLY DROPPED 3-4 INCHES RESULTING IN A PINCH POINT OF HIS FINGER.

September 11, 1991 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GRIND EDGES OF A 21/2" WASHER, THE GLOVED RIGHT HAND WAS PLACED ON THE GUARD TO HOLD WASHER STEADY AGAINST THE GRINDING WHEEL WHEN THE GRINDER CAUGHT A HOLD OF THE THUMB GL OVE MATERIAL ON TOP OF WASHER AND PULLED THUMB IN GLOVE INTO GRINDER RESULTING IN INJURY TO TIP OF RIGHT THUMB.

January 4, 1991 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

TEN YEARS OF OPERATING A SCRAPER WITH REPEATED EXPOSURE TO THE ROUGH RIDE OF A SCRAPER THROUGH VARIABLE TERRAIN WHILE LOADING AND DUMPING (FROZEN GROUND,SOFT ROCKS) ON 1-4-91 TIME TICKET INDIC ATED STIFF AND ACHING BACK. NOTIFIED COMPANY OF USE OF CHIROPRACTOR 1-18-91.

1990 · 8 incidents

December 10, 1990 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE REMOVING REAR DIFFERENTAIL FROM DOZER IN COMPACT/CLOSE WORK AREA SAFETY CHAIN HOLDING DIFFERENTIAL ADJUSTED TO WEIGHT & SLIPPED FORWARD. DIFFERENTIAL BEGAN TO SWING & STRUCK EMPL IN BACK & RIBS HIT TIRE AS HE WAS EXITING AREA.

November 6, 1990 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS CHANGING OIL ON UNIT #59 SHOVEL. EMPLOYEE REACHED WITH LEFT HAND FOR THE RADIATOR HOSE AND HIS LEFT INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS MADE CONTACT WITH THE FAN.LEFT INDEX FINGER RECEIVED L ACERATIONS REQUIRING STITCHES AND THE TIP WAS BROKEN. LEFT MIDDLE FINGER RECEIVED MINOR LACERATIONS.

November 3, 1990 WY · Coal POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

TRUCK BED RAISED, HIT CONVEYOR. APPROX $30,000 TO TRUCK. APPROX $25,000 TO CONVEYOR.

August 13, 1990 WY · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

WHILE TRAMMING UNIT #15 BACKHOE, HIT A BUMP. EMPLOYEE GRABBED FOR RAIL NEAR DOOR FRAME WITH LEFT HAND, GRABBED EDGE OF DOOR FRAME. DOOR SWUNG BACK AND SHUT, CUTTING MIDDLE FINGER.

April 27, 1990 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall onto or against objects

OPERATOR LEFT THE CAB TO CLEAN FRONT WINDOW ON SHOVEL. SLIPPED ON OIL/COAL SLACK MIXTURE AND RIGHT LOWER LEG EXITED FRONT OF DECK STRIKING FIRE NOZZLE. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: 1. NO TOE GUARD AT FRONT SHOVEL DECK 2. FAILURE TO CLEAN OIL/COAL MIXTURE FROM DECK 3. NOT USING HAND RAIL PROVIDED.

March 3, 1990 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

ROLLED TRUCK REC CUTS TO HEAD AND 20 SUTURE, NUMEROUS BRUISES INJ WERE MINIMIZED BY SEAT BELTS UNDETERMINED CAUSE EQUIP FAILURE OR OPER ERROR

February 1, 1990 WY · Coal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

KNEELING UNDER DRIVE AXEL OF HAULER POSITIONING RAM ON STEEL BLOCK IN ORDER TO RAISE THE DRIVE WHEELS. RAM FELL OFF THE BOLCK STRAINED BACK TRYING

January 23, 1990 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

DRIVING WELDING TRUCK, WHEEL STRUCK DRIT PILE JERKED STEERING WHEEL TO LEFT AND STEERING WHEEL SPOKE STRUCK THE OPER L THUMB BREAKING THE DISTAL BONE

1989 · 1 incident

September 12, 1989 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE BELT TIGHTENER, UNDER SPRING TENSION, SPRANG BACK AND SMASHED FINGER. MECHANIC WENT TO DR. ON THE 13TH ADN A HERNOTOMA WAS DRAINED THROUGH HOLES MADE IN THE FINGER NAIL.

1988 · 2 incidents

November 14, 1988 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE CHIPPING SLAG A FRAGMENT OF METAL FROM THE HAMMER BROKE OFF AND WAS EMBEDDED IN HAND.WHEN INJURY WAS TREATED ON THE 14 THE METAL IN HAND WAS UNKNOWN.WHEN PAIN PERSISTED WENT TO HOSPITAL ON THE 19TH FOR X-RAYS AND SURGEON MADE INCISION IN HAND AND REMOVED FRAGMENT AND CLOSED INCISION WITH 3 STITCHES AND GAVE PRESCRIPTION FOR TREATMENT OF PAIN AND POSSIBLE INFECTION.INJURY DID

January 19, 1988 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE SEATED WI7H LEGS BENT, WORKING ON PICKUP FRONT END, MECHANIC TWISTED TO LEFT TO PICK UP A PUNCH FROM THE FLOOR. LEFT KNEE LOCKED AND MECH. STOOD AND FORCIBLY STRAIGHTENED HIS LEG AND LEG BECAME PROGRES8IVELY MORE PAINFUL.

1987 · 2 incidents

May 12, 1987 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

WHILE ATTEMPTIN1 TO UNHOOK A MOVING RAIL CAR FROM THE CAR TUGGER FINGER BECAME CAUGHT BETWEEN THE CAR AND THE HOOK

May 6, 1987 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

PRY BAR WAS LEF7 IN TURNING PULLEY ON ENGINE. WHEN ENGINE WAS CRANKED THE BAR WAS THROWN OUT THE OPEN SIDE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER AND TRAVELED APPROX 1' BEFORE STRIKING LEFT LEG OF PERSON ST ANDING ON THE L9FT TRACK

1986 · 2 incidents

September 11, 1986 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

DUMP TRUCK WITH3RAISED BED ATTEMPTED TO GO UNDER A CONCRETE BRIDGE THAT DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH VERTICLE CLEARANCE. THE RAISED BED STRUCK THE BRIDGE OVERHEAD AND THE OPERATOR WAS THROWN FORWARD AG AINST THE STEER3NG WHEEL.

February 25, 1986 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

LOOSENING DRIVE3LINE WHILE ON KNEES UNDERNEATH EQUIPMENT.HE PLACED HANDLE OF WRENCH ON SHOULDER AND STRAIGHTENED HIS BACK TO APPLY FORCE TO LOOSEN A NUT.

1985 · 3 incidents

October 23, 1985 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

A LOADED COAL HAULER TRAVELING 15-20 MPH, LOST LEFT FRONT WHEEL DUE TO SPINDLE NUT KEEPER FAILERURE. HAULER VEERED LEFT OFF ROAD AND STRUCK OVERHEAD CONVEYOR I BEAM SUPPORT, SHEARING THE BEAM AND SMASHING THE HAULER CAB.

May 28, 1985 WY · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS ON HIS KNEES WELDING HAND RAIL. HE BENT OVER TO THE LEFT SIDE TO WELD BOTTOM AND GOT A SHARP PAIN IN LEFT SIDE OF BACK.

April 15, 1985 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by flying object

SEATING A DRIVELINE SEAL WITH A HAMMER AND PUNCH A PIECE OF METAL ENTERED LEFT EYE AROUND SAFETY GLASSES NO SIDE SHIELDS AND WAS EMBEDDED IN CORNEA OVER IRIS

1984 · 3 incidents

October 29, 1984 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

OPERATOR COMPLAINED OF BACK PAIN FROM ROUGH RIDE ON SCRAPER. NO CERTAIN TIME OF ACCIDENT BACK PAIN REPORTED AS COMIN FROM NUMEROUS BOUNCES OF SCRAPER OVER PERIOD OF TIME. DOCTOR REPORTS A COM PRESSED DISC & OPERATOR HAS BEEN OFF WORK SINCE 10-29-84.

May 23, 1984 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Energy · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

DRIVING OFF WHEEL NUT ON LOADER HAMMER GLANCED OFF & STRUCK LEFT HAND SPLITTING SKIN BETWEEN 1ST FINGER AND THUMB INJURY TREATMENT WAS TETNAS SHOT & THREE STITCHES

January 6, 1984 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

WHILE CLIMBING OUT OF SCRAPER, SLIPPED FROM LAST STEP AND CAUGHT UPPER THIGH ON CORNER OF TOOL BOX DOOR OF TRUCK PARKED ALONG SIDE RESULTING IN A BAD BRUISE-CUT.

1983 · 4 incidents

November 18, 1983 WY · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Energy · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

PULLING CABLE TO THE END OF BOOM. BOOM MOVED CAUSING PAT TO FALL FROM THE TOP OF CRATE.

October 4, 1983 WY · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Energy · Over-exertion in lifting objects

SHOVELING WET MUDDY SLOP FROM BOTTOM OF K CONVEYOR ONTO BET.

March 16, 1983 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Struck against a moving object

THE HAUL ROAD AREA THE SCRAPER WAS TRAVELING ON HAD SOFT SPOTS WHICH KEPT "MUSHING OUT" AFTER ROAD REPAIR. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CAUSED BY SOILS FROM THE STREAM BED THAT WAS BEING REMOVED.

January 10, 1983 WY · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Energy · Fall from machine

COAL HAULER OPERATOR FAILED TO STOP AT A RAIL CROSSING COAL HAULER WAS STRUCK BY BURLINGTON NORTHERN ENGINE ON THE MAINLINE