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

120 matching records

Showing 50 of 120
May 6, 2026 PA · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Mill utility employee was jackhammering in Silo 4 when the jackhammer became stuck. While attempting to free it, the jackhammer suddenly released and dropped, pinching the employee's right pinky between the jackhammer and a grizzly bar. The employee received medical treatment- reinserted fingernail and stitched it to hold in place. Was told to keep dry and clean.

February 28, 2026 PA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a grinder with a wire wheel when EE stood up and accidentally hit the trigger of the grinder causing it to kick back and get bound up on EE's left forearm causing a laceration.

October 22, 2025 IA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was using an air lance with 90 psi air to clear a chute plug in the #4 Finish Mill feed chute. The employee lost grip causing the air lance to hit them in the mouth. They initially declined medical attention. On 10/24/2025, they requested to be seen at the emergency room due to mouth pain.

September 25, 2025 AL · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cutting trees with chainsaw. Blade got stuck. Turned off. When EE pulled the chainsaw out, it swiped EE's leg, resulting in a small cut, requiring three stitches and no loss time.

August 12, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

3-man crew was troubleshooting the CKD system for the Kiln. Inspection door was removed from the horizontal rotary feeder to investigate the flow of material. Employee got their hand caught in the rotating equipment. Employee was taken to the local ER and received multiple stitches to the right middle finger.

March 3, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a handheld die grinder cleaning the weld out of a bracket. As the employee was grinding the weld, the grinder kicked back causing the grinder to strike their face. The die grinder caused a laceration to the left cheek of the employee. The employee was wearing a face shield, but it wasn't locked into place allowing the grinder to contact their face.

October 22, 2023 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was operating a jackhammer to remove material and as piece of material fell- hitting the jackhammer and pinning left index finger against port opening on the container causing injury.

October 12, 2023 AL · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Flash burns (welding)

While honing employee's skills practicing welding in the maintenance shop the employee was exposed to the arc flash from the welding. Employee was wearing PPE and others had used the same PPE without injury.

September 19, 2023 AL · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cleaning the preheater with a water blaster along with a co-worker. EE was using the shorter 6' lance. EE lost control of the lance and the tip struck EE on the left thigh. The co-worker let off the pressure release pedal shutting it down. EE was wearing supplied PPE. The high-pressure water resulting in a puncture and laceration wound on EE's left thigh.

July 10, 2023 IN · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was attempting to dislodge a stuck jackhammer from material. As the employee attempted to free the jackhammer it broke free causing the employees hand to make contact with the structure. This Caused a fracture to the left pinky finger.

April 21, 2023 IN · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting grating. The grinder kicked back, cutting through EE's gloves and made a small laceration of EE's left thumb. Required four stitches to close the wound and was able to return without limitations.

March 21, 2022 AL · Metal/Non-Metal rotary bucket excavator operator MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Struck against a moving object

The Cat 349 Excavator was on a bench pile of rock in southwest corner when the rock below the tracks gave way causing the 349 to slide down about 15ft and lay over on its side. Operator received 10 staples in the right side of the head, 6 cracked ribs and bruising to the face. Employee returned to work without lost time and is currently on restricted duty.

March 20, 2022 PA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Stray hot metal from welding contacted work boot of employee and resulted in a burn injury to EE's left foot.

January 21, 2022 PA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee felt pain in the right arm while jack hammering in plant 3 raw mill.

June 14, 2021 PA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

The incident happened on 6/14/21 and turned into a reportable incident on 6/17/21. The employee was using a torch and cutting above shoulder height above EE when a spark entered EE's right ear.

January 17, 2021 IN · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was in process of in-choking a chute. Employee was using an 8' air lance when they extracted the lance, the weight of the air hose and lance made it top heavy and the lance slipped from hands. the lance fell, striking them on the back of the head, causing a laceration, requiring 6 staples to close. Employee returned to work with no restrictions.

April 17, 2020 MD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was installing a containment system for the kiln heat exchangers when EE bent down to weld a piece. Prior to that EE carried a Fronious electric 110 welder which weighs 19.6 lbs. When EE bent down EE felt something pull in the lower back.

January 23, 2020 IN · Metal/Non-Metal mason MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

While using a mixing drill to mix mortar for brick installation, employee's glove was tangled in the shaft of the paddle bit causing a cut on pinky finger that was treated with stitches.

September 2, 2019 PA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was attempting to unclog a supply line. After turning off air they removed one end allowing material to blow into their eyes. This caused abrasions to the eye.

January 16, 2019 IN · Metal/Non-Metal hammer mill operator, breaker mill operator, jaw mill operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Injured employee was using an air lance to get material feeding. When material broke loose, it flooded out, knocking glasses off employee. Employee got dust in eyes and flushed them out thoroughly. Employee was taken to ER where eyes were flushed again and employee was given prescription eye drops as a precautionary measure. Return to work at full duty- Medical treatment only

January 31, 2018 MD · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

2 employees were grinding on a chain conveyor approximately 6' apart in the dome area of the cement plant, one employee felt a piece of metal fly into left eye. EE was unsure if the debris was from EE's own grinding or from the employee next to EE.

January 22, 2018 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The Maintenance Journeyman A was bent down vacuuming the compressor room and when the Maintenance Journeyman A raised up felt a pain in lower back. The Maintenance Journeyman A did not seek immediate medical attention until 01/26/2018

February 6, 2017 MD · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was grinding on a piece of metal with a grinder when a small shard of metal flew up under face shield and safety glasses and became embedded in right eye.

January 31, 2017 PA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Left eye was hit by a piece of material, EE was wearing safety glasses.

August 2, 2016 PA · Metal/Non-Metal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was grinding steel and foreign body entered behind face shield and entered into right eye, causing corneal abrasion.

July 26, 2016 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was water blasting equipment when hot water splashed back onto leg causing a burn. Employee developed blisters on skin and requested medical treatment where EE received a prescription medication.

June 21, 2016 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured employee was operating a forklift to stack pallets of packaged cement when a fluid cooler fan started vibrating. EE went to adjust the fan guard when finger was cut by the plastic fan blade requiring stitches.

June 17, 2016 IA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by flying object

While trying to get material to withdraw, employee put an air lace into a ¾ inch port hole on the side of the hopper. The air lance was 6 foot long. The material finally started to flow. Some of the material came out around the lance some dust got into right eye. Employee seen doctor and received prescription. No work restrictions.

April 26, 2016 PA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company, LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting a 3-inch pipe line and when cut was almost complete, the blade of the bandsaw being used crimped in the cut. At the same time the pipe started to fall and the employee accidently triggered the saw and cut into fingers of right hand, requiring stitch

August 7, 2015 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Injured worker was waterblasting in the pre-heat tower and strained his right shoulder.

October 12, 2014 AL · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

injured was lancing on preheater vessel when a large chunk fell on lance causing employee to unexpectedly twist his arm.

May 12, 2014 PA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was air lancing coal bin due to material being hung up in the bin. Employee strained lower back.

December 4, 2013 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Injured Employee (IE) was starting the Cemex unloading system and saw that the system was dusting. He went around to the Cemex Dust Collector while it was still running and opened the inspection port and stuck his right hand inside and contacted with a rotary feeder catching the tips of his two fingers on the right hand and pinching tissue on the ends.

November 1, 2013 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured Employee (IE) was removing coating from the kiln throat using a rivet buster. He aggravated his old back injury by binding and pushing the coating down with the throat.

September 17, 2013 MD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was drilling a hole with an electric drill when the bit caught and spun the drill. The employee's gloves were tacky and stuck to the drill handle. His right pinky was twisted with the drill causing a fracture

September 7, 2012 PA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Miner was unclogging kiln#1 dust transport line, there was a 3 1/2" mill ball that was sucked up into the 4" gap vax hose. The miner had his hand on the high reach basket. The gap vax hose jumped when the ball was picked up by the suction line. Pinching miners hand requiring 2 sutures.

December 19, 2011 PA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was grinding steel overhead. Debris was falling from overhead conveyor above his work area. Debris entered right eye, causing eye irritation.

October 12, 2011 IN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was using a shear machine to cut a piece of plate steel. The employee inserted the piece of steel into shear and it lifted up pinching his right hand small finger between the steel plate and the guard/barrier. The employee sustained a fracture and two lacerations requiring stitches.

August 12, 2011 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Lehigh Cement Company LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Injured Employee (IE) was helping to charge a raw mill with steel balls and was tightening the chain on a Morse drum handler when he felt the pain. He wanted a report filled out but did not seek medical attention until 8/16/2011.

March 2, 2011 PA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck by falling object

Guys were cleaning in an area with buildup After cleaning a significant amount of the material, there remained a fairly large chunk that was attached to the wall. EE was using a pistol grip jackhammer with an approx. 3 foot long bit to knock down the buildup. The entire chunk came down and either directly or indirectly made contact with EE's instep(above the steel toe).

October 27, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured worker was water blasting and felt a sharp pain in his lower back

October 20, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured person was waterblasting and his lower back popped out and the popped back in. The same thing happened the next day while water blasting and opening freight elevator door.

September 22, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Waterblasting exit of the kiln a chunk come down on the barrel of the waterblasting gun causing the gun to jolt the injured workers right shoulder. Doctor's appointment 9/28/10 was put on restricted duty 9/29/10.

September 10, 2010 MD · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee was cutting strips of wood down to 12X2 inch pieces using a table saw. The employee's thumb struck the saw blade and cut his left thumb open. Required 6 stitches to close the wound.

July 28, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Strained lower back while waterblasting the top hole north side of riser while standing on a 3 step platform.

May 21, 2010 MD · Metal/Non-Metal pumper MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was holding onto a air lance while trying to dislodge a piece of buildup off the burner pipe. The piece broke free and jerked the air lance. The employee was still holding onto the airlance and strained his right shoulder. Employee attempted to condition the shoulder but was determined to have a torn labrum. Employee had surgery on 12/2/2010

April 21, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured worker was cleaning around clinker cooler with jackhammer and shovel. His back and upper left leg felt sore as the day went on. Reported to his supervisor around 10:15 a.m. Appointment was made to see the doctor.

March 26, 2010 IA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured worker was jackhammering and removing chunks of cement from silo 54 when he felt his lower back tighten up. On 3/25/10 he requested to see a doctor and was placed on light duty.

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