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

172 matching records

Showing 50 of 172
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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

July 12, 2018 UT · Metal/Non-Metal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee placed wheel chock in holder and when putting in the keeper pin that keeps it from sliding off the bar, ee hit downward forcefully with hand puncturing the right palm of hand

June 7, 2018 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Craftsman was in the C9 trough replacing a return roller at the middle of the belt. EE had another craftsman on the outside edge helping remove and install. As the craftsman moved the roller into place EE felt a pop in the left shoulder and a sharp pain. Diagnosed on 6/14/2018 with full thickness tear to left shoulder.

April 2, 2018 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 lifting objects

Operator was walking towards truck bent slightly while moving forward and reached down while in motion and grabbed chock swinging up to bracket in one motion and felt discomfort in shoulder. On that date it was a reported no injury. I was made aware July 1, 2018 of this event and that they sought care in late May, so I have begun investigation and filing upon my learning of event.

December 21, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

miner was assisting pulling up shovel trail cable it snagged on a rock and cable whipped striking miner in right lower leg, fracturing tibia

August 31, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee's hand was pinched between the 6" HDPE pipe and the middle post on the work deck when the pipe slipped off the end post. The contact caused a laceration to the palm of the right hand.

August 29, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee visited a personal physician and described a rash on lower legs. The physician placed employee on restricted duty for two weeks. There are no details on if this is or is not work related, however, employee indicated to the personal physician it may be work related.

June 8, 2017 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 had finished assiting removing a length of steel from the rack. Employee was standing still on the drill walk way and as employee went to take a step employee felt employee's knee pop. First responder assessed and later assesed knee cap possibly dislocated

May 24, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck against stationary object

An employee was in the process of completing a lockout when they dropped the lock on the grating, bent to retrieve the lock and when standing up, struck their right ear against a sink resulting in a laceration to the mid section of the right ear. The laceration resulted in 5 sutures placed on the outer edge of the ear.

May 20, 2016 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 wielding or throwing objects

Over the road Truck driver was picking up a load of used tires that were loaded on the trailer. As driver threw strap over the load. EE felt a pop in right arm.

April 7, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Over-exertion in lifting objects

On the date of the alleged incident, the illness was not reported. The employee complained of discomfort in back, due to lifting a jack out of a pickup truck, days later. Through medical evaluations and ultimately surgery on back to relieve pressure on a disc, it was determined to be a disorder due to repeat trauma and established as work related on July 12th

February 5, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was turning over a 24" diverter top to the flat side. The diverter top slipped out of EE's grasp, twisted, and fell landing on the handle of a crescent wrench causing it to flip up and strike the employee in the face.

January 31, 2016 UT · Metal/Non-Metal tipple/top lander/skip dumper operator, binman, topman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

The employee pinched right thumb between two pieces of 4" HDPE pipe while preparing the load for transport.

January 7, 2016 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

Employee was removing the bolts to a cutting edge when EE's hand came in contact with the bolt causing a laceration to the hand.

Showing 50 of 172