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

93 matching records

Showing 50 of 93
January 29, 2026 NM · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Rubbed or abraded

While doing pre-op grader right rear side, notice the engine compartment door was open, crawled up to close the door, the latch handle was broken, went back to cab to get pliers to close the latch, after closing the latch, crawling back down slipped on the small lower foot step. Reached to grab the hand rail to keep from falling off the grader and somehow cut left hand.

June 3, 2025 NM · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Was at pond 11 checking water pump fuel level. While walking slid off the berm into the mud. Right foot stuck in the mud about 5" deep and I twisted ankle, pain also felt in the lower knee area.

March 5, 2025 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

while stepping from push arm on left side of dozer to track lost footing and fell on right side back/rib on the track grousers

November 11, 2022 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Employee dismounting boarding ladder on last step knee gave out and fell. Employee did not want medical evaluation. On 11/15/2022 employee, requested medical evaluation. Seen at medical facility, employee was released to full duty. On 1/09/2023 went in to medical medical facility to have knee checked. Employee was given a Do Not Return To work notice and had surgery scheduled.

September 17, 2022 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped off of step stools last/bottom rung rolling EE's left ankle resulting in a sprained ankle resulting in the inability to wear EE's steel toe boots (PPE) to return to EE's normal duties.

April 19, 2021 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was walking along the LW face. EE stepped down from the shield toes, onto the DA Relay bar. EE's foot slipped and EE fell, striking the side of EE's head against the base lift cylinder, causing a laceration to EE's right ear.

January 24, 2021 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Employee slipped while dismounting from a light truck. Leg slipped out from under employee, tried to catch self. Strained left leg & left shoulder.

June 7, 2020 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE slipped and fell while walking from the shower to EE's locker, striking head on the floor, resulting in a laceration which required stitches.

February 4, 2020 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While dismounting from a piece of equipment in the shop, a miner twisted a knee. Miner was evaluated by an off-site medical professional and was released to return to duty. An MRI test was conducted later and identified a torn ligament in the knee and required surgery on 3/24/2020 making it a reportable injury.

May 22, 2016 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While dismounting from a motor grader the employee shifted their weight while one foot was still on the ladder. This caused EE's hip to twist and EE felt something pull in their right inner thigh.

March 31, 2016 NM · Coal miner, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Tripped while walking in the return. Tried to catch self by grabbing the rib mesh. Right middle finger was caught in the mesh and resulted in a fracture and laceration.

March 22, 2016 NM · Coal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Lost balance and fell forward while walking along entry. Reached out with right arm and caught himself, causing pain in right shoulder

January 21, 2016 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was standing in back of a coal car taking down ventilation tube. Employee slipped and fell in back of the coal car with the ventilation tube landing on the employee torso.

January 12, 2016 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was cleaning up and getting ready to put tools away after fixing a horizontal pin. Employee was carrying an impact wrench and tripped and fell with the impact wrench and hitting the shield toes. Causing fracture to left thumb.

October 5, 2015 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While he was involved in a physical altercation with another employee, regarding shearer operation he was pushed onto the top of the shield toe. Caused him to seek medical treatment and was diagnosis with right shoulder and neck strained.

May 16, 2015 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While employee was building a stopping he tripped & hit the side of the trailer dislocating his right elbow.

January 13, 2015 NM · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While employee was cleaning a conveyor belt, he slipped and fell against a belt striking his left shoulder.

September 26, 2014 NM · Coal security guard, watchman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was exiting the guard building and opened the door to walk down 2 steps to the pavement. EE missed the 2nd step which resulted in the ee falling backwards on her back on the pavement. Injury was a sprained back which was initially diagnosed as a possible fracture. The x-ray tech could not check x-rays until next Monday which resulted in the ee missing 1 day of work.

March 21, 2014 NM · Coal miner, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee reported the injury on 3-22-14. He stepped over a steel set spreader bar and slipped on wet concrete and fell. Causing left knee pain.

March 11, 2014 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stumbled and tripped while carrying a rock dust bag, when he went to pick up the bag he felt a sharp pain in lower back.

August 18, 2013 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking the 401 Belt and encountered a slippery area where water and gypsum had mixed. He felt his heel slip and tried to catch himself. As he attempted to catch himself he felt a sharp pain in his left leg and fell to the ground.

May 24, 2013 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from ladders

While employee was smearing a stopping in 401 #1, he slipped off the ladder & fell on left leg and landed on his back to the ground. He felt sharp pain to his back and knee. He reported the incident until 5-28-13 and went to Reliance Medical for treatment, he was released to sedentary work.

March 9, 2013 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

employee was washing 300 transfer and lost his balance on a wooden pallet, causing him to twist his right ankle. Reliance Medical Group diagnosis fracture right ankle.

December 20, 2012 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stepped on the edge of the shield toe and caused him to slip and fall, landing on his right hip. Diagnosis: contusion right lower back and released to full duty. On 12-27-12 doctor noted: Do not return to work until further notice.

December 11, 2012 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was conducting service on CME0408, while turning the cutter head to change bits, his foot slipped and he felt a sharp pain in his right leg calf muscle. diagnosis calf tear from Reliance Medical Group.

December 7, 2012 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While getting into the cab TRD0775 CAT D11T dozer the operator slipped on the left track causing abrasions on left abdomen and tailbone. Employee was released to restricted duty, diagnosis left side back pain and strained.

October 22, 2012 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

while using high volume fire hose to wash ASH Truck window, employee stepped forward on a mud and strained right knee.

April 24, 2012 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was conducting a PM on 1318 End Dump in the shop. he was coming off the ladder from the deck above the engine compartment to the top of the transmission area. The 2nd step on the ladder broke loose on one side, causing him to fall off the ladder. diagnosis lumbar strained and do not return to work.

November 14, 2011 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

While employee was walking down the entry around 38 xcut to help inspect a hoist he slipped and contacted his knee on a chunk of coal. Causing right knee contusion and abrasion and released to restricted duty.

June 22, 2011 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped off lube truck to service and slipped on mud that came from leaks on water truck. Sprained right knee. Received medical treatment and released to restricted duty.

April 11, 2011 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee rolled his ankle after getting out of the Wallace(unit) and before entering the belt entry for preshifting of belt. Employee told supervisor after preshifting that his ankle hurts. He was transported to Reliance and released to restricted duty and diagnosis with left ankle sprained.

January 16, 2010 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee sustained a sprained ankle when walking while performing rock dusting. Employee was evaluated and released to restricted duty.

December 16, 2009 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was hanging J-Channel at 62 xc 5-6 with a co-worker. They had the J - Channel on shoulder lifting it to roof to strap the J - Channel off. EE slipped on uneven ground falling to his knees. He continued working until lunch time, he sat down for lunch, when he got up after lunch he noticed his right knee was sore.

September 17, 2009 NM · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Raining & muddy roads. Mud had collected on the steps to the driver's compartment while driving to fill location. Driver was dismounting while facing the cab, stated he had hold of grab bar & the steering wheel but his foot slipped & he fell 3 to 4 feet to the ground onto his left hip. Initial exam & x-rays were negative for fractures but CT-Scan showed hairline fractures at hip.

August 22, 2009 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was opening the vent valve at the dust tank, he slipped off the concrete pad that the pod sits on. He felt a pop in his right ankle. Reliance Medical Group diagnosed him with right ankle sprain and released him to restricted duty.

March 3, 2009 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Injured was going thru mandoor. He stepped on wooden pallet that was floating on water. He fell and dislocated left thumb.

January 19, 2009 NM · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on small patch of ice, when his foot hit dry ground it stopped suddenly causing the leg to twist. He then fell to the ground with his leg folded back under him. The leg was angulated. Employee was transported to the hospital and x-ray indicated that both bones in the right lower leg had been fractured.

October 16, 2008 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from ladders

Employee stepped on a coal that was on the step ladder while coming off. employee lost his balance and fell to the ground, causing him to sprain his right wrist.

June 9, 2008 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

While unloading structure from trailer, employee fell backwards and caught herself with right arm resulting in right wrist fracture.

May 29, 2008 NM · Coal pumper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
San Juan Coal Company · Fall from ladders

The condition that contributed to the accident is placing a ladder on the side of a fuel tank to get stick readings.ladder was placed in a bad location and was not stable.EE steped on the ladder to come down the tank it slipped out from under him and the employee fell. The employee fell on his shoulder and broke his clavical.

May 9, 2008 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Employee fell from the motor-grader while cleaning the windows. Employee struck his head on the ground, resulting into a laceration and required some sutures.

February 8, 2008 NM · Coal carpenter SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was carrying a sheet-rock and slipped on snow covered ice and mud. He stated he was fine and applied band aid and did not seek medical treatment at the time. Until 3-3-08 he sought medical treatment at Reliance Medical, he was diagnosed with right ring finger fracture and released to partial duty.

February 2, 2008 NM · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
San Juan Coal Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

An operator slipped and fell on ice after he had gotten out of their crew cab to head to his assigned equipment. The ice was hidden under the fresh snow that fell that morning. He was seen by company doctor and placed on restricted duty. The restriction did not allow him to return to his normal duty this date.

May 29, 2007 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped on an uneven ground of roadway causing ankle to twist. Reliance Medical Group diagnosed left ankle fracture.

May 18, 2007 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE's footing slipped after putting belt structure in the scoop bucket, caused his knee to twist. Doctor released his to restricted duty.

December 17, 2006 NM · Coal lw propman, propman helper, move crew if lw, move-up man, jacksetter, advanceman lw helper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's right foot slipped when he stepped on the relay bar while reaching for the panline, causing him to twist his ankle. Sought medical treatment and was released to restricted duty.

November 19, 2006 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was carrying a Roc-prop with another employee and stepped on uneven ground causing him to strain his left calf muscle.

November 1, 2006 NM · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland San Juan Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on a loose coal, causing him to fall forward and landing on the floor with his left hand first. Resulted into dislocation of left pinky finger.

December 8, 2005 NM · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
San Juan Coal Company · Fall from machine

Operator of LDW 208 loader slipped from the access ladder & fell 6 feet causing him to fracture his left leg.

Showing 50 of 93