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
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The record

58 matching records

Showing 50 of 58
May 3, 2014 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee stated that he was walking in the #8 entry on the #4 section when a piece of rock fell from the mine roof and struck his hard hat.

May 2, 2014 KY · Coal scoop tram operator, load/haul/dump operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee states that he was operating a battery scoop on supply when a rock fell from between roof bolts in the mine roof. The rock hit the scoop canopy and struck the inside of his RT knee.

February 20, 2014 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE was operating a walk-through truss bolter on #3 unit. He was standing on the catwalk of the bolter. He had right arm resting on the tram lever guard when a piece of rock, 14" x 14" x 2", fell and struck him on his right forearm.

August 6, 2013 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was sitting at shack when he heard the roof pop. He stood up to move and hung his light cord on a roof bolt plate. His hat was pulled off and the rock struck the top of his head. The laceration required 2 running sutures to close. He returned to work the next night.

August 3, 2013 KY · Coal scoop car/scooptram operator, load/haul/dump (lhd) operator, teletram operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was in XC77, 5L, watching FCT cable while mechanics were pulling up tail of lo framing. He was on one knee when the inby corner of the pillar broke off and struck his back and head. A mechanic heard him call for help. When he was on the surface he indicated he could not feel his feet, that was the first indication that his head was not the primary concern.

May 10, 2013 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was bolting in face of #4. He had completed the hole and was trying to remove his steel. He grabbed the steel and pulled with his left hand. A piece of rock broke out from between the hole and the edge of the canopy. The leading edge was sharp and cut his left forearm just above the elbow. It required 6 sutures to close.

March 16, 2013 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was standing 18' back from start of XC 7L on unit 5. A piece of slate 5'Lx32"Wx3"T fell from between the rib pins and the rib and struck his head, rt arm and thigh. There were no spread pins and all had pie pans. He was taken to the ER and diagnosed with contusions, no stitches or fractures. He was unable to work his next scheduled shift.

February 26, 2013 KY · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was driving toward bottom at the end of shift. He pulled into a cross cut to allow a man trip to pass. He backed out into the travel road and continued on toward bottom when a rock fell from the roof. It fell out in a hinged manner with the sharp edge striking him first. The rock struck just above his right ear. He was taken to the ER where it required 6 sutures to close.

February 14, 2013 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating a remote controlled Joy continuous miner in #6 entry when a piece of draw rock fell from between roof bolts & struck him on the head.

February 12, 2013 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was shoveling off the ramp at the end of the lo-framing when a rock measuring 42"Lx30"Wx1 1/2"T fell from between bolts and struck his right shoulder. Evaluation at the ER revealed no fracture but he was unable to return to work his next scheduled shift.

January 21, 2013 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was standing with his hand tray when a rock fell from between roof bolts & struck his right hand causing a contusion to the Rt hand & thumb.

January 17, 2013 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee works on operator's side of bolter. The bolter had stopped at the intersection of 5 and 5L to load supplies in trays on booms before pulling up to face. A rock measuring 17'Lx40"Wx10"T fell from the top. It struck him on his back and shoved him into the side of the bolter. He suffered broken ribs.

January 9, 2013 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee stated that he was attempting to drill into the mine roof while operating a roof bolter. While holding the drill steel the drill steel was placed against the mine roof. This dislodged a piece of rock that struck employee on rt forearm above wrist.

December 20, 2012 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was drilling a hole to install a roof bolt when a slab, 12"w x 34"l x 1"t, fell from the roof. It came down in a hinged motion and when it broke away from the roof it struck his right calf like a spear. The laceration required 4 sutures to close. His first day missed due to this injury was 12/26/2012.

May 25, 2012 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was walking along beside the bolter when a piece of rock fell from between roof bolts and struck his upper back between his shoulders. The rock measured 19"X23"X1 1/2" thick. It caused a contusion and puncture that required 5 sutures to close. He returned to work the next day.

March 9, 2012 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was bolting #12 entry when a rock fell out from between pins and struck his right shoulder. He finished the shift. MRI ordered on 3/14/12, scheduled for 3/28. Sent for Ortho evaluation on 4/16. Diagnosed with mild degenerative joint disease and mild osteoarthritis. This is a report of illness.

November 9, 2011 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Had started to put his outside pin up, and his first section of pinner steel was 1 inch in the roof when a piece of rock broke loose from the top and struck his hand

September 14, 2010 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Stated: Employee was operating continuous miner. He looked over his left shoulder to check his clearance as he backed out of a cut. When he looked back, a rock 1'X 1'X 1" thick fell from the roof onto his right hand, pinning it on the remote box.

May 22, 2010 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE stated that he was roofbolting in #6 entry, and was partially under the canopy when he was struck by a piece of rock (2'X 3'X 2". The rock struck the canopy then rolled off the edge of the canopy. EE had neck pain and tingling in his left hand. EE RTW on hi snext shift,but began missing on 5/25/10.

April 15, 2010 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE had been removing concrete blocks from a brattice in order to create a regulator opening. He was using a sledge hammer to remove blocks. He removed his hard hat to wipe perspiration from head/face. While wiping his face, a piece of roof rock struck him on top of his head. He doesn't know how big it was. Received cut on top of head, needed 4 staples. EE missed 4 days.

March 10, 2010 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee stated: He was standing at the side tram controls of his roof bolter, when he was struck by a piece of roof rock. The rock pushed him down and his lower left leg was caught beneath the rock - fracture to left ankle. His first scheduled work day missed is 3/12/2010.

January 19, 2010 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE stated that he was roof bolting #4 unit. As he started the drill steel against the roof, a small piece of rock )approx. 2" diameter and thin) was slung back by the rotation of the drill steel and it struck him between the upper lip and nose. He received 3 sutures and returned to work on his next scheduled shift.

November 3, 2009 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Kneeling alongside a roof bolter machine dust box. A small piece of draw fell from between pemanent supports striking the backside of his left calf resulting in a possible hairline fracture to the fibia bone.

September 15, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Reported: Operating Fletcher roof bolter, a piece of draw rock fell onto machines canopy. He stepped out from under the canopy and the rock fell striking his left ankle.

September 3, 2009 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

He was operating a continuous miner. Cutting the right side of a place he backed the machine up from the face, was standing in behind the machines tail when a piece of draw rock fell from between permanent roof supports striking his shoulder, knocking him to the mine floor and landing on his left ankle resulting in a simple fracture to the ankle.

August 26, 2009 KY · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported: Riding on a golf cart entering the coal mine, as he was traveling thru an area where the roof is high a small piece of draw rock fell striking the frame of the cart, flipping over and contacting his left shin resulting in a small laceration (1/2"). To close the wound required 4 sutures.

August 19, 2009 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported that he and co-workers were working pulling a conveyor motor off a CM when a piece of draw rock fell from between roof supports striking the top of his mine cap.Contacted mine after the end of the shift. EE was treated by a chiropractor on 8/19/09 after work.EE saw doctor on 11/10/09 due to continued headache/neck pain. EE began missing work on 11/12/09.

August 1, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Reported: Operating roof bolter in face. A piece of draw rock fell to the mine floor. The rock flipped over striking his left calf muscle resulting in a deep contusion to is calf muscle.

July 21, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported: Walking from return air entry back to the face area, after stepping thru a pull curtain, a small piece of draw rock fell striking the top of his head and sliding down his upper back. Complained of sore shoulders and stiffness to his upper back region.

July 21, 2009 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported: FCT belt had stopped, he was kneeling along side the machine's computer screen attempting to determine the mechanical problem. A piece of draw rock (14" x 19" x 2"-3" thick) fell from between roof bolts striking the top of his head, sliding down his upper back & falling to the mine floor. The area was bolted with resin bolts using 14" aluminum pie pans on each bolt.

June 23, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Operating roof bolter in face area. After pressurizing drill steel against mine roof, when he engaged the drill head rotation a small sliver of draw page thin 1" x 1" flew from the drill steel striking his left eye lid. He received medical treatment resulting in 5 sutures to close the 1/2" laceration to his eye lid.

May 30, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Standing alongside the roof bolter machine as the operator was positioning The ATRS against the mine roof. A piece of draw rock fell striking the top of his head and sliding down his back. He experienced stiffness to his neck and upper torso.

April 24, 2009 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE was leaning onto parked scoop, when his left hand was struck by a piece of roof rock. Highland reserves all rights to contest the allegations surrounding the events giving rise to this report and reserves the right to retract and/or modify this submission as further information becomes available to Highland.

March 18, 2009 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Reported: Operating a golf cart along the mine travelway entry when a small piece of draw measuring 3" X 3" fell striking his chin resulting in a 1/2" laceration. He received medical treatment at a local medical facility, sutures were required to close the wound.

October 13, 2008 KY · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Standing alongside the FCT waiting for the machine to be backed so he could cross the section. Without warning, draw rock fell from between the rib bolt pie pan and the rib. It struck the mine floor and flipped over striking his right leg. The diagnosis is a small chipped bone at the base of his tibia where it connects to the ankle.

October 6, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: In the process of roof bolting a face area. After completing the drilling of the hole in the roof and bending of the roof bolt, victim stepped out from under his canopy to retrieve a roof bolt from the machine's storage tray. A small piece of draw rock fell striking the top of his mine cap resulting in a sprain to his neck. Treated at hospital & released.

September 13, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Standing alongside the roof bolter positioning the ATRS against the mine roof. A piece of draw rock (3'x3'x4") fell from between roof supports striking his head, slid down his body and struck his lower left leg resulting in a contusion to the leg. His next scheduled work shift was Wed. 9/17/08. On that date contacted the mine and reported he was unable to work. Became a reportab

September 2, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Helping co-worker move roof bolter machine across section. As he was walking behind the machine, piece of draw rock fell striking his R. foot.

August 23, 2008 KY · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Assisting the section foreman to attemp to scale loose roof at a roof slip location. When positioned under supported roof, he pryed a piece of rock down. When it came loose, unsuspected roof was dislodged and it fell to the mine floor, striking the victim. A piece of the rock struck his left foot, resulting in a fracture to the metarsal bone of the foot.

June 19, 2008 KY · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported: He and coworkers were preparing sled to begin storing reclaimed belt supplies onto. As he was kneeling in front of the sled, a piece of draw rock measuring 7'x3'x0"-2" thick fell striking the top of his head, sliding down his back and knocking him to the side. Extent of injury was pain and stiffness to his neck and upper back region.

June 13, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Operating Fletcher roof bolter in face area, when attempting to drill the rib bolt hole, he hear the roof pop. He leaned under the machine's canopy attempting to protect himself. A piece of draw rock (5'x4' thick by 18' long) struck the back side of his left calf resulting in a laceration.

May 13, 2008 KY · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: Had set up the miner in the face of No.3 entry, Hung his wing curtain and was standing alongside the machine's tail. A piece of draw rock fell, partially caught by the wing curtain and flipped over onto his head and shoulder, sliding down his back.

April 11, 2008 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Operating a roof bolter machine in the face area, when drilling hole in mine roof, a small piece of rock fell striking the top side of his left hand resulting in a contusion to the hand.

March 26, 2008 KY · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Fall onto or against objects

EE reported: He & a co-worker had moved the lunch bench from along a ribline due to unstable roof in the area. He was attempting to pry down the loose roof. A piece of roof fell from behind where he was prying, striking his head & shoulder. He was knocked to the mine floor, striking his shoulder against the power cable tub & his head struck the tub resulting in 1" cut.

March 6, 2008 KY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Reported: Working on continuous miner section, preparing to tram miner back to face area when a small piece of draw rock fell striking his head, shoulder and lower back. The piece that struck his head contacted his safety glasses bending the frame and cutting the bridge of his nose. Wound required 5 sutures to close.

September 25, 2007 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: He and co worker were to bolt the face of the no. 6 entry. When he was inserting the bolt in the drilled hole, draw rock fell (4'x2'x5") between the ATRS and machine's canopy. The edge of the rock struck EE knocking him to the mine floor.

April 7, 2007 KY · Coal continuous miner helper, coal mole helper, bridgeman FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported: Working as a roof bolter operator. After repositioning the machine at the next row of bolts to be installed, he was walking to the front of the machine when a small piece of draw rock fell striking the backside of his upper right arm resulting in a small laceration. The following day sought medical treatment, received 6 sutures to close the wound. No work days lost.

November 25, 2006 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Operating a roof bolter in face area, he had completed installing the left side bolts in the present row. He was standing alongside the machine with both hands resting on bolt plates waiting for the co worker to complete his bolt installation. A small piece of draw rock 16"x5"x1" fell striking the top of his right hand resulting in a simple fracture to the little fing

September 26, 2006 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee reported: While bolting roof at face, a piece of draw rock fell striking the roof of his canopy. The rock broke; a small section of the broken rock fell from the canopy roof and struck his left leg, sliding down the leg to the top of his work boot.

April 3, 2006 KY · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE REPORTED: OPERATING ROOF BOLTER IN FACE AREA, INSTALLING RIB LINE BOLT. WHEN STARTING THE DRILL HOLE, A PIECE OF DRAW ROCK FELL, STRIKING THE ROOF OF THE CANOPY. A SMALL SECTION OF THE LARGER ROCK BROKE OFF (2' X 2' X 2-3") AND FELL, STRIKING HIS MID RIGHT CALF, RESULTING IN A SEVERE LACERATION TO THE CALF.

Showing 50 of 58