Independence Coal Company, LLCMining Incidents in 2004

ON DECEMBER 30, 2004 THE JUSTICE NO. 1 ELEVATOR WAS DOWN DUE TO A GROUND IN THE SYSTEM, APPROX 102 MIN.

An unplanned roof fall occurred on the #2 section #4 entry, 1 break outby spad #5009. The fall fell 2,900 ft. from the active face. The fall measured 80' x 20' x 8'. Six foot torque tension roof support was being used.

ON NOVEMBER 26, 2004 JUSTICE MINE HAD AN ELEVATOR MALFUNCTION. THE ELEVATOR WAS DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY 101 MINUTES DUE TO ICE ON THE DOOR SWITCH.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE NO.1 MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 110 MINS DUE TO A BOLT MISSING FROM A BRACKET IN THE OUTER DOOR.

On Oct 7, 2004 justic no.1 mine had an unplanned roof fall at approx. 4:30 am. the fall measure 30'x20'x6'. the fall will be rehabilitated./

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 45 MINUTES DUE TO THE INSIDE CAR DOOR NOT BEING CLOSED ALL THE WAY. IT VIBRATED AND THE SWITCH OPENED.

On August 27, 2004 an unplanned roof fall was discovered at the Justice No. 1 Mine. It was discovered during the weekly exam of the bleeder system. The fall size is unknown. The fall is in the # 1 entry near spad #427. Area was developed in June 2001 & was supported w/6' torque tension bolts; prop setters on a staggered 10' pattern.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 120 MINUTES DUE TO WIRE BURNT OFF POWER POLE.

An unplanned roof fall occurred at the justice mine tailgate section No. 4 entry Bk 116 to 117. The fall measured 20' by 18' by 7'. The date and time of this fall is unknown. It was discovered 7/29/04.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 270 MINUTES DUE TO THE BOTTOM DOOR SWITCH BEING GROUNDED.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY 119 MINUTES. THE POWER WAS OFF. IT CAUSED THE ELEVATOR CALL SWITCH TO GROUND AND PUT IT IN STOP.

ON 5/20/2004 THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 45 MINUTES DUE TO THE TERMINAL END WAS BURNED OFF AND GROUNDED. THIS WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN AT APPROX. 4 A.M.

The elevator at the Justice mine was down for approx 139 minutes due to the grounded tree and door switch on the bottom of the mine door.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROX. 112 MINUTES AND AGAIN TO CARRY OVER ON 5/19/04 FOR 360 MINUTES DUE TO GROUNDED CONTROL TREE TO THE SWITCHES ON THE BOTTOM.

On May 3, 2004 an unplanned roof fall occurred on the tailgate section in the #2 entry spad brk #121. The fall measured 50' by 20' by 20'.

AN UNPLANNED ROOF FALL OCCURRED MEASURING APPROX. 125' X 24' X 20'. THE FALL OCCURRED FROM FOOTAGE MARK 1850 INBY THE FACE. THE AREA WAS INITIALLY BOLTED WITH 5&6 TORQUE TENSION BOLTS, 8""&14"" CABLE BOLTS, TRUSS BOLTS W/ 10' LEGS, AND SCREEN MESH INSTALLED W/ 4' RESIN BOLTS. NO EQUIP. INVOLVED & PASSAGE OF PERSONS NOT AFFECTED. THE FALL WILL BE CLEANED UP.

AN UNPLANNED ROOF FALL OCURRED AT THE WHITE OAK MINE ON 3/31/04. THE FALL MEASURED 70'X 20'X 48""-8'.

On March 19, 2004 an unplanned roof fall occurred at the justice no. 1 mine. The fall measured to be 120' by 20' by 12'. the fall was at 8HG 1-2 entry spad 618 Brk #7.

THE ELEVATOR AT THE JUSTICE MINE WAS DOWN FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE AND ONE HALF HOURS (3 1/2) (205 MINUTES) DUE TO LOSING ONE LEG OF POWER.

Ee was refilling glue box on the tray at the drill boom station. immediatelly after filling glue he placed his hand on the tray when a piece of draw rock measuring 44"" x 16"" x 0-3"" thick fell from the roof striking his finger. left hand causing lacerations.

EE WAS OPERATING THE 12 CM IN THE #2 ENTRY. HE STEPPED OVER TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ENTRY TO CHECK THE CENTER LINE WHEN A PIECE OF ROCK FELL MEASURING 5' X 3' X 2"" TO 3"". THE ROCK STRUCK HIM IN THE HEAD KNOCKING HIM DOWN. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO BOONE MEMORIAL WHERE X-RAYS WERE NEGATIVE. HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A CONTUSION TO THE BACK & NECK.

IE was plumbing under sectional bathhouse, hit elbow on ground resulting in a puncture wound to right arm.

He operated shuttle car in #3 heading when the accident occurred. He struck a depression in the roadway causing him to strike his head against shuttle car canopy. Transported to surface then hospital, he was diagnosed with sprain neck, suffered headaches. Continued work but saw dr on Oct 12. Dr advise him to say away from work until MRI was completed.

Unloading ram jack for supply car.he was guiding end of ramjack his left hand when weight of ram jack shifted toward mine floor his hand was caught between ramjack & sharp jugged rock.size is 78""long x 12"" weight is approx. 500 lbs he was transported to gen. with avulsion of left middle finger and ring finger he was treated & released. the following day skin grafts were performed.

EE was installing tin roof on new security station when he fell approx. 9'. employee was transported to camc general where he was dragnosed with a fractured left wrist fractured mandible and a crack to the left foot. recovery time is expected to be 6 weeks.

EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A ROOF BOLTER WHEN A PIECE OF ROCK MEASURING 60"" X 1'8"" X 1"" - 6"" FELL AND STRUCK HIM IN THE HEAD AND FACE WHICH RESULTED IN A CONTUSION AND LACERATION. HE IS GOING THROUGH PHYSICAL THERAPY.

EE WAS WALKING BY THE PANEL OF THE FEEDER AND STATED THAT HE SLIPPED/TRIPPED AND CAUGHT HIMSELF WITH HIS LEFT HAND IN THE PANEL, RESULTING IN AN ELECTRICAL BURN. EE WAS TRANSPORTED TO CAMC GENERAL AND TO WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL WITH 3RD DEGREE BURNS. THERE WERE NO WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT.

HE WAS PUTTING IN 2 10"" PIPES AND PLACING THEM TOGETHER SO ANOTHER EMPLOYEE COULD TACK THEM TOGETHER. WHEN THE OTHER EMPLOYEE STRUCK AN ARC, THE CURRENT WENT THRU BOTH ARMS FROM FINGERS TO ELBOW BEFORE EE RELEASED.

Remove surface power line, while removing pole mounted light, ee was in using a bucket truck to perform this work, ee felt a pull in lower middle back.

EMPLOYEE'S MANTRIP HAD GOTTEN OFF TRACK. HE REMEMBERS ATTEMPTING TO JACK THE CAR BACK ON TRACK. THE BAR MUST HAVE SLIPPED, HITTING HIM IN THE JAW.

EE HAD BEEN SAWING TIMBERS. THE SAW WOULD NOT CUT. HE PUT A METAL WEDGE INT HE CUT AND BIT IT WITH A HAMMER A PIECE OF METAL FLEW OFF AND HIT HIS HAND PEIRCING HIS HAND AND GLOVE. OTHER CLEANE D AND DRESSED THE WOUND. HE WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE.

EMPLOYEE WAS PULLING CABLE OFF OF THE SPOOL TO CHANGE THE CABLE ON THE ROOF BOLTER. HE WAS PULLING 50 FEET AT A TIME WHEN HIS BACK POPPED. HIS FIRST DAY AWAY FROM WORK WAS FRIDAY, FEB. 13TH.

EE WAS PUTTING UP A 6' TORQUE TENSION BOLT. HE WAS USING FAST FEED. THE BOLT CAUGHT THE ROOF STRAP CAUSING IT TO BEND AND BROKE THE NUT OFF OF THE BOLT, SENDING THE 8"" X 8"" PLATE FLYING AND ST RIKING HIM ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS FACE.

EE WAS WALKING TOWARD THE TAIL WHEN HE HIT HIS HEAD ON THE FIRST AID BOX MOUNTED ON JACK 167. HE REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO HIS SUPERVISOR & FINISHED HIS SHIFT. ON 1/7/04 EE DIDN'T REPORT FOR HIS REGULARLY SCHEDULED SHIFT. MINE MANAGEMENT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT HIM. EE WAS CONTACTED ON 1/9/04 & HE REPORTED THE FOLLOWING: DURING SCHEDULED DAYS OFF HE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN HIS NECK & B

IE was putting forms on truck dump resulting in a strain to his back.

EMPLOYEE WAS INSTALLING CB MOUNTING BRACKET IN ROCK TRUCK WITH A MULTITOOL WHEN THE BLADE INADVERTENTLY CAME OPEN CUTTING RIGHT MIDDLE FINGER.

EE was servicing the scoop. He was picking up an acetylene bottle when it slipped and smashed his finger. He received stitches in his left index finger.

EE was pushing the lid back over the dryer to lower it onto the eye on the dryer, the lid broke causing it to swing and pin ee left thumb between the motor and the dryer body cutting his left thumb. he received stitches.

EE WAS BUILDING A CRIB WHEN A ROCK APPROXIMATELY 3' ROUND, 0-4"" THICK FELL STRIKING HIM ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FACE HITTING HIM OVER THE EYE AND NOSE.

EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO MOVE A DIESEL WATER PUMP WHEN JACK STAND FOLDED UP, SMASHING EE'S MIDDLE FINGER ON HIS RT. HAND REQUIRING 6 STITCHES.

Ee was pulling a dead mantrip when the chain broke under stree striking ee above the left eye.

Ee was setting up a 20' extension ladder and lost control of it. The ladder hit him in the head causing him to fall and strike his right knee against steps. He received 12 sutures to the left side of his forehead.

EE'S FINGER WAS CAUGHT IN A POINT BETWEEN THE EJECTOR AND FRAME OF SCOOP CAUSING A LACERATION AND FRACTURES TO HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER.

Ee was making a cable splice on the continuous miner with a utility knife. He cut his left thumb and received stitches.

EE was cutting to the head. A piece of draw rock came off the end of the drum striking member's right index finger. Employee was wearing fingerless metacarpal gloves. EE received sutures.

Employee was cutting a hole in the dust hose when he dropped his knife. He cut his left leg at the knee area. He received 4 stitches.

Was pulling on a 12"" elbow across the floor with a choker, the elbow got caught on the corner of a platform and ee kept pulling on it. Strained the middle part of his back.

CUTTING PIPE ON A PLATE, RUST FLEW UP UNDER HIS SAFETY GLASSES AND BURNT HIS EYELID.

Ee was picking the mantrip back onto the track when his right middle finger got mashed between the jack bar and mantrip. He returned to work on June 2, 2004 due to his 6/3 work schedule. No scheduled days were missed.

EE had just finished installing the last bolt in #6 right face. As he disengaged the t-bar a pice of flat rock fell measuring 12""-14"" in diameter, striking him on the right middle finger. He received 2 stitches.

EE WAS USING A CHAIN RATCHET TO PUT THE RAM ON PONTUNE WHEN THE RAM TWISTED CAUSING THE CHAIN TO COME LOOSE FROM THE HOOK. IT BACKLASHED AND STRUCK EE IN THE RIGHT FINGER CAUSING A HAIRLINE FRACTURE.

EE WAS MAKING A BELT SPLICE ON #9 BELT. HE SLIPPED AND PLACED HIS RIGHT HAND ON THE NAILBOARD TO CATCH HIMSELF, WHEN ANOTHER EE HIT HIS RIGHT THUMB WITH A FLEXCO HAMMER.

EE WAS KNOCKING DOWN A STOPPING WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER. HE KNOCKED THE TOP HALF OUT AND STOPPED TO CLEAN HIS GLASSES. HE REMOVED HIS GLOVES AND GLASSES. HE PUT HIS LEFT HAND ON TOP OF THE SOLID BLOCKS AND A ROCK FELL STRIKING HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER. THE ROCK WAS 0 - 1"" THICK, 20 1/2"" LONG AND 10"" WIDE. HE RECEIVED SUTURES.

EE was standing approx 20' out by the tailpiece at the face phone watching the tailpiece. He had his left hand on the monorail when a piece of rock fell striking his left hand. His hand was cut and he ceased to work and was transported to BMH to seek medical attention.

EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING STRINGS FROM BELT STRUCTURE. HE PULLED TOO HARD ON THE KNIFE AND IT SLIPPED AND CUT HIS LEFT FOREARM. HE RECEIVED 8 STITCHES OUTSIDE OF HIS ARM AND 2 INSIDE.

EE was cleaning duct work on the right continuous miner. He raised the lid to reach for the waterhose. The lid fell cutting his right ring finger. He received four stitches.

EE WAS GETTING OFF OF THE SCOOP WHEN HE SLIPPED AND FELL. HE STRUCK HIS RIGHT KNEE ON A ROCK WHICH CUT IT. HE RECEIVED 8 STITCHES.

WHILE TAKING DOWN A KENNEDY STOPPING, EMPLOYEE PULLED THE LAST PANEL AGAINST THE RIB. A ROCK RIB ROLL FELL STRIKING THE LEFT SIDE OF HIS HEAD ON DOWN TO HIS ARM AND FINALLY LANDING ON HIS LEFT LOWER LEG AND FOOT.

EE WAS PICKING UP CRIB BLOCKS AND A PIECE OF ROCK FELL AND HIT HIM INT HE HEAD. HE SAYS THAT THE INJURY IS MINOR.

Shoveling belt and stepped on a hose and twisted the right knee.

EE WAS UNLOADING A 350 HP MOTOR WHEN IT BECAME HUNG IN THE BUCKET OF THE 980 LOADER. WHEN EE GRABBED THE MOTOR IT BECAME LOOSE PINCHING HIS LITTLE FINGER ON HIS RIGHT HAND. HE RECEIVED 2 STITC HES.

EE WAS ONHOOKING CHAIN RATCHETS FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HAULER FRONT END. WHILE UNHOOKING EE PULLED FROM THE OTHER SIDE WITH THE SCOOP RAM RESULTING IN AN AVULSION TO RIGHT RING FINGER TIP. IT WAS SMASHED BETWEEN THE HAULER AND FRAME. HE RECEIVED 13 STITCHES.

EE WAS GOING TO REMOVE DRAWHEAD FROM AND HE BACK OF THE MOTOR TO THE FRONT. THERE WAS A BLOCK OF WOOD TO HOLD IT UP FROM TRUCK. HE LIFTED THE DRAWHEAD WHILE OTHER TOOK THE WOODOUT HE DROPPED I T ON THE RAIL. EE LEFT INDEX FINGER WAS SMASHED BETWEEN THE DRAWHEAD AND RAIL. HE REEIVED 6 SUTURES.

EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING A ZIP TIE OFF OF THE FREEZE PROOFING HOSE. HIS KNIFE WAS HUNG UP IN THE CHAIN LINK FENCE. HE PULLED HARD ON THE KNIFE AND IT SLIPPED, GOING INTO HIS RIGHT HAND. HE RECEIVE D 13 STITCHES AT THE E.R.

EE WAS BACKING SCOOP OUT ON TO THE TRACK TO MANEUVER A POWERCENTER ON A FLATCAR WHEN HE BACKED AROUND THE CORNER A CABLE BOLT FLEW UP FROM THE GROUND AND HIT HIM IN THE MOUTH. EE RECEIVED SEVE N SUTURES.

CONTRACTOR WAS JOGGING TUNNEL BELT WHEN BREAKER BLEW UP & EXPANDED DOOR WHICH CAUSED HIM TO STOVE HIS FINGER UP OR MAYBE EVEN OVERLAPED HIS JOINTS ON RIGHT THUMB.