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

304 matching records

Showing 50 of 304
March 2, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee dropped phone behind their desk. While moving the desk to retrieve the phone they heard a pop and felt excruciating pain in the right shoulder.

February 14, 2026 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mechanic was entering the cab of 9107 drill from the mast side. At which time the door slammed shut for unknown reasons, pinching the mechanic's pinky finger between the door jam and the door.

December 1, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal machinist HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was chasing threads on an impeller when the employee's shirt sleeve was caught in the vane of the impeller. At contact employee pulled away thus dislodging impeller which caused it to hit employees left side rm and the left side of their face.

November 28, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Crew was hand installing cable bolts at the 3100 intersection. The injured person was handing cable up to miners in a work basket when the employee felt one catch on their arm. The employee finished feeding the cable and noticed bleeding from a laceration on the left wrist. Employee received 10 stitches.

October 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IP was assisting with cable work walked up to cable truck after it stopped. pothead was on crane swinging. IP ducked to get out the way IP hard hat fell off and pothead contacted the back of IP head resulting in a 3 inch laceration. EMT used gauze pads and a head wrap to control bleeding. EMT recommended transport to RMMC for higher level of care to close the wound.

September 17, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

EE came to safety on 9/21/2025 complaining of irritation in the right eye, The EE said on 9/17/2025, while working to restore mine water, dirty water splashed into their right eye. The EE rinsed the eye and used eye drops for a few days, but the eye got redder and more irritated. The EE was taken to the clinic on 9/21/2025 and was prescribed eye drops as a precautionary measure.

September 11, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

An offsider for the 3175 jumbo was gathering bolting supplies in the NRS. While lifting sections of wire to place blocks, the worker felt a pop and burning sensation in their right lower bicep. Thinking it was minor, they finished the task, but after reporting it to the jumbo operator, the shift supervisor was notified and the worker was brought to the surface.

September 10, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Haul Truck operator on the 416 reported injuring their right wrist while fueling on the west pad at 6880 fuel island. The operator was pulling the fuel hose to the front of the truck when hose got stuck on the yellow bollard and pulled on their right arm, wrist, and shoulder.

July 22, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IP took a break and when exiting truck, the wind pushed the door and pulled it out from their hand. IP described pain as sharp and achy. EMT referred IP to go to RMMC for further evaluation and left with supervisor. Worker has been able to perform all of their normal duties but was prescribed physical therapy on 09/12, escalating this to a medical treatment case injury.

July 9, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving core boxes from an elevated platform to bench and felt a pop in their right knee with minor discomfort. Continued to work for the remainder of the shift but knee progressively got worse through the night. On 7/10 at 07:33, IP arrived with supervisor at first aid exam room. EMT performed assessment and vital signs were normal. Referred to RMMC.

July 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall onto or against objects

At the end of day shift, an Electrician was relocating equipment by manually carrying it from a parked scissor deck to a nearby light vehicle. As the Electrician was walking, they lost their footing and fell, contacting the bottom lip on the equipment being handled, causing a laceration.

April 26, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal grader operator, roadgrader operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator walked from grader to talk to oncoming shift grader operator. Talked for a minute then proceeded to walk to board the Burnell bus when operator turned left to board bus, they felt a pop and some pain in left knee. Operator failed to report incident to leader after event happened. Went into RMMC after shift for further evaluation.

April 13, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper, chuck tender HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Lifter on the drill that suspends the pipe down hole slipped and smashed the driller helper's finger between the pipe holder (or clamp) and the lifter.

April 9, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Drill helper was helping to remove a sub adapter from the roughneck by holding the elevated sub adapter prior to release. Once it was released, the weight of the adapter caused the sub to drop slightly causing the drill helper to pinch their middle finger between the threads of the sub adapter and drill rod; causing a laceration and fracture of the finger tip.

February 20, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Worker was opening a gate on 02/20/25 when the gate's latching mechanism dropped on right hand crushing their third finger. Worker worked remainder of the day and reported injury to site EMT on 02/21/25

February 20, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The millwright reached down to pick up a 2" high-pressure steam valve, but it got hung up on another valve that was wrapped in plastic. EE then felt a slight pain in EE's shoulder.

February 1, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Worker was pulling themselves up on ladder to the Haul Truck and felt a sharp pain in their left shoulder. Medical provided restrictions. Able to perform all normal duties but at a slower pace.

November 21, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While fueling a dozer, the operator's hose bound up, causing shoulder pain. Diagnosed with a sprain on 11/15, they worked until 11/21/24. At home, reaching for pants caused a tendon pop and severe pain, resulting in a full bicep tendon tear requiring surgery.

November 13, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck by falling object

While moving a 5-foot piece of 8-inch pipe to make repairs, an employee's foot was hit. The pipe slipped and landed on top of the employee's foot.

October 11, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

A craftsman working on a Cat 740B haul truck secured the front of the belly pan with pivot pins, while the rear rested on a jack. While shifting the pan to align the pivot pins, the worker's hand slipped on the edge, causing a laceration to the left pinky finger, severing tendons and requiring surgical repair.

July 21, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

An employee was troubleshooting a 4x4 lever on a bus that was stuck. When EE was unable to engage the lever with EE's arm, EE used EE's leg for additional force/leverage. The knob on the lever is threaded and while force was applied, the knob unthreaded. This caused the foot to slip off the lever and contact the dash of the bus which resulted in a fracture to EE's fibula.

May 3, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee felt discomfort and difficulty breathing due to chest pain while making bolts. Medical assistance was alerted. It was not believed to be work related. Employee was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Further information revealed that pain was first noticed while lifting (total weight:30lbs). Later described feeling a 'pop' and discomfort when handling the bolts.

March 10, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee advised they were removing a filter housing on a rubber tire dozer in the truck shop when the incident occurred. In the process of removing the filter, a finger was pinched on a piece of metal causing an injury to the left finger.

January 16, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing a jaw block into the slide table of a sonic rig & felt a strain in left bicep. Seen at a clinic & was released to Full Duty with no treatment or diagnosis. MRI was done on 1/24 & results were reviewed at F/U visit on 1/29. 1/29 diagnosis of torn bicep received. EE remains Full Duty with no treatment to date & has an Ortho eval on 2/05/24.

September 28, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mine Haul truck operator was boarding haul truck at beginning of shift and felt pain in wrist while pulling self-up the ladder. Diagnosis is acute wrist sprain/strain.

May 17, 2023 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was lifting an empty pallet that was caked with product residue. The pallet was heavier than originally thought. EE dropped the pallet hitting their fingers.

February 3, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee placed hand between tube and machinery while placing tube. Tube shifted causing finger to be caught between tube and equipment.

December 4, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck against stationary object

While positioning an IBC bag in the doorway pic #1 the top of the forklift mast made contact with the top of the box car doorway and damaged the hard piped hydraulic line on the forklift. The employee elected to try and straighten the line by self and cut the end of EE's left index finger.

August 11, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operator pinched index finger in between dust collector lid and frame.

May 18, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by falling object

An Electrical technician was replacing a crusher mantle position probe, the probe came down pushing the technician's right arm downwards, contacting the elevated work platform top rail, and resulting in a fracture to the right ulna.

May 13, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck by flying object

Contractor states they were attempting to remove the ERT stretcher. Part of the stretcher was balancing on top of the gurney and as the gurney was gradually being removed from the trailer, the balancing stretcher came with it and when the employee's let go of the stretcher it flicked up and made direct contact with the contractor's mouth, chipping two front teeth.

March 24, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While tripping out rods, assistant was attempting to move tubes off of rod deck. Went to move the tube off rod deck and pinched finger between tube end and uprights on rod feeder.

March 9, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was vacuuming a sump with an Air Mover Vacuum Truck & 6" pipe and hose, when piping became stuck. After breaking the vacuum on the piping with the vacuum relief device which de-energized the vacuum to the piping, the employee injured back (back strain) while removing the stuck piping from the sump.

March 3, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee lifted the middle section of a 40' 4" HDPE pipe to move it closer to the rib and felt a pop in right bicep. The employee injured the tendon that attaches to the upper bicep muscle.

July 27, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was replacing cutting edge (approx. 8ft x 10inches x 2inches) on a 834 rubber tire CAT dozer drag box in the truck shop. When lifting the final cutting edge after the others had been installed, the load became unstable and fell. The uncontrolled movement of the cutting edge pinched/crushed the employees right thumb.

May 26, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While climbing the boarding ladder of 930E haul Truck the employee felt a pop in their left leg. Upon evaluation from medical facility it was determined the employee had sprained their left hamstring.

May 17, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was turning a drum with hands. Had proper PPE - gloves. Hand slipped , struck a piece of metal. Both glove and hand were cut.

April 1, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While unhitching a light plant from a pickup. The employee stepped down onto the bumper to apply downward force and felt a pain in the right heel of their foot. Upon evaluation from a medical facility it was determined to be a distal Achilles heel sprain.

January 4, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Shovel operator was opening a drawer in the operators compartment when their thumb slid across a sharp edge above the drawer causing a laceration to the right thumb. The operator received 6 sutures to close the wound and was given a full release to return to work.

September 14, 2020 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck against stationary object

While unloading a pump the employee's hand slid across an exposed sharp edge on the tailgate of the truck resulting in a laceration to a finger which required sutures to close.

January 29, 2020 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

An employee was performing the routine task of installing a cross-arm on a power pole. While positioned in a vehicle lift bucket, the employee lifted the cross-arm and felt pain in their left shoulder. Possible rotator cuff injury.

December 3, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

Craftsman was attempting to orient a hydraulic cylinder for hyd shovel. The cylinder was on a flatbed truck in a shipping jig. craftsman rigged the cylinder while another operated a crane to position. The cylinder came off of the shipping jig and rolled approximately 1 foot contacting the craftsman's lower legs and feet. Resulting fractures to right and left ankles

August 13, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Operator had just completed inspection. Operator had climbed up the ladder and was lifting the vertical retractable ladder up to its operating position. As the ladder was coming up it unexpectedly bound up causing the resulting back strain in 2002. Was treated as FA, workers comp filed has seen doctors over the past 17 years and I was informed of surgery on 08/13/2019

July 24, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by flying object

Miner was working around an electrical box, when a dust particle entered left eye, on 7/24/19 it was not reported until next day 7/25/19. Miner was taken to clinic had a corneal abrasion requiring prescription antibiotics, Eye Drops. Returned to full duty no missed day

April 15, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Line man at perimeter substation to open load break switch to isolate 44kv line side of Substation. In process of opening the break load switch, line man felt pain behind knee on leading leg (left) Miner was treated given brace for support, no work missed but follow up MRI on 04/30/2019.

April 3, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Approximately 6:20 pm on April 3, 2019, operator of the 475 HT attempted to adjust the driver's seat (pull forward) while standing up, bent over pulling the seat forward the operator felt sharp pain in their lower back. Seen at hospital and clinic Released but given prescriptions and physical therapy at our clinic. Medical treatment by definition.

March 7, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was lifting two 32.5 lb. pipes put of pick up and strain lower back/lumbar. Evaluated return to work with follow up on the 11th, returned to work no restrictions but given prescription for muscle relaxer to take at bed time on the visit the 11th

October 8, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
U S Borax Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An Operator was installing a bag/bladder in a trailer for dry bulk loading. The employee was hooking the bungee cord to the top of the trailer when it recoiled, striking the employee and causing a laceration that required stitches on the right eye brow.

September 24, 2018 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Re-installing the permanent wheel chocks to the north pad of the Code 80 fuel island. A metal shard on the pin head caught the latex glove on right middle finger. As they jerked their hand away a shard tore the skin on right middle finger. The laceration required 5 sutures to close the wound. The attendant was given a return to work with care to the injury the same day.

Showing 50 of 304