All MSHA-reportable accidents at Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC operations in 2017. Fatalities appear first.
During an idle period the Night Shift Security officer observed a spon com fire in the North Field Stockpile. No other surface personnel were on site. Personnel were called in to extinguish the fire and it took them longer than 30 minutes to get to the mine, requiring an immediate notification and report filing.
On August 28, 2017 at approximately 9:00 AM, a roof fall occurred in the Gateroad 404, CM Development Section. The fall occurred in the Last Open X-cut of Entry 2, at X-cut 68. The roof fell above the anchorage of the installed roof bolts. The CM operator observed the roof conditions deteriorating and had stopped work in the area and alerted others to stay away.
EE was jostled around in the seat during coal loading, as EE was reaching behind for a load log. EE was evaluated and released to return to duty on that date. On 11/28/2017 EE returned for additional medical evaluation and was held out of service to receive treatment for lower back, making this a reportable event on that date.
During repairs on the longwall a mechanic felt a pop in back as EE pushed on a 30 MM end wrench. EE returned to duty. On 3/27/2017 this mechanic sought chiropractic care, identified as medical treatment by the Yellow Jacket and converting it to a medical treatment case on that day.
A machine cover slipped while it was being installed and the middle finger on the left hand was caught between the cover and a support beam on the machine. The impact caused a laceration to that finger, requiring 4 stitches.
While mining in #3 the Cutter Head contacted a rib pin causing the washer to break free. The washer projected back 50' at the operator striking EE in the forehead. Resulting in a laceration above the left eye.
Employee's thumb was caught between the spacer bar and a steel arch during installation of steel sets.
A miner with a previous cardiac history began to experience chest pain during the shift. Employee was immediately removed from the mine and transported to the emergency room for cardiac care. Personal medical issue.