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

109 matching records

Showing 50 of 109
April 30, 2026 OR · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Seubert Excavators Inc · Fall from machine

The employee was tasked with helping fill water tank. EE was found about 30 minutes later laying face down saying EE was hurt and needed help. At this point it appears that the weight of the trailer shifted off the cribbing under the landing gears and caused the trailer to overturn, either striking against or rolling over the miner.

March 28, 2026 TX · Metal/Non-Metal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Alpine Silica, LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee unhooked lanyard and fell through roof resulting in fatal injuries.

October 16, 2025 MO · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
MLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee was performing cleaning and maintenance. They began work around 7 pm and was discovered by coworkers on the ground below the area of work. It is believed they fell.

September 20, 2024 TN · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Blue Water Industries · Fall from machine

Employee found face down on ground next to loader EE was operating. Responding authorities pronounced employee deceased. Incident is still under investigation.

August 22, 2024 OK · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
APAC-Central, Inc · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee fell through opening/hole in platform that had been removed, fell about 20 feet and received head trauma. Update: The employee passed away on 9/6/24.

August 4, 2024 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Atalco Gramercy LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

An employee received burn injuries from exposure to hot water and caustic liquid, when they entered an area where the liquids accumulated on the ground. Employee fell into an open sump hole while walking into the work area.

August 5, 2023 TX · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Superior Silica Sands LLC · Fall from machine

Improper procedure performed, improper PPE, and not following SOP. *A customer truck driver fell from a large container mounted on the trailer of the truck while descending the container. The customer truck driver died from the injuries on August 7, 2023.

June 8, 2023 MA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Boro Sand & Stone Corp · Fall from machine

EE DID NOT UTILIZE LOTO OR FALL PROTECTION. PER VIDEO & EYEWITNESS, EE WAS WORKING ON ELECTROMAGNET ABOVE CONVEYOR BELT #2. EE STEPPED ON THE BELT FOR THE ELECTROMAGNET THAT TURNS ON EVERY 15 MIN FOR A FEW REVOLUTIONS. THE BELT ENERGIZED AROUND THE TIME EE STEPPED ON IT & THE BELT SWEPT EE OFF THE TOP OF THE ELECTROMAGNET. EE FELL APROX. 20-25 FT STRIKING HEAD & OTHER BODY PARTS.

January 30, 2023 MO · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Martin Marietta Kansas City, LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

An employee was fatally injured when they fell from an opening in an elevated catwalk.

June 20, 2022 AR · Metal/Non-Metal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
3M Company · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Time of accident: 10:00-11:30 Employee was drilling approximately 5' from the highwall. Drill steel was out of the carousel (cause under investigation). They exited the drill to correct the situation and failed to put on fall protection as per company policy and training requirements. It appears that they tripped/slipped/stumbled and fell over the edge. This resulted in a fatality.

January 14, 2022 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Ohio County Coal Resources, Inc. · Fall from machine

Employee fell from 28 feet. On top of 400 conveyor belt on 5th floor of preparation plant. Fell to 4th floor.

August 4, 2021 WV · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Marfork Coal Company, LLC · Fall from machine

Employee fell while steam cleaning loader.

July 26, 2021 PA · Metal/Non-Metal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Buzzi Unicem USA · Fall from machine

A contract employee was conducting maintenance duties at the number 6 cement cooler when the employee fell approximately 25 feet onto a concrete floor.

February 25, 2021 NV · Metal/Non-Metal hydrate plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sierra Ready Mix · Fall from headframe, derrick or tower

The employee was last seen on top of the tower and determined to be missing. The employee was found in a pipe traveling from the cyclone discharge box to the thickener tank. Investigation has revealed that the employee traveled outside the provided safe access to the cyclone discharge box. It is not yet determined how the employee entered the pipe.

September 1, 2020 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Arepet Industries, LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was closing the hatches on a pneumatic truck. While attempting to get back onto the catwalk employee fell off the truck. Employee was wearing EE's harness but EE did not tie off properly. Emergency responders attempted to render first aid but were unsuccessful. At this moment I do not have a detailed description of all the contributing factors that led to the fall.

June 1, 2020 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Desert Aggregates · Fall from machine

Upon information provided injury occurred while tarping load. EE fell from trailer to the ground.

January 23, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Lehigh Southwest Cement · Fall from machine

Contractor truck driver was found lying on the ground on the drivers side of cement haul truck at the east truck access platform outbound lane by Golden Star trucking trainer and trainee at ~ 1:30-1:45 pm.

January 8, 2020 IA · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Wendling Quarries Inc · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

FELL INTO LIME BIN.

August 20, 2019 PA · Coal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Scrubgrass Reclamation Company, L.P. · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was in the process of removing a metal dumpster from the bottom floor of our truck unloading building using a hoist. When they removed the dumpster from the building the hand rail was not put back into position and the employee fell into the lifting bay of the hoist. Fall was approximately 37 feet to the bottom level.

July 15, 2019 TN · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Plant Manager aggravated a pre-existing injury to the right heel tearing a blood blister while walking over a level drill bench. On July 20th, EE died after complications following surgery after an x-ray revealed a broken right heel bone and torn achilles tendon.

March 7, 2019 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

EE was changing the v-belts on the north log washer motor gearbox assembly. EE lost balance when wrench slipped off the motor mounting bolt ee was tightening and fell backwards through a 15 3/4 inch gap between the log washers. EE was conscious and talking and was told to remain in place until EMS arrived.

February 27, 2017 WV · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Chestnut Land Holdings, LLC · Fall from ladders

Employee was last observed as employee began to ascend an extension ladder. There is no eye witness, it is apparent the employee fell approximately 20ft. onto a moving conveyor belt and was fatally injured.

September 15, 2016 NV · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Premier Magnesia LLC · Fall from machine

Employee fell off the back of #62A loader landing on upper back/neck/shoulder.

May 10, 2016 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Ash Grove Cement Company · Fall from machine

Employee was found on the floor of the #2 slurry tank. Employee had significant head injuries and was pronounced dead by the Justice of the Peace. The accident scene is currently under a Section 103(k) order and subject to MSHA investigation.

September 26, 2015 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Cahaba Resources LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was checking transmission fluid on dozer, and was found unconscious on ground, possibly related to medical emergency. *The miner never regained consciousness and succumbed to his injuries on October 5, 2015.

May 18, 2015 MO · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Buzzi Unicem USA · Fall from machine

A delivery truck driver for Stericycle Environmental Solutions arrived at Alternate Fuels to deliver drums. After opening trailer doors, the driver walked back to the cab of his truck and proceeded to climb the steps to get back in the cab when he suddenly fell backwards onto the ground striking the back of his head.

November 26, 2014 IL · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
U. S. Silica Company · Fall from ladders

An employee on the ground level retrieved the tool and climbed 1 to 2 rungs of the ladder to hand the tool to the employee above. The employee appeared to lose consciousness and fell. The witnesses indicated that it appeared the victim was breathing. At 12:01pm, US Silica was informed that the victim had a heart attack and while at the hospital the employee died.

November 17, 2014 IN · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Irving Materials, Inc. · Fall from machine

The EE involved arrived 15 minutes before start time and went directly to his haul truck and started the truck. While in the shop the EE reported to another EE that he had slipped and fallen from his truck after it was started. He said he missed the bottom step and fell against the tire. He slid down the tire, striking his head on the concrete. He died on 11/27/2014.

October 10, 2014 PA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Heidelberg Materials US Cement LLC · Fall from machine

Fall from Platform at Lehigh Cement Facility. On 10/10/14 a truck driver/loader employed by FT Silfies Inc. was in the process of pre-loading a trailer on miner property. At Aprox. 11:18AM, the driver was standing in side the safety loading rack on top of a trailer when he fell between the lower railing of the rack and the trailer, aprox ten (10) feet to the ground.

August 25, 2014 NY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Gardenscape of New York · Fall from piled material

About 3:15 pm., employee went to a storage building to get some planks. He climbed a stack of loaded pallets to get to the planks that were near the rafters and fell approximately 8 feet to the floor below and was found dead the next morning at approximately 6:02 am.

June 14, 2014 UT · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Diamond K Gypsum Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was shrink wrapping a pallet with a weed burner and for some unknown reason he burned himself and was found by a co-worker in a serious burn condition. He is burned over 36% of his body including left arm, which has been amputated, and his right upper arm, chest and face. The cause of death was mucomuyosis (fungal infection).

February 27, 2014 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. · Fall from machine

Emp a contract worker repairing a Scaler in Mod 12. The emp had fallen to the ground in fetal position, locked arms, clenched fist and bleeding from the ears. The witness did not know if the emp fell from a height or ground level. The injured emp was airlifted. He was lacking oxygen to brain for 10 minutes. He was pronounced dead at 9:45AM on Feb 28.

February 21, 2014 KY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
CEMEX INC. · Fall onto or against objects

Without checking to ensure elevator car was present, contractor stepped into elevator shaft and fell approximately 25 feet landing on top of elevator car.

October 17, 2013 CA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

The miner was in progress of storing electrical cable into a cable tray. The south bracket some how came loose. When the south side of the cable tray came down it struck the ladder on the east side causing the ladder to fall towards the west. The miner tried to compensate for the fall by leaning to the west. He then fell from the ladder hitting the ground.

December 14, 2012 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

Employee was climbing up ladder onto Rock Truck when his feet slipped out from under him causing him to fall to the ground.*** Note added Employee died 12/28/12 from complications related to this injury per fatal ruling/notification on 6/27/13 from MSHA.

September 22, 2012 AZ · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
BHP Copper Inc · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Fatality due to fall from heights.

August 31, 2012 NV · Metal/Non-Metal driller operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Newmont USA Limited · Fall down raise, shaft or manway

A fatal accident occurred at the Exodus underground mine on Friday August 31st at approximately 13:30. The employee was preparing the top cut of the 4410-315 long hole stope, when he fell into the stope.

May 17, 2012 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Independence Coal Company Inc · Fall from ladders

An employee suffered fatal injuries after he fell down the hoist-well from the 3rd floor onto the basement floor of the preparation plant. The employee was on a ladder when it slipped or shifted causing the employee and ladder to fall over the handrails and down the hoist-well. Employee was transported to the ER by EMS.

May 15, 2012 IN · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Gibson County Coal, LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was helping to pour concrete in the shaft, the hose is directed to the shaft walls as needed. The hose was over loaded with material when the concrete came out of the bucket too fast, this caused the hose to surge and knock employee and his co-workers off their feet, resulting a fracture to employee's left ankle.

April 25, 2012 KY · Coal welder (shop) Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corp. · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Worker took it on his self to cut belt line down without the use of the equipment that we was using to take it down with. He cut it then started walking away from it as it was falling. Then it caught the catwalk he was on and flipped him over the double hand rail on the catwalk and fell to the ground about 20 ft down.

February 22, 2012 FL · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
White Rock Quarries · Fall from machine

Employee was installing a replacement snubber pulley on the M-22 conveyor when he fell to the ground

November 17, 2011 ID · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Hecla Limited · Caught in, under or between collapsing material or buildings

Two miners working in an underground bin excavation were attempting to level the muckpile by blowing muck down a hole at the brow. They were both tied to retractable fall restraints when the muckpile slid down the repose angle unexpectedly. One employee manually pulled his line and engaged his restraint but the second man was engulfed and suffocated by the finely broken muck.

September 23, 2011 NY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Lafarge North America, Inc. · Fall from machine

Employee was changing screen material in a triple deck screen when he fell over the hand rail. He fell approximately 56 feet to the ground below.

June 9, 2011 CO · Coal miner, prospector, nec Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Mountain Coal Company, L.L.C. · Fall onto or against objects

Working on a structure 15' high & was safely tied off to structure, when he completed his work, instead of stepping onto platform from beam he was standing on while tied off - he untied and then stepped and fell 8' onto another 5 1/4" beam with his chest. He walked to the company truck and sat down ambulance arrived, got in and died in route to the hospital.

June 4, 2011 AK · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working without fall protection and fell to his death.

December 9, 2010 TX · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Blue Star Materials LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee had a 2" high pressure water line blow out. Pressure of the water pushed him over handrail, causing him to fall 34 feet. Employee landed on an electrical tray, then rolled off, falling to the ground. **EE was hospitalized multiple times due to his injuries and he died on July 26, 2012**

June 12, 2010 MN · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Unimin Minnesota Corporation · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Incident is still under investigation. Cause of death is unknown, awaiting autopsy report. The victim was working from an elevated location that was provided with handrails. He was using an 8 foot stepladder. While preparing to weld on an overhead vent pipe, he fell going over the handrail and landed on a railroad track 47 feet below.

October 19, 2009 KY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Sterling Materials · Fall from machine

VICTIM WAS ON A BELT CONVEYOR TO CUT OFF A LOOSE PIECE OF BELT. HE FELL APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET TO THE GROUND BELOW. HE DIED ON JANUARY 11, 2011. HARD FROST THE MORNING OF THE ACCIDENT. FAILED TO WEAR COMPANY SUPPLIED SAFETY HARNESS.

September 23, 2009 IL · Coal driller operator Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
M-Class Mining LLC · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

A piece of grating had been moved to insert a piece of pipe. Employee stepped in hole in grating and fell 38' down the shaft. Injury was fatal.

April 14, 2009 MO · Metal/Non-Metal carpenter Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Amrize Cement Inc. · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee fell approximately 100 feet while dismantling a suspended Safway Systems scaffold. The accident is still under investigation.

Showing 50 of 109