Mining Incidents

Search the record

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

Alert me on this search

Email me when a new incident matches these filters. One confirmation email; unsubscribe anytime.

The record

77 matching records

Showing 50 of 77
May 11, 2026 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

At 13:00, Haul Truck 474 was being loaded by Shovel 71. During third loading pass, a large rock was loaded into the bed of the haul truck. Upon impact, the haul truck operator reported feeling pain in their right shoulder. The operator advised that the shoulder pain increased in severity. The operator then contacted the facilitator to report the issue.

November 22, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

DZ599 operator was backing up in second gear when the park break self-engaged causing the dozer to come to a complete stop resulting in the operator's experiencing whiplash to their neck. IP received no treatment and declined care. On 12/04/25, IP was using a track hoe and caused aggravation that worsened with time. Sent to RMMC for care and was prescribed medication.

November 21, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was using a 3/4" drive impact gun to get the bolts properly torqued. Some of them needed to have a backer wrench to keep bolt from spinning. On one of the bolts the wrench caught the nylock part when torquing the impact, and pinched right hand pinky fingertip.

July 15, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by flying object

While installing Tech screws into a panel, a metal shaving went in to employee's right eye. EE did not notice it until EE got in EE's car as was going home around 16:20. It felt itchy, and EE began rubbing it. EE didn't think much of it and EE thought EE would just flush it out when EE got home. The pain intensified, and EE called EE's supervisor to report it.

March 14, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

The worker received a foreign body in the left eye following grinding. Visited medical clinic. Remove Foreign Body Cornea (with slit lamp): saline irrigation and anesthetized by 2 gtt(s) of Proparicaine. Foreign body removed with a needle. The eye was irrigated with saline after the procedure. Release full duties, may perform regular work. Released from care.

March 2, 2025 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

Worker was driving a haul truck at the 101 shovel pit and received a load unexpectedly, causing the worker to be jostled. Worker reports experiencing immediate back pain (7 out of 10) that has improved over the past 4 hours (3 out of 10.

December 22, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

Haul Op getting loaded by 57 shovel, Op leaned forward to adjust AC when the shovel dropped the second dipper. The operator felt a small pinch but didn't think anything of it. They proceeded to the crusher and on their way began to feel nauseous and started getting a pain going down their leg. (FAI) On Dec 31 experience an aggravating event. Was given restrictions on 01/01/25.

August 29, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

A miner operating a track hoe uphill encountered a rock that caused the roadway to collapse under the equipment, shifting it to the right. The machine, facing downhill, had a broken track that prevented it from turning, causing it to tip onto its side. The miner suffered neck pain and was diagnosed with a C2 spinal vertebra fracture, resulting in lost workdays.

July 29, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IP was adjusting the grinder guard and while doing so, EE depressed the trigger and cut through EE's glove and into EE's finger.

January 29, 2024 UT · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee sustained a laceration on their posterior right wrist while using a boring machine. Employee received 13 sutures.

December 15, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

After installing G.E.T. on the 71 shovel the IW was folding the crane for transport. White retracting the outrigger the IW ring and pinky finger on EE's right hand were pinched between the outrigger and the frame of the outrigger structure.

January 1, 2023 UT · Metal/Non-Metal grader operator, roadgrader operator MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Grader was the last in line with 4 other graders blading snow off of shovel bench. The blade hit a large rock and suddenly stopped the grader, throwing the operator forward, then jerking the operator back. When EE's head jerked back, head hit the handle on the door, causing a cut on the back of EE's head, a brief blackout, which resulted in a concussion and a sore neck.

August 3, 2022 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Mechanic's left finger was fractured while performing maintenance on a Epiroc Bolter, when EE placed EE's finger in the line of fire of the bolt grabber that was rotated by a second Mechanic.

November 11, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Fall from machine

Dozer started to reverse with the operator positioned outside of the cab on the platform. As the dozer began moving in reverse, the operator fell approximately 7 feet from the platform of the dozer onto the tracks and subsequently onto the ground. The operator sustained injuries from the fall.

April 7, 2021 UT · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by falling object

The employee was drilling two holes in a large back splash with a drill. The back splash was tied to the wall with rope. While drilling the holes, back splash fell on the employees left hand. The employee was wearing cut resistant gloves, however, the broken drill bit punctured the employees left thumb causing the laceration while pulling their hand out.

July 27, 2020 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee's hand slipped while repositioning a pipe fusing machine. EE's hand was caught between the clamp and the pipe fuser causing a laceration to EE's right finger.

July 19, 2019 UT · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against a moving object

Shovel dipper contacted inside of haul truck bed, jostling HT operator. Operator reported back and neck discomfort, was seen by on-site EMT and released back to work. Operator has continued to work, but reports minor existing discomfort, was taken back to clinic and prescribed physical therapy session on August 8, 2019.

August 14, 2018 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by flying object

Operator was using a Hotsy Pressure washer to clean grader off and when finished operator sprayed the palm of glove to clean grease/ mud off. Operator sprayed right middle finger with power wand cutting glove and right middle finger requiring 4 stitches

May 15, 2018 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Right ring finger was caught between core tube and drill rod.

June 27, 2017 UT · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Over-exertion in lifting objects

While lifting a hydraulic wrench, employee strained right shoulder.

December 14, 2015 UT · Metal/Non-Metal welder (non-shop) MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee received 1st Degree burns on his Penis while air arcing on an excavator bucket. Initially the employee did not require medical treatment. Due to the location of the burn, medical treatment became necessary as the wound scabbed over near the urethra. Employee received medical treatment on 12/21/15.

August 17, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A welder craftsman sustained a laceration to his right cheek from 6" angle grinder equipped with a cutting wheel.

May 8, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Contractor employee had just completed the use of a knuckle-boom crane when the outrigger deployed striking the top of his right foot.

December 9, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The employee was sprayed in the face with Shotcrete while attempting to check for blockage in the line while operating a Normet Shotcrete sprayer. The employees Safety Glasses were blown off and he received minor corneal burns requiring prescription medication for the eyes. The employee was released to full duty at the time of initial treatment.

September 23, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was operating the hydraulic core press, right thumb was caught between the ram and the core tube.

January 15, 2013 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee received laceration that required 8 sutures when his left ring finger was caught between bolt nut and pump flange. He was holding the nut with left hand while using an impact wrench to drive the bolt.

June 3, 2012 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Helper was using a pressure washer. He was cleaning mud of the nozzle with his left hand while he activated the washer with his right hand. The high pressure flow penetrated his glove and injected a small amount of water into his hand.

February 27, 2012 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was cutting a section of toe plate with an angle grinder equipped with an abrasive cutting wheel when his right hand made contact with the cutting wheel, causing a 1cm laceration. Guard was in place. He was not using the detachable handle when the accident occurred. He had not received appropriate training prior to using the tool. The injury required 3 stitches.

February 15, 2012 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bolt in impact wrench came into contact with employee's mouth. Lip was lacerated, two teeth were broken.

November 9, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was working with another employee(Manlift operator) approximately 15 ' in the air performing structural steel bolt-up. He attempted to remove a beam clamp while the manbasket was still being positioned. This resulted in a pinch point injury between the beam clamp and the rail of the manlift.

November 4, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A craftsman was attempting to punch holes in a metal bracket when he pinched the tip of his thumb between the machine head and bracket resulting in an open fracture injury requiring sutures.

October 29, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee just finished grinding his weld, started to remove air hood felt something in his left eye. His eye started to turn red with the irritation from the foreign body.

June 9, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was removing a pin from the 930E front wheel group when the jack slipped out and struck the employee fracturing his left leg.

May 9, 2011 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Craftsman was working to replace a tire on a 24H motor grader when his fingers entered the framework of a hydraulic push tool resulting in a crushing injury to his left hand.

August 29, 2010 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A craftsman was working to remove a haul truck steering accumulator tank with an overhead crane when the rigging came loose, striking the craftsman in the lip causing a laceration injury requiring sutures.

November 12, 2009 UT · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Flash burns (welding)

Employee experienced burns to his eyes resulting from exposure to welding arc while welding and helping with welding activates. The employee was issued eye drops and pain medication to treat his condition. The employee has fully recovered from the incident.

October 14, 2009 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees were pulling a 12inch HDPE pipe(protestive sleeve) over an 8inch HDPE pipe using an excavator. While pulling the smaller pipe "bound-up" becoming compressed and suddenly released striking an employee standing near the pipe in the leg. The force of the pipe striking the employee's leg resulted in a leg fracture.

March 31, 2009 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Crew engaged in line cleaning operation. Pressure dump device was operated by co-worker (procedure violation). Work activity was suspended to verify process issue, EE placed L hand over nozzle to block low pressure water bleeding from nozzle. Co-worker asked if he was ready & mistook no for go. High pressure water resulted in laceration. Surgery initially proposed & declined.

January 16, 2009 UT · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using 1" air impact wrench to intstall bolts on pipe flange. Socket slipped off bolt and smashed index finger between bottom of impact gun and flange, causing laceration that required sutures.

December 10, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was bonding bare copper ground grid cable to the inside web of a structural steel beam. The contents inside the cadweld mold exited the bottom of the mold, and onto the employee's left forearm. The employee was wearing leather gloves, faceshield, hard hat, long sleeved cctton shirt. Winter weather were the environmental conditions.

September 8, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's finger got caught between the top side of a saw guard and the bottom of the quick release knob.

September 8, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

PVC pipe broke and fell out of drilled hole striking EE arm. Laceration to arm requiring stitches.

August 21, 2008 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to remove lug nuts on a haul truck tire rim when the socket gun slipped pinching the palm of his right hand. The employee received sutures and was returned to work without restrictions.

October 4, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While replacing the lower section of a Sag mill motor bearing, an eye bolt was attached to the section and an overhead crane was being used to move/position the bearing section when the eye bolt broke and grazed the craftsman's left arm above the wrist resulting in a laceration which required 4 sutures. The employee was wearing gloves.

September 18, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee's hand was caught between hydraulic ram and tube.

August 29, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
Rio Tinto Kennecott Copper · Struck by flying object

As employee finished grinding steel pipe, he raised his face shield, allowing a metal flake to fall into his (R) eye. A metal foreign body & rust ring were removed by medical provider. Employee was treated with presc. medication & released to return to regular duty with no restrictions.

July 31, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal stone finishing and sizing personnel, stone/rock cut/polish/saw operator, splitter, cutter, trimmer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee inadvertently contacted the surface of a diamond saw with his left hand during cleaning, resulting in a laceration injury requiring sutures.

April 12, 2007 UT · Metal/Non-Metal rock duster MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by falling object

Shotcrete was being applied to the left rib of the North Tunnel following build up of rib application to right side rib and waiting 10-15 minutes. He positioned himself normally 3 feet from right rib, shooting the left rib; the right rib's shotcrete was still wet. A piece of wet shotcrete fell from the rib striking his hard hat and the brim cut his nose.

December 30, 2006 UT · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing paint with a grinder when he bumped the wood blocks or opening under truck causing the grinding disc to come apart and enter under his face shield lacerating his lip. No impairment. Medical treatment was approximately $300.00.

September 22, 2006 UT · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Kennecott Utah Copper LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was attempting to warm his right hand on a heater fan in a dozer when the fan contacted his middle and ring fingers causing laceration injuries requiring sutures.

Showing 50 of 77