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
273,095
Of which fatal
1,202
Years on record
2000–2026
Classifications
20
Filters 2 active
Time period
Experience at time of incident

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The record

667 matching records

Showing 50 of 667
April 27, 2026 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was in the process of starting the last row of bolts in the #3 face on the #4 unit when a piece of slate approximately 1'L x 1' W, 1/4" T(Estimated weight of 6/12 lbs) fell from 6"-12" above EE's head contacting the back of EE's head and back resulting in muscle soreness.

April 10, 2026 IN · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was helping their pin partner reattach the suction hose on a bolter when a rock fell from the edge of the installed screenwire and struck employee in the back of their left hand resulting in a small fracture. Employee is expected to make a full recovery without surgery being required.

October 20, 2025 KY · Coal miner, nec FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was helping the roof bolter load roof bolts from a scoop bucket. EE had their right hand resting on the scoop bucket when a piece of draw rock fell striking their hand causing a laceration requiring sutures. EE was taken off work beginning 10/21/25 as they were unable to perform normal duties without restriction.

October 1, 2025 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The mechanic was setting on a golf cart when a thin piece of draw from the mine roof fell striking the mechanic in the scalp. Resulting in staples to close the wound. No work was missed.

September 19, 2025 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was down on 1 knee cleaning EE's dust box on the roof bolter. A piece of rock fell from between the rib and outside bolt. The rock landed on the back of the foot at the heal. This caused a bruise to the foot.

September 4, 2025 KY · Coal examiner, fire boss, pre-shift examiner, mine examiner FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The examiner was traveling in a golf cart when they stopped for traffic. A piece of slate fell, striking their hard hat and both arms. The slate broke, causing a laceration to left forearm that required sutures. No work time was missed.

July 29, 2025 KY · Coal outside foreman, leadman FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The mine foreman was on a diesel golf cart traveling out on the supply road when a piece of slate dropped on right shoulder, right arm and right leg fracturing two ribs. No work was missed.

July 29, 2025 KY · Coal continuous miner helper, coal mole helper, bridgeman FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The miner helper was cutting a crosscut when a piece of slate dropped striking EE on top of the hard hat and then hitting the back of EE's neck causing a laceration on the base of the neck then hitting the right leg below the knee. Staples were used to close the laceration. No work was missed.

July 21, 2025 KY · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Roof bolter operator was swinging out to install the rib pin when two rocks fell hitting the operator in the back and the left leg. Roof bolter started missing work on 7/22/2025 for inflammation.

June 6, 2025 IL · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Hamilton County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

EE was getting a crib off of the head drive when a rock fell out from between the shields, striking EE's left hand.

February 25, 2025 WV · Coal longwall operator, chock operator, shear operator, plow operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee climbed into the locked-out longwall pan line, under the protection of a shield, to relieve the ranging arm hydraulic pressure buildup so a broken cutter shaft could be safely removed. A rock fell from the top in front of the shield tip, deflected off the shearer drum, and struck employee in the shin.

December 16, 2024 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was struck on the top of the foot by a stone that fell from the roof. Initial medical imaging was clear and EE was issued a work release for 12/30, EE's next scheduled shift. On 12/26 EE followed up with a specialist who suspected a fracture and placed EE off work pending additional imaging.

December 10, 2024 IN · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

EE was installing EE's middle roof bolt when a rock fell from the mine roof and struck EE in the lower left leg resulting in a small laceration. (2) sutures were required to close the wound.

November 22, 2024 IN · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was replacing a blown hose on a roof bolter when a rock fell from the mine roof and struck EE in the right shoulder resulting in a dislocation. EE began missing work on 11/25/2024.

October 29, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was swinging in after installing the outside bolt. A piece of rock fell from the top hitting the employee in the right arm causing a laceration that required stitches.

October 18, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was drilling a test hole when employee put the steel in the chuck, a piece of rock fell and hit employee's left hand between the thumb and index finger.

September 26, 2024 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking beside of employee's parked miner on #6 unit in the #7 entry when a piece of slate struck employee in the top of the hard hat causing a laceration to the back of employee's head that required 3 staples.

September 24, 2024 IN · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

While installing a roof bolt in the corner of #5 entry on unit #3, a rock came out and struck the contractor on the wrist causing a small laceration. (4) sutures were required to close the wound.

September 6, 2024 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The employee knelt beside the tool slide doing inventory, when a rock fell out and struck EE in the top of the head and then the right knee. 3 staples were required in the cut on the head. no work missed.

September 4, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

While installing the outside roof bolt, a rock fell out hitting the canopy of the bolter. The rock then fell off of the canopy hitting the operator in the right ankle. Taken off work on 09/05/2024 with a facture to the ankle.

July 29, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by flying object

The employee was drilling a hole in the mine roof and a donut shaped rock slid down the drill steel and flew off striking the employee just above employee's top lip causing a laceration resulting in the employee getting 5 sutures.

July 23, 2024 IN · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

EE was walking in the intersection of #4 entry on #3 unit when a rock fell from the mine roof and struck EE in the right leg and knee. EE was placed off work by a doctor beginning 7/24/24 for a sprained knee.

June 28, 2024 IN · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

While pulling up miner cable with the mini trac, a rock fell from the mine roof and struck the employee in the right hand causing a fracture to EE's right index finger. EE was seen by a doctor at OA and placed in a splint with a full release.

June 28, 2024 KY · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was setting on a golf cart at the unit shack with EE's left leg propped up and extended straight. A piece of draw rock fell from the mine roof striking EE on the left knee. EE was placed on restrictions and began missing on 6-29-24.

June 14, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

The employee was eating a sandwich when a thin rock 12 inch circle fell out hitting the employee's right middle finger causing a cut that required 6 sutures. The finger became infected. The employee started missing work on 6/21/2024

June 13, 2024 KY · Coal electrician, lineman FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating the boom on the maintenance scoop. A piece of rock fell from the bolt to the rib and struck employee in the back. This caused a bruised muscle.

May 24, 2024 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Fall onto or against objects

The injured employee, an experienced continuous miner operator, was on the off-side of the miner at the bolter station to help troubleshoot why the ATRS jack would not lower. As the IE bent over to look at the hosing a stone fell from the corner and knocked IE against the framework of the miner, causing a laceration to IE's right eye and left shoulder discomfort.

May 23, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting in #7 heading, EE swung the pot in to put up the inside bolt. A rock slid off the top of the canopy and hit EE's foot. EE did not miss any work until 6/10/2024. Because of the swelling, EE's boots caused a blister that became infected.

May 23, 2024 IN · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

While reclaiming 4" airline off the NE road, a small rock fell from the mine roof and struck the employee on the back of the right hand causing a small laceration. (3) sutures were required to close the wound. Employee started missing work on 5/24/24.

May 10, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee had swung the pot out to put up a corner bolt in the first cut out of a break. As EE was getting on knees, a piece of rock from the first row of bolts outby the cut from the outside bolt to the rib striking the side of EE's leg and ankle causing a fracture.

May 6, 2024 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was bolting off the continuous mining machine. Just after EE placed a roof strap in the plank jack, a rock measuring approx. 65" L x 30" W x 12" thick fell from the corner and struck EE in the shoulder area, knocking EE against the dust box of the miner.

May 2, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was installing EE's middle bolt in the #4 right entry when a piece of slate fell from beside EE's ATRS and middle pin striking EE's canopy, falling to the mine floor, then contacting the employees left leg resulting in a fractured lower left leg.

May 2, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was positioned at the rear of the roof bolter, when a piece of slate fell from between the rows of installed bolts landing on the bolting machine and striking the employee in the lower back. There was no visible injuries, but the employee is complaining of back pain and is waiting on an MRI to be performed.

April 25, 2024 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was at the control box of a longwall shield and a rock kicked out from the running face and struck EE in the left side near the hip, and EE's left elbow.

April 22, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was drilling in the #4 right entry when a piece of slate broke loose in front/ beside of the ATRS causing a piece to land beside of employee and fell over contacting employee's right leg resulting in a strained right knee.

April 15, 2024 KY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Warrior Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was greasing a shuttle car when a piece of slate 4"x 8"x 1/4"-paper thin struck EE in the left arm resulting in a laceration that required stitches.

April 8, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was straightening supplies on the idle bolter just inby the last open. While bending over a rock fell hitting the employee in the head and neck area, causing a strain to the neck. Started missing work on 4/9/2024.

April 4, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Roof bolter was reaching for the steels, when a rock slid down the steels smashing index finger between the rock and drill pot. Resulting in an open fracture. Worked shift on 4/5/2024, taken off work on 4/8/2024.

March 5, 2024 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Miner was struck in the right ear by a rock falling from the roof, causing a laceration requiring 5 stitches. Miner was injured on 03/05/2024.

February 27, 2024 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was drilling a hole to install a bolt in the last row in a cut. A piece of rock fell from the outside bolt to the rib striking employee on the back. This caused a fracture to the employee's spine.

January 6, 2024 IL · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Hamilton County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

In the process of loading the last clean up car in the #3 entry on the left side of the cut. They positioned the miner cable on the rib and started loading the shuttle car. As employee was loading the car, a rock 40" long, 8" thick and 8" wide fell from the roof at the left rib line and cantilevered back striking them in the head and back area.

October 4, 2023 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
River View Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was hanging a curtain when some gob hit their neck EE finished shift and neck was hurting the next day on 10/05/2023 so they went to the ER and received a full release to return to work the next day. EE continued to work until they went to their doctor and was taken off of work on 11/13/2023, they returned to work on 11/21/2023 with a full duty return to work slip.

September 14, 2023 IN · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was re-entering a miner on #3 unit when a small rock fell from the mine roof causing a laceration. The employee received (6) sutures to close the wound. They started missing work on 09/15/2023.

August 23, 2023 KY · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Did not look at roof or pull loose roof

August 21, 2023 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Contract employee had installed first bolt. EE was swinging in to put the inside bolt up. As EE was swinging the boom, a piece of rock hit the canopy, slid off and struck EE's foot. This resulted in a fracture to the foot.

August 8, 2023 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Tunnel Ridge, LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was installing roof bolts with another contract employee. They were using a Cobra drill. While drilling, a large rock fell from the top. The rock glanced off the employee's chest then struck the employee's hand, pinching ring and pinky fingers between the rock and bolter pot.

July 17, 2023 IL · Coal longwall operator, chock operator, shear operator, plow operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Hamilton County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

A small rock fell between shield #68 and #69 hitting EE in the left thumb, causing a laceration in which required stitches.

June 22, 2023 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was cleaning off the garbage off of the rear of the roof bolter. A piece of rock fell from the mine roof and contacted their middle finger on the left hand. This resulted in a fracture to the end of the finger.

June 17, 2023 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Excel Mining · Struck by falling object

Employee was walking out by the section and a piece of draw rock fell hitting employee in the head which required staples.

May 16, 2023 IN · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Struck by falling object

While checking a splice on EE's shuttle car cable, a piece of rock fell from above the coal seam that was on the rib/mine roof and struck the employee's left leg causing a fracture to EE's tibia. EE began missing work on 5/17/2023.

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