Mining Incidents

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Every injury and fatality MSHA has on file. Filter by state, year, sector, classification, experience, or any keyword from the investigator's narrative.

Total incidents
273,193
Of which fatal
1,202
Years on record
2000–2026
Classifications
20
Filters 1 active
Time period
Experience at time of incident

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The record

170 matching records

Showing 50 of 170
February 17, 2026 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported while lifting tire chains onto a tire, they experienced pain in left shoulder. X-ray report indicates advanced degenerative changes. MRI results obtained on 02/26/26 indicate multiple areas of degenerative osteoarthritis, tendinosis, and AC joint arthropathy.

March 6, 2025 CO · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Trapper Mining Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported while filling an emulsion tank, EE's left foot slipped. EE landed on EE's left side and experienced soreness in EE's left hand/wrist and shoulder. Shoulder MRI results obtained on 04/22/25 indicated multiple areas of tendinosis and advanced AC joint arthropathy.

May 7, 2024 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Trapper Mining Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported pain in EE's neck and top of shoulder after turning EE's head to look at a berm while operating a dozer.

March 26, 2024 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assigned to change a stem on an inner dual of a Komatsu haul truck. In the process of completing this task, EE reported experiencing pain in EE's upper back.

January 10, 2024 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee reported that EE was attempting to assist a mechanic pulling a rock knocker out of the rear of a truck bed. EE tried to catch the rock knocker with EE's hand after being instructed not to do so. EE's hand was crushed into the back deck of the truck.

November 7, 2023 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported shoulder pain after operating equipment. Employee has had two prior surgeries on same shoulder (Occupational Illnesses: 02/19/11 and 05/09/15).

March 23, 2023 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall from machine

While training a Journeyman Mechanic to perform a strut PM on a Komatsu 830E, lost footing and landed on the concrete floor on right hip/leg.

June 6, 2022 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported that right shoulder was bothering them approximately two months after running a Loader. Employee was sent to a physician who prescribed physical therapy.

May 1, 2022 CO · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Pinchpoint smash of Right Index Finger. Requiring stitches. No permanent damage. Work to resume 5/10/2022

April 25, 2022 CO · Coal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported stepping off a beam to a walkway inadvertently landing on the edge of the walking surface.

October 15, 2021 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported that EE was navigating a side hill when EE felt something burn in EE's left shoulder.

April 26, 2021 CO · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported while climbing on a dozer, employee experienced pain in knee. MRI revealed medial extrusion of the body of the medial meniscus and a tear of the root of the medial meniscus. These conditions are associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative changes.

January 13, 2021 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported discomfort in shoulder at the end of shift. The employee reported using a hammer to assist in removal of a pin earlier in the day. MRI received on 2/3/21 indicated presence of a ganglion cyst, advanced AC joint arthrosis and mild bursitis presence.

January 4, 2021 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Employee reported while climbing off a motor grader, EE slipped off the last step. EE's lower back landed on the back side of the moldboard.

August 31, 2020 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported that when cleaning out a drain pan in the lube bay, EE tipped the pan forward and it became unstable. EE felt pain in EE's left shoulder immediately following the incident.

May 28, 2020 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Rubbed or abraded

Employee reported EE had reached under EE's safety glasses to itch left eye. EE immediately noticed a painful sensation in the eye. EE was treated by an optometrist who removed a foreign body.

March 17, 2020 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported while assisting a mechanic, they felt some discomfort in right shoulder. MRI results given to the employee on 04/28/20 indicated moderate tendinosis, bursitis and degenerative changes.

January 23, 2020 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee reported while exiting a pickup, EE slipped and fell. EE reported pain in the left arm/shoulder immediately following the incident.

December 12, 2019 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee removing hydraulic pump from tire truck when it slipped and pinched a finger. X-rays subsequently revealed a non-displaced terminal tuft fracture.

June 21, 2019 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall from ladders

Walking up short ladder when the ladder moved causing foot to hit floor. Fracture of metatarsal bones in left foot.

April 24, 2019 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee lifted microwave. Felt strain in left bicep and later than evening noticed bruising and some swelling. MRI reviewed and physical therapy prescribed on 6/17/19. MRI indicates degenerative tearing of nearly the entire labrum, synovitis in the rotator interval and severe acromioclavicular osteoarthrosis.

November 9, 2018 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported dismounting a haul truck and straining EE's shoulder. MRI reviewed and physical therapy prescribed on December 10. MRI indicated multiple degenerative conditions suggesting tendinopathy, arthritis and bursitis. No work restrictions or days of work missed.

September 7, 2018 CO · Coal welder (non-shop) MACHINERY
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was welding overhead on a dragline when a piece of slag fell into right eye. EE was treated by an optometrist who removed the foreign body.

June 14, 2018 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee reported while stacking cases of water in change room, felt a pain in the left side of abdomen.

March 10, 2018 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee reported when moving a rock knocker that had fallen off a haul truck, EE felt a pop and pain in EE's left arm. Surgery performed 3/19 for a left elbow distal tendon rupture repair.

December 9, 2017 CO · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee moving dragline cable experienced lower back strain. Work restriction issued 12/19/17.

October 3, 2017 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was getting off a dozer when their foot slipped on tracks. Employee was holding the grab rail with right arm and strained the right shoulder. Reported the injury on 10/9. Surgery was determined necessary on 11/3. Employee had surgery on 11/14.

June 29, 2017 CO · Coal transit man, surveyor/transit worker OTHER
Trapper Mining Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was discovered deceased in the active mining area. There were no indications of traumatic injury event. Employee is believed to have been engaged in routine surveying activity at the time of collapse.

January 16, 2017 CO · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Trapper Mining Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Heavy equipment operator restricted from work duty as of February 7 following report of progressively worsening lower back pain. MRI indicates degenerative changes including multilevel facet joint arthropathy in the lumbar spine.

January 5, 2017 CO · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Trapper Mining Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported dismounting dragline at end of shift and reaching up to get employee's lunch box when employee felt a twinge of pain in employee's shoulder that became increasingly worse. Physical therapy prescribed. Subsequent MRI indicates multiple degenerative changes that will require surgical repair.

May 20, 2016 CO · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee moving dragline cable stepped into a dragline shoe track and EE's left knee buckled. Pain and swelling developed over the remainder of EE's shift and persisted over the weekend. Employee referred to doctor on 5/23 for evaluation. MRI completed 6/2.

January 7, 2016 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee reported after dismounting haul truck, ee was walking away when ee slipped and fell on left side. Physical therapy was prescribed on 2/5/16.

September 24, 2015 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck against stationary object

While seated, co-worker patted employee's knee. The employee reacted by reaching to push the co-worker's hand away. Hands made contact and a loud "pop" occurred. X-rays revealed fracture of the 4th metacarpal.

June 26, 2015 CO · Coal shopman repair cars, mechanic HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee reported while positioning a heavy metal stand, the stand toppled injuring two fingers on the employee's left hand. The injuries required medical treatment and resulted in time off work.

June 25, 2015 CO · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported numbness in both hands on 6/25/15. The employee underwent surgery on 9/8/15.

May 9, 2015 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported shoulder pain after operating haul truck. Employee has had prior surgery on same shoulder (occupational illness, 2/19/11).

March 27, 2015 CO · Coal electrician helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee reported carrying part in shop when left foot twisted (ankle rolled) and he went down. Left knee became sore over weekend and employee went to ER for evaluation. MRI results received 4/7 indicate torn ligament.

March 25, 2015 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck against stationary object

Maintenance employee reported he knelt down on a bolt while working on an overburden drill. His knee later swelled up and started to hurt. Medical treatment provided at follow-up appointment 4/8/15.

March 23, 2015 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported after stepping off a dozer, he felt a locking sensation and knee pain. Employee had surgery on 4/23.

March 18, 2015 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee repositioned right leg while conducting maintenance work, stepped backwards and felt a pop in right knee. Diagnosed with partial dislocation and restricted from all work 3/31.

February 23, 2015 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Fall from machine

Employee was stepping out of the operator's cab to clean the rear window on bulldozer when he slipped and fell from the equipment deck to the ground. This injury resulted in an ear laceration requiring sutures.

February 4, 2015 CO · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting a piece of lath toward his thumb with a knife when it slipped, cutting his left thumb. This injury resulted in a laceration requiring sutures.

August 13, 2014 CO · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported noticing numbness in both hands. Workers' compensation claim filed. Determined non-work related. Employee subsequently appealed denial and obtained approval for carpal tunnel release surgery. Employer informed of surgery and verified work-related compensability decision on 7/6/15.

April 26, 2014 CO · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On April 30, employee reported shoulder pain after slipping and catching himself dismounting haul truck. On Friday, November 14, employee confirmed plans to undergo surgery to repair torn tendon. He has not missed work or been restricted from normal work activity to date. Surgery to be scheduled for December or January.

April 23, 2014 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee reported lower back pain after operating a dozer. The medical evaluation identified degenerative conditions in the lumbar spine. Diagnostic results were obtained 5/7/14.

April 13, 2014 CO · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck against a moving object

On April 13, 2014, employee reported lower back strain after jarring back while operating bulldozer. Physician issued lifting restriction on April 21 that prevents employee from fulfilling normal duties.

December 10, 2013 CO · Coal electrician, lineman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Notified employer on 12/10/13 of surgery scheduled for 1/7/14.

November 4, 2013 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Trapper Mining Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was checking a fuel leak repair on a haul truck when a loose particle blew into his left eye. He was treated by an optometrist who removed the foreign body.

October 22, 2013 CO · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Trapper Mining Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was assisting with a cable change on a boom winch. His left hand was pinched when the weight of the cable shifted while getting the cable back on the sheave. This injury resulted in a laceration requiring sutures.

September 18, 2013 CO · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Trapper Mining Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee reported back pain after knocking wedges out of a tooth adaptor with a sledge hammer. Notified employer on 12/18/13 of surgery scheduled for 1/3/14.

Showing 50 of 170