Peabody Midwest Mining, LLCMining Incidents in 2017

Weathered roof conditions and potential slip in the roof fall area.

A roof fall was discovered at 8:34am between crosscuts 16-17 on the 5th Main North. It appears two bolts failed allowing wire mesh and subsequent supported material to impede travel.

While mining, two boreholes were mined through, causing water to enter the mine. This caused water to accumulate over the next three days in entries 5 and 6 on unit 1. This is in reference to citation # 9105369.

A fall of roof occurred in the 4th SE Mains at 58 xc, entry # 4. The fall measured approximately 18 feet wide x 30 feet long and the thickness is unknown.

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the 1st Left Panel travelway off the 4th SE Main. The roof fall occurred at crosscut # 13, entry # 5. The fall was approximately 18 feet wide x 20 feet long x 8' thick. The area had been supported with 6' fully grouted roof bolts and supplemental 8' fully grouted roof bolts with straps in the intersection.

Borehole with a pvc pipe in it allowed surface water from a field to enter mine at the 2nd East Mains Parallel - entry 11 - approx 17+65 Sta. Water gathered at the end of the 2nd East Main Parallel. It appears that a farmer knocked the top off the pipe. The borehole appears to reach the 6 seam only. Wildcat Hills did not drill this borehole. In response to citation # 9105311

A fall of roof occurred in the 1st North East Mains at crosscut # 16, entry # 6. The fall measured approximately 18 feet wide x 18 feet long and the thickness is unknown. The area was supported with 6 foot fully grouted roof bolts, with 8 foot supplemental roof bolts.

A fall of roof occurred in the 2nd Left Panel off the 5th SE Submain, Crosscut 56, Entry #9, at Station 33+80. The fall measured approximately 18.5 feet wide x 18 feet long and the thickness is unknown.

IE was replacing a roof bolter hyd fitting near the base of the ATRS. IE completed the work, the control side operator approached, did not see the IE and thought maint work was completed. The operator started the machine and swung the boom in pinching IE between the boom and ATRS. IE was treated at the local ER for a broken clavicle and released.

IE was roof bolting on unit #2 and had installed two rows in crosscut 2 3. On the third row, after installing roof bolt closest to the rib, the IE started lowering the drill pot down. As the drill pot was being lowered the IE sat the drill pot down on their right foot. IE was brought out and taken to hospital, and was diagnosed with a fractured little toe.

A contract employee had walked into the shower and had been in there approximately 3 - 4 minutes. employee just finished washing hair, turned around to grab body wash and as they turned, they slipped, their feet came out from under them causing them to land on their head causing a laceration that took 10 staples to close the wound.

IE stated that the scoop operator had cleaned entry # 7 and part of the line curtain had been torn down. IE went up to help the scoop operator hang curtain back up. While IE was hanging the curtain a rock fell out between the bolts striking the IE on the hard hat.

IE stated that while walking down the travelway of the 1st Main West they stepped in some dust that had a rock underneath causing them to roll an ankle. EE was diagnosed with a sprained ankle. EE was instructed to follow up with the Dr. on 11/13/17. EE attended the follow up examination and was placed in a walking boot and taken off work at that time.

Employee was hit in the neck and shoulder with a cable while tramming the roof bolter on 10/31/17. EE continued to work until 12/15/17. It was not until work comp. reviewed the case and received the Dr's report that this injury was due to the incident that occurred on 10/31/17. We were notified on 1/25/18 of this diagnosis.

IE was changing a bit on new drill steel at the start of shift. As IE was standing next to the bolter a rock fell from between roof bolts measuring approximately 4'X3'X4' - striking a glancing blow to left shoulder. IE was taken to the local ER for examination and was taken off work pending a follow up visit on 10/16/2017.

IE was installing roof bolts as primary support in #6 entry. As IE was preparing to place screen wire on the ATRS a rock fell from the roof striking the screen wire on the free end. The screen wire pulled IE to the left and forward then a second rock fell striking IE at waist level. The rock measured approx. 5'x3'x1-6'.

I.E. was changing bits on 239CM on the Right Side of Unit #2. I.E. and another employee went to spin the head of the Continuous Miner. While applying downward pressure to spin the head, I.E. felt a sharp pain across the back of the shoulders.

IE said while hanging miner cable with a co-worker, the tie wire broke so IE reached to catch the cable with left hand. IE continued to work but noticed that hand/arm felt different. Note: This employee had a previous injury to the left hand/arm (tear to distal bicep) that required surgery to repair. Surgical repair was performed again following this re-injury.

IE was adjusting the forks on a minitrac. IE lifted on the fork to adjust it. Lifting on the fork rotates the keeper stock located on top of the fork. As the IE lifted the fork they did not realize that their little finger was in a pinch point between the metal stock keeper and the frame. IE received 9 sutures.

IE stated that while throwing over miner cable felt a sharp pain in lower left of back. Having sharp pain radiating down left leg to knee. IE was seen by Dr. on 6/20/17 and taken off work at that time.

IE was driving a mantrip on the 4th SE travelway when they fell asleep . A passenger yelled and they looked up as the mantrip hit the rib, broke the 4"" discharge waterline on the opposite side of travelway. The discharge waterline came through the windshield striking IE causing a laceration of the left triceps.

A temp employee was hauling gob with a diesel scoop. EE reported to EE's foreman something hit EE in the back of the head while driving the scoop back to a turn around. The foreman noticed signs of concussion and initiated response. The area involved has been checked twice by an investigation team. It is believed the TE struck EE's head on the top of the seat or on the mine roof.

Employee slipped on rock in step while dismounting dozer and fell to ground.

3-13-2017 after shift- temp emp told a supervisor the temp emp was struck by a rock shoveling beltline. TE said was OK but was reporting per procedure. Supervisor 3 times asked if TE was OK or needed examined etc. TE said was OK. Alleged location was investigated - no rock found. TE began missing work. Mine was informed 6-2-2017 by temp agency work comp was accepting claim.

EE was walking between the Continuous Miner and the rib, slipped/tripped on some loose mine floor material and began to fall. EE reached out with arms to try to catch themselves on the side of the machine when EE felt a sharp pain in upper left shoulder. EE was transported to the hospital and treated for a dislocation and MRI results show a torn labrum.

A roof bolter was installing 8' bolts. Due to bolt length being greater than seam height these bolts must be bent prior to installation then straightened once inserted into the hole. While straightening the bolt, hand slipped off. The bolt sprung back and struck I.E. over the right eye causing a laceration of approximately 2"" that required sutures.

I.E. ducked due to height of the roof as EE walked along the beltline rib. A corner of screen wire that had gapped down from the roof caught EE's ear causing 2 lacerations. (Height from floor to roof - 66"", from floor to screen wire - 59.5"", from screen wire to rib - 21""). Employee was taken to local physician where EE received 10 sutures.

IE had just pulled the continuous miner into the next place and reached down to grab the cutting loop rope to throw the cable over to the rib. IE had pulled the cable tight with the miner and while bending over to pick up the cable, felt pain in lower back. After follow up Dr.'s appointment the following day, employee had restrictions which prevented EE from working.

A Contract employee was roof bolting in entry 3 when a rock fell out in front of the bolter ATRS. A piece of rock broke off of that rock that measured 34""x 4""x 1 to 2"" thick, and came back and struck ee on the ankle/leg area. The contract employee was transported to the medical facility and diagnosed with a hairline fracture of the fibula. EE started missing work on 1/31/17.

IE stated while squatting to look at a continuous miner a rock measuring 16.5"" X 5"" fell from the roof and struck IE on the hard hat. When this occurred IE lost balance, fell forward, and reached out to brace self. On 12/27/2017 IE was diagnosed with an elbow strain and given work restrictions.

IE was standing checking rail car doors to make sure they were latched. IE alleges that right knee twisted/hyperextended as IE was standing there. IE did not report this incident until 06/26/2017. IE continued to work up until 08/10/2017 when IE had right knee surgery. Surgery was arthroscopic partial medical meniscectomy and debridement of plica.

On 6/13/17 the EE stated that they stepped in mud while walking. When they pulled their foot from the mud, the knee began to hurt. The EE came in on 6/19/17 and stated that the knee was not getting any better and wanted to go see the Dr. The EE was taken off work on 6/19/17 pending a MRI. Results of the MRI revealed a rupture of a Baker's Cyst.

A Getman tractor operator pulling an empty trailer ran over undulations in the floor and struck head on a newly installed canopy. EE thought they were fine and continued but said the pain worsened and neck stiffened so they notified the supervisor. Employee was taken for medical examination and released to work full duty but on 5/9/2017 began working under restrictions.

Employee said while preparing to move the roof bolter employee picked up the cable and shoulder popped. Employee continued to work - an MRI was done on 7/17/2017. Initial diagnosis included degenerative issues, tendonitis. Later diagnosis was a rotator cuff tear related to the incident. Employee continued to work until surgery on 11/7/2017.

Employee said on 1/16/2017 EE fell as EE stepped off the concrete pad near the take up. At the time of the incident EE said didn't think much of it and continued to work. On 1/17/2017 EE noticed pain. Employee began missing work on 1/23/2017.

A mechanic was working on a ram car tram motor. IE was having trouble positioning the motor so they used a drill steel to pry with. While prying, the drill steel slipped and they struck themselves in the mouth with it causing a laceration that required 6 sutures.

The IE was roof bolting and had just finished drilling the 1st drill steel. When IE lowered the drill pot, the 1st steel momentarily bound up in the drill chuck insert pulling it out of the drill pot. IE stopped lowering the drill pot, reached to grab the drill chuck insert before it fell, the 1st drill steel came out of the roof, striking the IE on top of right ring finger.

Employee was moving solid 6"" block to build a wall. Employee received a block from another worker and turned with the load bent over and felt a sharp pain in lower back.

EE was working to unplug the 1st North transfer chute. EE used a cutting torch and trimmed the chute to allow better access to material blocking the chute. A piece of slag dropped between glove and cuff and burned the top of hand. EE continued to work. On 8/23/2017 EE was put on restrictive duty then released to full duty on 8/25/2017.

While cleaning a pan on a screen at the plant, the employee struck hand on the bottom of screen

Transformer in tub of dragline was not properly guarded and locked out. 3rd degree burn on right arm from flash arc.

IE unsuccessfully tried pulling a pin from a belt splice. EE used a claw hammer to grab the pin then struck the claw hammer with another hammer. As hammer struck hammer a metal shard dislodged, became a projectile and struck the IE's left forearm. The shard was removed at the local ER, two sutures were required to close the opening caused by removing the shard.

IE was carrying an open bucket of sealant preparing to plaster a stopping. When ee set the bucket down liquid that was pooled on top of the sealant splashed up and contacted the employee's left eye. The IE was wearing prescription safety glasses with side shields. Treatment included prescription eye drops.

IE noticed that a battery cell was popping and attempted to cut the cell strap. A screwdriver contacted the case causing an arc flash. IE turned away lost balance, fell spraining IE's wrist as IE attempted to brace self from the fall. The IE was also experiencing eye irritation in both eyes. IE was taken to ER for treatment and prescribed an antibiotic ointment for eyes.

Employee was dumping concrete bags onto grate on a gunite pump when another employee tossed a concrete bag on employee's hand smashing it between the grate and the bag. Employee received 6 stitches.

IE was installing a 10ft cable bolt. It is believed the bolt was damaged during installation. IE said EE installed the bolt, dropped the pot and the bolt spun. A flying particle struck IE's safety glasses and contacted eye. E.R. exam showed a small cornea contusion - no foreign material found in the eye. Prescription ointment was issued as a precaution to prevent infection.

IE was removing a cell from a coal hauler battery. The cell top became delaminated causing a gap between the cell top and cell casing. The cell slipped out of IE's hands landing vertically on the floor causing acid to exit the top of the cell. Acid splashed under IE's face shield, around the safety glasses contacting left eye. Prescription eye drops were issued/used 5/31/2017.

IE was in the process of throwing the cable cross over pads onto the back of the roof bolting machine when the right forearm contacted a steel roof strap that was extending over the back of the machine,causing a laceration. EE was brought outside and taken to the hospital. Three sutures were used to close the wound.

EE was operating continuous miner, when a hydraulic hose blew under the tail of the CM. Hydraulic oil sprayed EE in the face and oil came in under safety glasses getting oil in right eye. EE was administered first aid using eye wash. EE was transported to medical facility, eye was washed out and antibiotic eye drops were given to EE for treatment.

Employee was removing roller from belt line when roller shifted pinching arm between roller and frame of belt line.

EE reported in May that they had been struck by a cable and continued to work until 10/16/17. Surgery was performed on 11/1/2017. Pre-operative and post-operative diagnosis notes indicate an impingement with symptomatic AC joint osteolysis. (See attached report).

Employee medical examination indicates a sufficient degree of pneumoconiosis. Employee has exercised employee's option to work in a low-dust area of the mine.

On 3/3/17 stated was having trouble with left hand. Employee had a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) to determine if the symptoms were work related on 4/19/17. The results of the test determined that the employee has Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to work activities as an equipment operator and examiner. Employee started missing work after surgery on 5/24/17.

Employee has experienced a Standard Threshold Shift in employee's hearing in the 2000, 3000 & 4000 Hz level as compared to the baseline reading in 2011.

A contract employee called out from UG stating ee was feeling dizzy. A 1st responder was called to assist. Shortly after arriving the contract ee became semi-unconscious. MSHA hotline was called. After contract ee was seen by Dr it was determined to be related to personal conditions.