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

71 matching records

Showing 50 of 71
December 27, 2025 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall from machine

EE was exiting a Broderson mobile crane and caught their foot on the bottom edge of the Broderson doorway. The EE tripped and fell approximately 18-20 inches striking their left knee on the ground. The fall caused a minor scrape to their left knee, at a follow up appointment on 1/6/2026 the diagnosis changed to a closed nondisplaced transverse fracture of left patella.

August 28, 2025 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking outside of the unload pocket when they stepped into a wash-out injuring their lower back.

August 12, 2024 MN · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Injured was walking on uneven floor grating when they tripped and fell to their knees.

July 12, 2024 MN · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE fell and landed on their right wrist while trying to avoid a light fleet vehicle that was backing up to retrieve tow slings. EE received a splint during the ER visit.

November 19, 2023 MN · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped and fell while walking on a slope resulting in pain in the right shoulder.

October 17, 2023 MN · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped while taking measurements which resulted in falling and cutting the employee's left knee requiring stitches.

May 17, 2023 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was working near conveyor belt 10 as the vacuum truck operator. The employee was walking back to the vac truck and tripped on a rock causing EE to fall and land on EE's shoulder. EE dislocate EE's right shoulder

February 1, 2023 MN · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking outside and slipped on a snow packed road, fell and landed on their shoulder causing a dislocation of the left shoulder.

November 5, 2022 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator misstepped off of last rung while descending from 8 yard loader. Did not fall due to having 3 points of contact but abrupt motion caused acute lower back pain.

March 15, 2022 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall from ladders

Employee's foot slipped on last rung while descending ladder. Their foot landed awkwardly; they twisted their ankle resulting in a sprain.

November 8, 2021 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee tripped on uneven concrete and sprained their right ankle.

December 3, 2020 MN · Metal/Non-Metal forklift operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee walking outside rolled their ankle resulting in closed fracture of right fibula.

November 19, 2020 MN · Metal/Non-Metal froth cell operator, flotation mill operator, concetrator operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee strained left thumb when grabbing handrail while descending stairs. Received medical brace to immobilize thumb.

August 21, 2019 MN · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EE was standing on temporary 5'x5' grate platform on feed end of L5 Ball Mill. As EE leaned into the mill to apply sealant to joints the grating slipped off the angle iron it was resting on, sliding out from under EE. The EE fell to the level below approximately 7 feet resulting in a closed fracture to left ankle.

June 3, 2019 MN · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking on a blast pattern and stepped into a small depression and hurt left knee, continued to work. On 07/31/19 EE was prescribed physical therapy due to continued pain.

March 14, 2018 MN · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE states the while egressing off a utility loader ee had back pain. When ee was asked if ee jumped or fell ee stated it was a normal dismount with 3 points of contact. On 3/16/18 ee was diagnosed with a back strain and placed on restrictions.

November 22, 2017 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The EE was cleaning the upper walkway in the fine crusher with a water hose. EE stepped backwards and left foot slipped on the wet transition surface causing ee to fall backwards and roll right ankle.

May 19, 2017 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE slipped and fell coming out of a skid steer fracturing elbow.

April 10, 2017 MN · Metal/Non-Metal safety director SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking in the Pellet Plant. EE tripped on a chain jack, marked with barricade tape, that was attached to the floor. EE fell and struck right knee. The ee was transported to the Clinic for evaluation and received sutures.

November 27, 2016 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE stepped through a hole (Approx. 12"x18") in the floor and struck a knee. The several days later the EE went to the Dr. and was taken off work for a knee strain injury.

October 28, 2016 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall onto or against objects

The EE was operating an overhead crane and installing cone crusher steel. The employee lost their balance and fell down (on the same level) onto the crusher base cable swivel. The EE suffered fractured ribs as a result of the fall.

August 3, 2016 MN · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was working on same elevation lost balance when turning to the left and fell forward on same level. Employee struck left shin on grating step that was existing and cut shin requiring stitches.

May 13, 2015 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS ASSISTING HIS PARTNER WITH A 5' BAR WHILE TAKING THE NUT OFF THE MANTLE IN THE CRUSHER REPAIR BAY, WHEN THE LINER BAR SLIPPED OUT OF THE NUT HOLE AND THE EMPLOYEE LANDED ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR ON HIS LEFT HIP.

November 13, 2014 MN · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

On 11/13/14 the EE was coming down off a berm when he fell forward. He landed on his hands, chest and chin. His knee hit a rock at the base of the berm. The EE had no apparent serious injuries at the time and refused medical attention. On 12/31/14 this became a lost time work related injury due to shoulder pain.

May 27, 2014 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE tripped and fell on floor grating with a 3/8 inch raise in it. First responder dressed wound and employee returned to work. on 6/10 employee returned to the Dr. due to continued pain and the Dr. aspirated the wound.

March 4, 2014 MN · Metal/Non-Metal vacuum filter operator, flotation mill/concentrator operator, flotation plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The EE was operating hydraulic valves for the cobbers in the concentrator when they accidentally stepped on a piece of plywood that was covering a hole. The plywood moved and the EE fell down into the hole with their leg. The incident was a report only at the time but has now become reportable due to restrictions that were ordered by a Physician on 3/13.

March 2, 2014 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Working to clear snow, employee needed to move a roller, then he tripped over partially buried wood pallet falling on his left shoulder. This was a report only incident at the time. On 7/8/2014 the EE was prescribed Physical Therapy.

December 13, 2013 MN · Metal/Non-Metal dispatcher SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee slipped while walking to vehicle parked in small fleet vehicle area.

November 15, 2013 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall down stairs

Employee was descending down a stairway and missteped, lost his balance which caused him to fall on the landing. He injured his right knee. Employee was taken to the Medical facility where he was diagnosed with a knee strain and taken off work.

October 15, 2013 MN · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall from machine

The EE was in the process of completing his pre-operational inspection on a Cat D-11 dozer when he slipped off the dozer platform and fell to the ground. He was taken to the hospital and diagnosed with fractured ribs.

April 23, 2013 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The incident occurred on April 23, 2013 when an employee slipped on a stairs and reported pain in his shoulder. The incident became reportable on 5/13/13 when he was seen by a DR. and prescribed physical therapy and put on restrictions.

February 22, 2013 MN · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

THE EMPLOYEE WAS WALKING OUTSIDE AND SLIPPED ON AN ICY PATCH AND FELL TO THE GROUND. THE EMPLOYEE USED HIS LEFT ARM TO BREAK THE FALL. THE EMPLOYEE FELL PAIN IN HIS LEFT SHOULDER. Surgery was required to repair a muscle tear in his shoulder. This surgery occurred on 4/22/2013.

November 18, 2011 MN · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Injured was walking across parking lot to plant entrance during a snow storm and slipped on accumulating snow/ice in the area resulting in a fall to the ground. EE foot caught traction resulting in a jarring moment to his lower leg above the ankle. EE continued to work out his shift and sought treatment after hours when pain did not subside.

November 14, 2011 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee walking in the pellet plant stepped incorrectly and rolled his ankle. He was sent to the emergency room and diagnosed with a sprain and given an ankle brace.

October 25, 2011 MN · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped down into a sump when the piece of angle iron that he placed his foot on gave way causing him to slip injuring his shoulder. The employee continued to work but was later diagnosed with a muscle tear that required surgery. Surgery took place 1-23-12.

October 5, 2011 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While getting off of a loader the operator stepped into a hole. He reported that his right foot was starting to swell and that his ankle was unaffected. He did work the remainder of his regular shift. Later in the evening the employee went into the local clinic and was diagnosed with a foot sprain.

December 29, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was climbing off the drill at the end of the shift. His grippers caught the bottom step and he landed on the side of his ankle. He was sent to the hospital. Accident resulted in a fractured right distal fibula.

December 20, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped on ladder base and fell landing on right knee cap. Initially employee received medical only treatment but on 1/20/11 the employee received medical treatment and restrictions for a short period of time.

October 19, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

steer cart out of elevator onto drive floor of #1 conveyor. Cart had a motor for #1 conveyor weights 6180 lbs wheels of cart grabbed door channel on elevator throwing employee to floor. Employee sought medical care on 10/20 return to work normal activites. Subsequent doctor visit on 10/25 states employee off work beginning 10/24/10.

May 7, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was getting into the shift change van. While entering the van on the side door, the employee slipped. It was dark and wet outside. His shin hit the metal edge of the van, causing an open wound.

March 8, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was returning with a filter sample off the no. 4 conveyor when he lost his balance fell on his left hand and face. His left hand started to swell and he complained of it being sore. He was sent to the hospital to have the injury checked. Diagnosed as a left hand metacarpal fracture, splinted and restricted given.

December 30, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states he was to guide 9016 shovel back into stall 17, he was in the stall facing west when he claims to have slipped on the right strip of rubber belting used to protect the floor. He did not report the incident until 12/31/09, he sought medical treatment on 12/31/09, we are unable to accommodate his restrictions.

December 3, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee came down dust collector steps. Bottom step to ground level had uneven transition at ground level - it had been filled with crushed rock. Employee's boot slipped on bottom step to crushed rock area fracturing his right ankle.

May 6, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS PULLING A BLOCK OUT FROM UNDER THE CRANE OUTRIGGERS AND SLIPPED ON LOOSE PELLETS. FELL TO THE GROUND AND FELT PAIN IN BACK AND GROIN.

April 15, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing plugs in preparation for loading blast holes. After he had removed one of the plugs, he turned on the "chip pile" to step down onto the roadway. As he stepped, his right ankle rolled. Employee reported that his bifocals contributed to poor depth perception as he stepped off the chip pile.

March 4, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall down stairs

EMPLOYEE WAS DESCENDING STAIRWAY IN THE MAINTENANCE SHOP AREA. EMPLOYEE DESCENDED DOWN THE STAIRWAY UNTIL HE REACHED THE LAST STEP LOSING HIS FOOTING & SLIPPING OFF OF THE LAST STEP STRIKING THE FLOOR RESULTING WITH A BRUISED LEFT KNEE & SORE BACK ON HIS LEFT SIDE. EMPLOYEE ALSO STATED THAT HIS LEFT SIDE RIBS HURT. EMPLOYEE WAS SENT TO VRMC TO BE CHECKED OUT.

February 9, 2009 MN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking down the concrete ramp, employee had his hands on the handrails at the time and stepped on some loose pellets and slipped and caught himself. Employee alleged that he injured his Lower back at this time.

December 26, 2008 MN · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee sliped on ice, fell to knees twisting his lower back.

December 11, 2008 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was searching for hex mesh steel next to pile of rolled channel steel. He went to walk away when his pant leg snagged on the steel causing him to trip and fall on his right elbow.

June 17, 2008 MN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United Taconite LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped out of the doorway at the roof entry point and onto a wooden walkway constructed of spaced 2x4s. Two of the boards were broken covered with OSB board. She stepped on the board, which apparently slipped and she twisted her ankle.

Showing 50 of 71