Thunder Basin Coal Company LLCMining Incidents in 2014

A fire lasting approximately 50 minutes was discovered shortly after the primary crusher was unplugged. The stilling shed curtains were burned along with some coal that remained in the hopper.

At 12:00 noon the HVAC technician was going to the top of the silo in the elevator when the elevator stopped near the top of the silo. The elevator passenger was never in any danger of being injured. This person was safely out of the elevator at 12:42 pm.

A fire on DR23 was discovered by a nearby loader operator approximately 1 hour after maintenance personal had finished removing the Kelly drive bushing. The fire was discovered at 11:08 and MSHA was notified at 11:41 due to the fire not being extinguished within 30 minutes.

A millwright was replacing dump ropes and links on the arch of bucket. The new dump rope and link were installed and pinned on the left side. While attempting to install the keeper bolt, the rope and socket assembly slipped, pinching/amputating the end of the left index finger between the link and socket assembly.

The haul truck operator's hand was grabbing onto the hydraulic tank ladder at the hinge point when the tech stepped on the bottom rung causing the ladder to settle against the stops. This movement at the pinch point amputated the tip of the tech's right index finger.

While riffling coal sample, employee lifted the hinged door (approx. 1 - 2 lbs.) to riffle and complained of shoulder pain afterwards 03/28/14 Dr. ordered tests and restriction - do not return to work until evaluated - workers' comp has made no decision at this time

Employee was using a hydraulic torque wrench (high torque) that slipped off the nut. The employee reached to catch the wrench at which time his left ring finger was pinched between the wrench and drag line hoist case

Using pipe wrench to back up while being tightened. Wrench broke and struck worker on left hand. Fractured left index finger

The wash-bay tech tripped and fell while walking backwards as she was guiding a water truck out of the wash-bay. Her left wrist was fractured when her outstretched hand was used to break her fall.

While loosening a plug with a ratchet the injured employee felt a pull in his shoulder/neck area which was diagnosed as a strained muscle and resulted in restricted duty.

The mechanic twisted his right ankle when dismounting the engine access ladder on a haul truck. He received a treatment that makes this injury reportable on 5/9/2014.

The millwright was adjusting a web sling on the rod of the hydraulic hammer on the IT (Integrated Tool handler) when the rod was tilted downward, pinching/lacerating the millwright's left index finger requiring stitches.

The left index finger was lacerated when picking up a piece of broken dozer blade, resulting in 9 stitches.

Heavy gust of wind blew dust and foreign material into eye requiring removal of material by optometrist.

Employee was performing a latch bar adjustment on the 28 shovel. While installing a shim, his right thumb was jolted in the latch bar assembly resulting in a fracture.

The haul truck driver fell off the engine compartment ladder landing on the ground on her shoulder. This was a short fall that resulted in pain in her left shoulder. On 7/15/2015 she received medical treatment that makes this incident reportable.

An electrician was in the process of cutting the tape off a blower motor connection when the knife slipped and cut through his leather glove resulting in a laceration to his left hand that required stitches.

The mechanic was struck under the chin by a 1"" nut when attempting to pull the right tie rod pin from a haul truck. The result was a chipped tooth and two small lacerations that required stitches.

An equipment operator's left middle finger was pinched/smashed while positioning the latch bar on a shovel dipper to change the shim pack. When the latch-lever was lowered onto the prop device, the prop shifted and pinched the technician's finger. The result was a laceration that required stitches.

Employee was exiting the change room during a heavy rainfall when he slipped and lost his balance on the stairway landing causing him to fall. The employee received a laceration on his left hand as a result of the fall requiring sutures to close the wound.

The mechanic was pulling a wheeled oil drain cart across the shop floor when a wheel hit a small obstacle on the floor causing the handle he was pulling on to deflect. This unexpected movement pinched his finger between the handle and a nearby bolt bin. The result was a smashed little finger on his right hand that required stitches.

The teeth on the shovel bucket hooked the side of the truck bed jarring the operator in the cab of the truck. On January 28, 2015 the operator received medical treatment that makes this incident a medical reportable injury.