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

260 matching records

Showing 50 of 260
October 20, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was flex lancing a vertical 6 inch pipe from the bottom. The opening was approximately 12 inches from the ground. As EE was flex lancing a piece of the product came lose falling and pulling the flex lance out. The tip of the lance struck EE's left leg below the knee causing a laceration. several times for follow up all ending in EE being released to light duty.

October 18, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal weighman, scale person MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was using an air chisel to descale a box in Precipitation. While doing so, the air chisel shifted and dropped, catching the employee's finger between the chisel and metal structure resulting in a fracture and laceration.

October 12, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a sprocket. While doing so, the taper lock slid off of the shaft, striking the employee's finger, resulting in a laceration that required 4 sutures.

September 16, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While removing a cylinder from the #2 kiln dust valve the employee caught the tip of right ring finger between the cylinder and the mounting bracket resulting in fracture.

August 26, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was removing a 4 inch ball valve to unplug a line. While doing so, the employee was splashed with caustic resulting in burns to the front of body.

August 10, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

With the assistance of another employee, an employee was carrying a countertop through a doorway. While doing so, the employee's hand was caught between the countertop and the door way resulting in a laceration that required sutures.

August 3, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using an air chisel to descale B3 PAP discharge line in Precipitation and felt pain in right shoulder. Restricted duty started 8/25/16.

July 27, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee in Precipitation stepped down into caustic material. Material entered the top of the employee's boots resulting in burns to both feet.

July 24, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal hand scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was descaling #2 Washer. While setting down the air-powered scaling tool, the employee lost footing resulting in a back strain.

July 19, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping off of a skid steer. While doing so, the employee slipped and caught left foot between the bucket and frame resulting in a strain / sprain of the left knee. Restricted duty started 8/4/2016.

July 19, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was opening a valve at the top of Precipitation. While doing so, caustic splashed on the employee resulting in burns.

June 3, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal janitor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking down a stairway carrying a trash bag. While doing so, the employee missed a step and grabbed the handrail while off balance resulting in a dislocated left shoulder.

April 27, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While taking the shifting cable off the barge, the cable pinched right hand. 1. employee failed to shift the barge into the correct position for cable release 2. employee placed hand in the pinch point between the cable and deck bit

April 26, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Operator pulling on filter media sustained a back strain. Placed on restricted duty on May 9, 2016.

March 29, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Two employees were pulling a slack rope to secure a ship at the dock. While pulling, one employee tripped resulting in a hernia.

March 7, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was swinging a 4 lbs. hammer to loosen a valve handle. While doing so, the employee felt a sharp pain in right arm.

February 29, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While pulling on a wrench, employee felt pain in right wrist. Employee was placed on restricted duty on 4/18/16.

February 25, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal froth cell operator, flotation mill operator, concetrator operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting an air tool stand with the assistance of another employee. While the employee felt slight back pain. The employee sought medical treatment 3 days later.

February 1, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee failed to maintain proper footing when handling the rail switch

January 12, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was scaling hopper with pneumatic tool. When placing the tool on the ground, the employee felt a sharp pain in lower back. Employee was later referred to physical therapy.

January 11, 2016 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was replacing a section of 6-inch pipe and caught right thumb between pipe and an object resulting in a tuft fracture.

December 28, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee complained of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery on right wrist on 12/28/2015 resulted in days away from work.

December 5, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

AT operator was standing in engine that was connected to empty rail cars. A KCS engine pushing empties coupled to the AT train causing a bump that knocked AT operator off balance.

November 29, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Noranda Alumina LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing upright from a stooped position and felt pain in his back.

September 15, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee allegedly tripped on a cable as he was attempting to walk over it. The cable is used to secure one dock barge to another dock barge. The employee stated that he felt pain in his back following the alleged incident.

August 23, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Contact with heat

While working during the day, the employee stated that he felt cramping and nausea.

August 16, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Precip operator stepped into 4" x 14" floor opening resulting in abrasions and contusions.

June 23, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Contact with heat

Employee was working outside intermittently throughout the day. The temperature was approximatley 90*F (~110*F Heat Index). The employee showed signs of heat illness as recognized by the supervisor. The employee was treated by on-site medical and referred to local hospital. Employee placed on restricted duty for 1 shift and released to full duty.

April 12, 2015 LA · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee dismounted from Gantry 101 bottom steps, slipped, and fell on hands and knees on 4/12/2015. Employee was placed on restricted duty on 4/23/2015.

November 25, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee removing jib crane hook from a load, stepped backward onto wooden pallet and tripped. Employee attempted to cushion fall with right arm resulting in right wrist fracture.

November 14, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was rolling the blinds for the #3 PDS tank. While rolling the 16" blind the blind slipped out of the employees hand and smashed his finger between the blind and the pipe flange.

November 11, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee was stretching out a hose when he felt a pain in left shoulder.

November 4, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping down off of #1 filter and felt something pop in left knee. Employee placed on restricted duty on 11/24/2014.

October 7, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While replacing a long cylinder on #9 press, the winch was attached to the rear of the long cylinder after the center mount had been secured to pull the chamber back so the pin could be installed. The torque on the winch was released and the long cylinder pivoted downward pinching EE's foot causing a laceration on his foot behind the steel toe of his boot.

October 1, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

On 10/1/2014 the assoicate states that he was removing a rubber rope seal with channel locks, on number 3 filter pan. When he pulled upward on the rubber rope seal he felt pain in his right shoulder. Restrictions were placed on the associate on 10/22/2014

September 23, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The associate from the Carpenter shop was removing scaffolding from behind 102 gantry. While removing the boards he had pinched his right pinky. The cut goes from the middle knuckle towards the hand.

July 24, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The associate was in the process of tying up a ship, the spring lines were being moved with Gantry 101. The associates hand was in the chocker strap that holds the rope, the strap tightened up when it got stuck behind the dock bumper which casued the chocker to tighten up around the associates hand.

July 16, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Associate was opening tank 71 with the beater valve, the chain wrapped around the tip of right ring finger. When he pulled on the chain he felt it squeeze his finger. Fracture sustained to right ring finger.

June 19, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Associate was performing a caustic switch. He was using a valve wrench to open caustic valve on #8 press when the wrench slipped jamming his left pinky finger between the floor and valve wrench handle.

June 3, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Fall down stairs

Associate was walking up the stairs from checking on the 2 belt tail pulley when he slipped and put his left hand out to break his fall. He felt something pop in his left wrist.

May 10, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While working in switch gear to restore power associate was using a hammer and chisel to remove insulation and the hammer bounced back hitting him in the tooth. The hammer chipped associates tooth.

March 18, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal lab technician SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Noranda Alumina LLC · Fall onto or against objects

A Lab employee tripped on a floor mat in the lab. The employee reached for the exit's door frame to catch himself and felt a pain in his right bicep. The employee was directed to medical and restrictions were issued including lifting <=5 pounds, no pushing or pulling and no overhead work. The employee was released to return to lab work only. Additional diagnosis to be conducted.

March 6, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Associate was closing the bottom valve on WT64, when he felt a pop in right thumb. Causing a throbbing pain below his right thumb. Associate was taken to CORE (X-Rays were taken)and released with no restrictions. He was re-evaluated on 4/3/2014 by Orthopaedic Dr and a fracture was discovered. He was placed on restriction on 4/3/2014

January 30, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal building repair man, maintenance HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

EE was installing a Clarkson on the slacker deck in section III when the hammer that he was swinging hit a wedge, struck a pipe and then hit his left hand at the index finger. EE was asked if he needed medical treatment and he stated that he did not.

January 20, 2014 LA · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter MACHINERY
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was removing scale from a valve with a rivet buster. When the scale broke free the rivet buster dropped pinching the employee finger between the rivet buster and the valve. The employee incurred a linear fracture in the distal phalanx.

December 3, 2013 LA · Metal/Non-Metal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Noranda Alumina LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was switching low pressure heaters. While opening 4 west vapor valve, when the stem started to turn, employee took the locking pin and the stem of the valve. Employee's left thumb was lacerated the process. He received stitches.

October 3, 2013 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was installing a blind on the classifier sand shoot. The blind fits tight and required the use of a maul to install. When employee finished task he felt a sharp pain in his lower back. He was placed on restricted duty on 10/04/13

September 30, 2013 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Noranda Alumina LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee experienced a shift change in his hearing. Audio baseline was set in 2000. He was tested on 09/24/13 and had a hearing shift in the right ear. He was retested on 9/30/13 and the shift was still present. He is being sent to an ENT specialist to verify whether or not he had other independent medical issues.

September 27, 2013 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Noranda Alumina LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Realigning Y8 coolers. While opening a water valve, the wrench slipped off of the valve handle on the gate valve and he smashed his hand on the gate valve next to the one he was opening. He fractured his middle & ring finger on his right hand. He was treated with cold compresses and buddy tape. He was given a prescription for pain.

September 23, 2013 LA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Noranda Alumina LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee experienced a shift change in his hearing. Audio base line was set in 2000. He was tested on 09/17/13 and a shift was discovered in his right ear. He was re-tested on 9/23/13 and the shift remained in his right ear. He is scheduled to see an audiologist to verify whether or not he had other independent medical issues.

Showing 50 of 260