Republic Energy, IncMining Incidents in 2011

A unplanned roof fall occurred in the #6 Entry at spad # 2322. Fall is 7,200' from active 001-0/002-0 section. Area was initially supported with 5' torque tension bolts. Fall meas. 20' L. X 20' W. X 6' H. Ventilation and passage of persons were not affected. Fall will not be rehabilitated. State and Federal agencies were notified immediately.

The driver smelled something burning pulled over and stop to check it out saw flames went to grab fire ex. but didn't have time jumped out away from truck.

A unplanned roof fall occurred in the #1 Entry at spad # 6731. Fall is 500' from active 003-0/004-0 section. Area was initially supported with 5' torque tension bolts. Fall meas. 20' L. X 24' W. X 6' H. Ventilation and passage of persons were not affected. Fall will not be rehabilitated. State and Federal agencies were notified immediately.

A unplanned roof fall occurred on the #2 section in the #3 entry at spad 6839. Fall occurred 80' from the active #2 section. Fall measured 20'x20'x7' area was initially supported with 5' torque tension and 8' cable bolts. Ventilation was not affected, passage of person was affected. Area will be rehabilitated. Federal and State agencies were notified immediately.

A section of the highwall approximately 50 feet wide, 25 feet long and 10 feet thick fell onto the front of the AddCar Highwall Miner, causing a stop in normal production activity for longer than one (1) hour. There was no injury to persons as the pit had already been evacuated due to the wall moving.

A unplanned roof fall occurred in the #1 entry on the #9 belt line at spad 4423. There is not a producing section at this location. Size of fall 50' L. X 20' W. X 7' H. Ventilations and passage of person was not affected. Fall will not be rehab. Area was initially supported with 60"" Resin Bolts. federal and State Agencies notified immediately.

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the #8 entry. 2 breaks Inby spad #6414,1700' from active sect. Roof fall did not affect ventilation, passage of persons was affected. Area was developed 6/2011 and roof support consisted of 5' Torque Tension roof bolts Fall Measured 20'LX20'WX6'High. fall will not be rehabilitated. Federal and State Agency's were notified immediately.

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the #6 entry 100' inby spad #998. This fall is 6500 feet from active face. Fall measured 20' long x 20' wide x 5' thick. No equipment or injuries. Roof fall did not affect ventilation, passage of persons was affected. The fall will be rehabilitated. Area was initially supported with 48"" resin bolts.

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the #6 entry of the 001-0 section. This fall occurred at spad #2297, 500' from active face. Area was developed July 2011. Roof did not affect ventilation and/or passage of persons. The fall will not be rehabilitated. Area was initially support with 48"" resin bolts. Size of fall 18w x 25L x 4'H. Federal & State Agency's were notified immediately.

An unplanned roof fall occurred in the face of #7 entry. Forty feet inby spad #2331. Federal and State Agency's were notified immediately.

Roof fall occurred in the #3 enrty at spad #1576. Fall occurred 5600 feet from the active face on the 001-0 MMU. This area was developed March 2008. Area was originally supported with 5 torque tension bolts. Roof fall did affect ventilation and passage of persons. Fall will be rehabilitated. Fall 20w X 20l X 8H. Federal and state agency were notified immediately.

A fire did occur on mine property involving an over turned Kenworth Tandem coal truck. The fire lasted for approximately one (1) hour before being extinguished. There was no personal injury involved with this accident.

A unplanned roof fall occurred in the #3 3ntry. 1 break right from spad# 3556.This fall occurred 11,000' from the active face. Ventilation and passage of persons was not affected. Area will be re-hab'd. Fall meas. approx. 12' L. X 20' W. X 4' H. Area was supported with 4' resin bolts. Federal and State agencies were notified immediately.

A unplanned roof fall occurred in the # 5 entry of the 001-0 section, this fall was 40' from active face. Fall measured 30' L. X 20' W. X 6' H. No eq. or injuries involved. Area was supported with 60"" resin bolts along with 10' cable bolts. Fall occurred in Neutral Entry, ventilation and passage of person were not affected. Federal and State Agencies were notified immediately.

On the right handle cover - pulled cover outward it fell to ground and pinched fingers between handle & cover.

Employee was taking a left-handed lift on the #2 pillar section. He backed the miner out to check a leaking boom swing hose. He and a miner helper were on the offside of the miner checking the leak when a rib rolled and struck employee on his lower left leg. He received multiple fractures to the left foot. *Doctors had to amputate below knee.

EE was changing springs on a vessel clean coal screen. When he reached to pull the spring out, the Harrington 3T chain hoist gave way, allowing the screen to fall down mashing his four fingers between the screen pedestal and the spring. He received a contusion only. He is off work until further notice for therapy.

Injured employee was dismounting a D-11 Dozer when he slipped and fell causing a 2nd degree burn to his hand and bilateral knee pain. He was seen at the ER and released to return to work by the ER physician. Injured employee return to his physician on 11/28/2011 for continued knee discomfort and was excused from work on 11/28/2011.

While roof bolting in the last row in the face of #3 entry, employee bent a bolt. While drilling a new hole a piece of rock that came loose on the bent bolt broke at his right forearm. He received a small contusion without breaking the skin. Doctors gave him two days of restricted duty. He returned to work on 11/11/2011.

Injured employee was dismounting surface drill on 11/04/2011, when he stepped on a rock and twisted his left ankle. He went to the doctor and was released to return to work. He continued to work his regularly scheduled shifts until 11/16/2011, that's when he went back to the doctor for continued discomfort. He was diagnosed with a sprain and excused from work on 11/16/2011.

Bathhouse attendant was sweeping the bathhouse and fell out the back door. The height was 18-24"" and the steps were removed while putting an addition on the building. He twisted his left knee but refused any medical attention. He missed no work until March 12, 2012.

Roof bolter operator had finished setting two 6' torque tension bolts & waited for his offside partner to finish his, when a rock 3'x 3'x 2"" thick fell from between bolts & knocked his hard hat off, hitting his right hand. A second piece of rock fell and lacerated the back of his head. (the roof is mixed & 7.5 feet.) The laceration required 8 staples. #2 Section, 4R, inby spad 2579

Electrician was walking by the #3 section power center when tripped over power cables. He twisted his right knee. The incident was reported as a notice only with no injuries, treatments or doctor visits. In February 14, 2012 he sought medical treatment and missed work for surgery to his knee.

Roof bolter operator was bending bolts and as he stood up his back began hurting. He reported that he had several back surgeries in 2009. He was transported to CAMC General. He is off work receiving physical therapy.

The off-side roof bolter was drilling a hole, when a rock fell onto his canopy and busted apart. A piece of the rock hit his left ear causing a laceration that required fourteen sutures at CAMC General Hospital. He was instructed to take five days off work.

Recoil on seat on ET-2102 bad causing a strain on lower back. Did not go to hospital until 9/28/11.

Miner operator and two shuttle car operators were hanging the miner cable. The miner operator was on his knees and over-stretched while lifting the cable. He complained of his back hurting. He was transported to CAMC where he was diagnosed with a muscle strain in his back. He was given two days off.

Electrician was replacing a battery plug when a rock measuring 5'x3'x3 1/2"" fell from the roof striking him on the back of head & neck area. He drove himself to Raleigh General and the doctors gave him a full release. He returned to work & continued to work until 9/27/2011. He went to his doctor who gave him two days off with muscle relaxers. He returned to full duty on 9/30/2011.

Third shift crew was replacing a bad pump located in the creek on the surface. The crew foreman strained his back and later sought medical attention. He was given medications and taken off work. He missed 3 days work during the following week. He RTW on 9/19/11 and has missed no more work. The safety department learned of this accident on 9/19/11 and began investigating.

Operator went to the back of the bolt machine and picked up a box of resin. He threw the box onto the machine and felt a pull in his left shoulder. He continued bolting and finished that cut. He left work and sought medical treatment at Raleigh General. Drs there advised him to take 1 day off. He RTW on 8/29/11 after missing one scheduled shift. He did not report this until today.

EE was using torches to remove the cable stand off the right continuous miner. While cutting, hot slag went into his left ear. He continued working until Aug.28,2011. He sought medical attention on the third day after becoming light headed. Doctors said he had burned his eardrum and the ear was infected. He is off work receiving treatment.

Roof bolter operator was bolting in #5 right. He was operating the offside drill and as he swung it out to drill a hole, a rock (11""x10""x3"") fell off his canopy, striking his left shoulder. He complained of numbness but received no abrasions or bruising. He refused ambulance care and drove himself to Raleigh General where tests were negative. The doc gave him 2 days off work.

On stepladder leaning against rear of excavator looking for oil leak when machine shook the ladder and caused him to fall and striking the ground.

Employee fell from the second step of a Caterpillar 777 Water Truck resulting in a strained knee. On 8/25/2011, employee was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee. He has been placed off work until surgery on 9/12/2011.

While another employee was using a hammer to install bucket tooth on loader, employee was watching. A piece of metal came off hammer or pin & struck employee in right eye.

Employee was mounting a Volvo A40D Articulating Truck when he felt and heard a loud pop come from his right leg. He experienced pain and could not bear weight on his right leg. He was transported to hospital and given a preliminary diagnosis of a torn muscle and referred to a specialist. He was administered morphine for pain.

2 mechanics were going to change transmission & transfer case on Chev 2500 pickup. The truck tires were placed on crib blocks for more clearance & blocked. Park brake was set according to mechanics. Rear portion of drive shaft was disconnected with no issure. When front portion was disconnected, truck began to roll. Mechanic under the truck tried to roll out & was struck on hip.

Beltman/fireboss was breaking up a large rock using a sledge hammer. He felt pain in his lower back and hips. He was working alone. He was transported to CAMC General by ambulance. Doctors gave him a light duty slip. He did not report to work and has been off work since the accident.

An electrician was walking down two steps from the mine office when he twisted his left ankle. He did not slip or fall. He underwent surgery at CAMC to repair a broken tibia and fibula at the ankle.

An electrician placed his dinner bucket on the ground outside the parts building at the start of his shift. He twisted his back, instead of facing the location he chose to place the bucket. He felt a ""pop"" in his back and had to be immobilized immediately. He was transported to the hospital and is off work for treatment. He has a history of back injuries.

EE was riding mantrip with the crew to #2 section. He was riding with the operator instead of the passenger compartment. The mantrip was not over crowded. EE said he was just riding there. He reached for his tobacco and his head hit the mine roof causing neck pain. He was released from CAMC hospital and told to remain off work a couple of days to rest his neck.

Power knocked on CM (JM6432). Operator and scoop man were tightening the waterline swivel near a damaged place in the cable. Someone reset the circuit breaker and cable went phase to phase creating an arc. The scoop operator may have received. a shock when the arc occurred as he stumbled away from the cable. EE was kept in the hospital two days for observation.

EE was traveling to the pit when he ran through a rough spot in the road causing the loader to bounce. He then felt a sharp pain in his lower back. He continued to work until 1:30pm and was transported to the hospital and was treated for a strain and released. On 5/23/2011 he was sent home because he could not perform his duties as a loader operator.

EE was walking from his track jitney past the rock box at #3 tail piece to check a v-scraper. The top lowers at this point and the employee struck his head on the roof resulting in pain to the neck and between the shoulder blades. He missed no work until August 24, 2011 when doctors took him off work for a month for evaluation. He suffers from a degenerative disc disease.

While replacing the rub rail on the miner, electrician felt pain in his back. Tests were negative and he was released from the hospital emergency room. He missed work and went back to the doctor. He was excused from work for three days.

EE was moving some 30""x6""x6"" crib blocks on the lower storage yard when he felt a sudden pain in his lower right abdomen/groin area. The weight of the crib block was not an issue. EE finished his shift, due to increased pain he sought medical attention and was diag. with a hernia. He underwent surgery on 4/6/11.

EE, electrician was unloading parts from the man trip at the end of the track rail on #3 section. EE crossed the track on the out-by end and caught his foot under the track rail. The newly installed track was not ballasted. EE hyper extended his foot and rec. a bruise. He has not RTW and does not respond to requests for communication regarding the incident.

While driving nails in the process of making belt splice, belt man felt pain in his left shoulder. He missed no work until July 1, 2011. His doctor took him off work to rest the shoulder until he could perform rotator cuff surgery.

EE was cleaning tailgate and misjudged where his left hand was and it was due to being overloaded. It was his left index finger.

Member placed his right foot on the addcar to unhook the cathead. When the miner operator saw the cable get tight he trammed forward causing the member to get his right foot wedged between the jack and the car. This caused three (3) hairline fractures in his right foot and was hospitalized overnight for observation.

Two workers were cleaning gob. Co-worker picked up a rock about 12""x12"" to throw into scoop bucket when a larger rock (3'x2'x5"") slid from top of the 4' pile onto injured's right hand. He received lacerations to the middle and ring finger. He refused medical treatment & finished his shift. He would not fill out a report and didn't report to work the next day.

EE,stopped to open airlock doors on track. He slipped and fell, hitting his right forearm on the rack rail. He was wearing rubber boots and the tread could have been worn. He continued working. He later went to Med-express where he was diagnosed with a hairline fracture to the radius soft cast applied and he has not missed work.

Employee was bolting an overcast one break inby the #1 Section feeder. He had his right hand on the bar attached to the canopy when he slipped on some rock. He did not let go when he fell and twisted his upper body. His shoulder twisted in the process. Doctors gave him a few days of restricted duty.

Rebuild shop fabricator was removing shrink wrap from a pallet of parts using a utility knife. He was cutting with his right hand and pulling wrap with his left. The knife slipped and cut his left thumb. He was treated at CAMC and taken off work for a few days.

Installing transmission on a 773B, chain popped and allowed transmission to shift pinning left foot between frame and transmission.

He was pulling on an old fire hose to replace it. When the hose broke, causing him to fall back on the frame of a scoop. His elbow was slammed into the frame causing swelling and discomfort to his elbow.

Employee was unloading timbers from a flat car when he felt pain in his lower back.

The miner operator was backing the machine out to set over when a piece of rock approximately 4' X 4 1/2' X 3/4 to 3"" thick fell from between bolts onto the miner and broke apart. The rock slid off the machine striking his left knee area. Doctors place him on restricted duty for two working days.

Employee was splicing a shuttle car cable. He laid the cable on his thigh and began cutting, using a utility knife. The knife slipped and cut his thigh. The laceration required three stitches. He returned to work on his next shift.

2 welders were side by side Arc Welding cracks on Ex 2500 Bucket. Eyes became irritated overnight.

Employees were changing out a cross under guard on the #5 Belt at break 18. When taking the guard loose, a belt roller bracket snapped off, pinching the end of one employee's right index finger. The cut required six stitches. He missed no work.

Employee was using a chain hoist to raise the top conveyor belt to change a top of piece of belt structure. The hoist came loose and fell onto his right hand near the thumb. His hand was laying on the belt rail at the time. He received a fracture. He was not wearing his metacarpal gloves. He retuned to work on his next shift.

Rebuild shop fabricator was removing shims from the rear differential of a 35C Fairchild scoop. A floor jack was being used to support the differential while bolts were being removed. He failed to check the jack, which was not tightened against the differential. He removed the last bolts and the differential mashed his finger to the jack. He received 24 sutures and was released.

Injured employee was attending a safety meeting when he became hypoglycemia and passed out. He struck his head on the floor causing a laceration on his forehead above his left eye. He was treated and transported to the ER where he received 6 sutures.

Operator was bolting in 5R on #2 section using 12' cable bolts when a rock measuring 21"" X 10"" fell from between bolts striking his left shoulder. He received a laceration that required two stitches. The height was 11' and the top mixed. He missed no work.

The chief electrician was removing a side shield off a 14-cm15 Joy miner. He was letting the shield free-fall when his finger got caught in the handle. The middle finger of his left hand was broken at the first joint and the nail ripped off. This required four stitches. He returned to work on his next scheduled shift.

The roof bolter operator was using a utility knife to remove the straps from a bundle of roof bolts, when the knife slipped and lacerated his right thumb. The cut required four stitches. He returned to work on his next shift.

EE was working freshly poured concrete with a tamping bar. Concrete was poured to hold a post for a sign. As EE was tamping the concrete he managed to strike himself in the mouth with the pole breaking a tooth. Thurs 9/8/11 the EE saw a dentist. The dentist repaired the tooth thus making this incident reportable. The EE had no lost time. 9/9 & 9/10 are normal days off.

Coming down ladder of Ex5500, muscles in back of both arms and center of back began hurting and become sore. Did not go to the doctor until 8-26-11.

Prep plant mechanic was stepping into the screen deck to perform routine maintenance when he scraped his right thigh on a guarding bracket. It created a puncture that required three sutures. He returned to work following the procedure.

Fireboss was riding a rubber tired ride on the track along #1 belt when he attempted to steer the ride off the track. The tire got caught on the track and caused the steering wheel to spin out of control The steering knob hit his right hand around the pinky causing a fracture. He was treated and released. He returned on his next shift.

Electrician was installing a speed reducer on #10 belthead. To see if the reducer mounting holes were aligned, he put his rt index finger in the bolt holes. Was cleaning rockdust out of the holes. Another worker decided to shift the reducer with a slate bar and in so doing he lacerated the finger. He was taken to CAMC and received sutures. He RTW on his next shift.

Operating Komatsu 830E electric rock truck when an unknown object flew into his right eye. His eyes were flushed with eye wash and transported to hospital. He was diagnosed with a slight scratch on the eye and given ointment to treat the scratch. He was released back to duty with no limitations.

EE was bolting #6 right on 002 MMU when a piece of draw rock measuring 18' x 8' wide fell and struck his right forearm. He was not wearing the Kevlar arm sleeves provided. He received a laceration. He refused ambulance care and drove himself to the VA hospital, where he received seven sutures.

While swinging the drill pot, the operator had his right hand on the drill head and mashed his middle finger between the pot and frame of the bolter. He was wearing gloves. He went to Raleigh General and received ten stitches. He returned to work on his next shift.

The employee placed a pipe wrench on the stem of a ball valve. The intent was to allow water to flow to a hose. As he turn the stem using the pipe wrench, the stem of the ball valve broke allowing the top of his hand to strike the next ball valve to the left. This striking of the top of the hand created a laceration on the top of the hand that needed 4 sutures to close.

Employee was running the scoop when his canopy caught the bolter cable. He used his hand to push the cable clear of the canopy when the scoop rolled, pinching his finger between the canopy and the mine roof. He drove to Appalachian Regional Hospital and received ten stitches. He returned to work on his next scheduled shift.

Employee was taking down MRS cables. The cables had been hung with nylon hangers with two hooks. He removed one hook. The hanger had been wrapped around the cable several times. The weight of the cable caused the hanger to spin free. The cable hook hit his nose. He had six stitches to the left nostril. He missed no work.

During a power move, Employee was cutting nylon hangers from highline. Using his left hand he cut hanger while his right hand was supporting the cable. The knife cut his right forearm. He drove to Raleigh General and received four stitches. He returned to work on his next shift.

Electrician was helping scoop operator change batteries. EE had female end of jumpers and was connection it to scoop when wiring pulled loose inside bell creating an arc. Palm of his left hand was burned. Was treated and released at CAMC. He returned on his net shift. He followed-up at St. Marys Burn Clinic. The doctor removed dead tissue with no infection and released him.

EE, Electrician and his helper were replacing a feeder tailshaft. EE had the end of the tail shaft raised with a slate bar. He reached under the shaft to make an adjustment when the shaft fell on his middle finger. He drove to ARH hospital and received several stitches to repair damage to the end of his finger. He returned to work on his next scheduled shift.

EE was bolting in #1 entry when a small piece of roof fell, striking his left index finger. He received a laceration and ceased work. He drove himself to the hospital and received five stitches. He returned to work on his next shift.

Employee was bolting #5 left crosscut on #2 section when a piece of draw rock (1' x 2' x 1"") fell onto the operator's side tray. It struck his left forearm and left a 4"" laceration. He was treated and sent to the Raleigh Boone Clinic where he received six stitches. He returned to work and continued bolting for the remainder of his shift.

Operator was bolting #3 entry on #2 section when small pieces of rock fell from the top, striking his right arm. He ceased work and drove himself to the hospital where he received three stitches for a small laceration to his arm. He returned on his next shift.

Belt vulcanizer was cutting conveyor belt. When he finished, he put the knife in his pocket. The blade was not completely retracted and cut his leg. He was undecided about going to the doctor at the time of the accident. It was learned on 4/21/11 that he had received stitches but missed no work.

Member ate lunch at 12:00pm, by 2:30pm he had become very ill and was transported to hospital. He was diagnosed as having food poisoning. He was given intravenous fluids and released.

EE was squaring up belt to splice he was cutting toward himself the knife slipped ,came off the belt and cut a 1.5"" place above his right knee.EE drove himself to the Hospital after the shift ended and rec. three stitches. EE RTW on his next shift with instructions to review the accident and task train his crew on the correct way to use a knife.

Electrician was at the section power center drilling a larger hole in a ring terminal. He was holding the terminal with his left hand and the drill in the right. The drill bit caught his glove and lacerated his left thumb. He continued working and later sought medical treatment. The cut required 7 stitches. The safety department did not receive the report until 2/15/11.

Employee was getting out of the #1 deslime screen when he tripped and slipped causing him to fall. In trying to catch himself, he landed on his left ring finger causing a fracture. He did not miss work and returned on his next scheduled shift.

Member was zip tying a light to his hard hat when the knife cut through the zip tie, causing a laceration to his right thumb.

Employee was dismounting truck to scan card at scale and slipped. He fell onto the catwalk, he stuck his right hand out to catch his fall and received a laceration to his right hand that required 5 sutures to close the wound.

Employee was helping unload a belt structure sled from a scoop. As he attempted to unhook a chain from the back of the sled the operator pulled the ram back and caught injured finger between the ram and bucket.

Employee was cutting a piece of conveyor belt. The knife slipped and cut the end of his left thumb. He drove himself to the doctor after work. According to him, he received six stitches. He has not missed work.

The move crew was outby the section loading belt structure into a scoop bucket. EE bent over to pick up a top 48"" piece of belt structure, when he felt a sharp pain in his groin area. The incident was not reported to mine management until a month later when EE took off to have hernia surgery. Employees working with him confirmed the incident. 1st day away was 10/13/11

Employee was at #8 belt heads line splitter waiting for power to be set up outby his location. When power was supplied to the kva it created an arc. He was standing about 5' from flash. His eyes were flushed and he was given eye drops. He returned to work on his next shift. The arc was created by a loose phase lead.

Member was steam cleaning on a bulldozer. As he pulled the trigger on the steam wand, the force of the released water caused him to fall off the bulldozer to the ground. He stuck his right hand out to break his off, causing injury. He was transported to hospital and diagnosed with a sprained wrist. A brace was applied and he was released back to work.