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 1 active
Time period
Experience at time of incident

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The record

308 matching records

Showing 50 of 308
April 7, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was air lancing air slide and twisted EE's knee.

February 5, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by flying object

While removing liners from the Coal Mill, a fragment broke off while hitting it with a rivet buster. A worker attending nearby was hit by the projectile, which was embedded approx. 2cm into their right thigh. Employee is scheduled to have it removed in surgery on 02/12/26. Employee is currently on restricted duty and another method for liner removal is being evaluated now.

February 1, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting multiple 5 gal buckets of rocks up to a makeshift chute for clean up. They started to feel lower back pain but continued thinking it was only a muscle issue. They took the next day off day due to pain and returned the next day and reported it. They aggravated a previous injury and inflamed the area, the Dr placed them on light duty for 5 days until review

January 31, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was engaged in moving steel beams in the pre-heater tower for the installation of headache decks to facilitate vessel entry. During this task, the employee experienced lower back pain after bending over to pick up a beam.

January 31, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was attempting to move an airslide in Silo 2 to clean it out when they felt pain in groin area. They reported it that day but continued work, the next day they felt worse and was taken in to get it checked out. The ER determined a partial muscle tear in the groin area. Employee has been placed on light duty and unable to lift more than 10lbs until cleared by a Dr.

January 29, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by rolling or sliding object

A quarry truck driver sustained a left index finger pinch injury while manually moving a ~288 lb motor that was left obstructing the Secondary Crusher Hoist way walkway. With the hoist out of service, a pony bar was inserted in the lifting eye so two employees could lift it onto a pallet. During the lift, the motor shifted and slid down the bar, pinching the employee's finger.

January 15, 2026 MI · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman MACHINERY
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Improper operation of bandsaw causing finger laceration.

September 11, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman ELECTRICAL
St. Marys Cement · Contact with electrical current

Notified that an incident occurred. Upon checking near the main shop area, Miner 1 (an electrician) was found lying on the main floor, surrounded by fellow miners. It was determined that the 440 main breaker had experienced a catastrophic failure. Subsequent observations revealed that Miner 1 had borne the brunt of the failure and sustained 2nd-degree burns to both hands.

August 27, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement · Struck by flying object

Miner A was chipping debris in the discharge area of the finish mill, when Miner B noticed a fresh wound on Miner A's right forearm. It is believed that material from the mill caused this laceration. Miner A was conveyed to the hospital and released later that day. Miner A returned to work the next day.

June 6, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Fall down stairs

An employee attempted to break a rake handle by stomping on it. During the attempt, the handle recoiled and struck the employee in the side of the stomach. The pain from the handle caused them to lose consciousness while walking back to the break area. The employee fell down approximately 10 stairs, sustaining two lacerations to the left knee requiring 19 staples.

June 5, 2025 IL · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck by flying object

During crusher maintenance that involved rotating crusher blow bars, one employee was using a sledgehammer to dislodge the blow bar wedges. While striking the wedge, the employee missed and inadvertently struck the rotor. As a result, a metal fragment broke off and struck a nearby employee in the chest.

May 12, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by falling object

The employee removed the calibration weight and it dropped onto the employee's hand, pinching it between the top of the guard and the weight. As a result, the employee sustained a cut that required 8 stitches and a hairline fracture to left hand ring finger.

May 8, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee lifted 80-170 lb liners for mill #3 outage and developed right-hand pain after a popping sensation. On May 8 the tendon tightened again; diagnosed with trigger finger. Surgery occurred 1/8/26, with no use of the right hand until 3/11/26. Employee has returned to work with restrictions on 2/2/2026.

April 4, 2025 IL · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec OTHER
VCNA Prairie LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While performing a belt change, the employee crouched down to retrieve tools. As they attempted to stand, they applied pressure to their left knee, which resulted in a sharp pain. 5/2/2025 upgraded to Medical Aid. Grade 2 Sprain, requiring Physical Therapy

March 11, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While pulling liners, the liner broke free hitting the employee in the face. Requiring the employee to get stitches.

February 11, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Tripped on lip of grating and fell forward onto left knee.

December 20, 2024 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

employee was cutting vac hose with a knife and it inadvertently slipped into their right index finger requiring 6 stitches.

December 18, 2024 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement · Struck against stationary object

Description of Incident: Employee was attempting to remove pallet from lowered hi-lo forks by hand and sustained a small laceration of left middle finger from an exposed packing nail. Employee was taken to ER and treatment was rendered in the form of two stiches. Employee was cleared and returned to work.

October 21, 2024 IL · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck against a moving object

Operator reported that while driving the haul truck down the ramp into the pit, the truck slid sideways into a rut, causing a jarring motion that resulted in discomfort to EE's right wrist and lower back. EE was wearing EE's seatbelt at the time and had been holding onto the bar with EE's right hand.

October 8, 2024 IL · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While attempting to reattach a fallen guard on a crusher discharge tail pulley belt, an employee grabbed the guard through the openings and began to lift it into place. During this process, the guard at the back of the tail pulley was accidentally dislodged from its hook, resulting in a shearing injury to the employees left ring finger.

August 16, 2024 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was working on driving wedges between liners when a chunk of liner broke and cut EE's left index finger. Employee was seen by the onsite first aiders and received cleaning and a bandage and was sent back to work. On 09/25/24 the employee received medical attention to clean the cut out due to an infection.

June 27, 2024 IL · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
VCNA Prairie LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee used skid steer to take crusher blow bar pallets off of delivery truck. Once pallets were on ground employee tried sliding one blow bar to another skid to condense and stack skids for loading purposes onto a trailer to take back to main plant. When sliding blow bar, left pointer finger got pinched and caused a laceration to tip of finger.

March 11, 2024 IL · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
VCNA Prairie LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was tasked with moving a 100ft water hose located on a hill approximately 50ft over. Injured employee was located at top of the hill and assisting employee was at the bottom. Both employees grabbed their ends of the hose and tried to pull it over when the Injured Employee felt a sharp pain in lower back

March 1, 2024 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by flying object

The employee, wearing glasses and a face shield, was in the process of removing the kiln shelf feed door for inspection when dust unexpectedly puffed into both eyes from the opening on the feed shelf. The employee was prescribed eye drops on march 4th, 2024.

December 1, 2023 IL · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
VCNA Prairie LLC · Fall from machine

Cat 775E was preparing to dump shot rock into crusher, when the operator heard a loud pop and the cab became fully engulfed in flames. Operator quickly exited cab of haul truck and had to jump approximately 8ft down. Emergency services were called immediately and were onsite in approximately 5 minutes, due to the nature of the fire it took approximately 3 hours to extinguish.

October 18, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was holding a hose and working with another employee to remove a fitting which was taped to the hose. The other employee was cutting the tape and hose when the knife slipped and struck the back of the employee's right middle finger causing a laceration. The laceration required sutures to close.

September 25, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

On September 25th, 2023, at 1:00 PM, an incident occurred at Finish Mill #3 during a repair operation on the water lance. The employee sustained an injury to EE's right ring finger when EE accidentally pinched it between a pipe EE was carrying and a handrail. The injury was assessed as requiring medical attention and received two stitches.

August 30, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
St. Marys Cement · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The employee went to put an air lance down the pipe, when doing so the air came back faster than expected and the material went right over safety glasses and into the employees eyes. The employee was not wearing EE's face shield.

August 15, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal clerk, timekeeper, office worker, director of sales SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was leaving their car in the parking lot and twisted their right ankle. After an x-ray it was found that the employees fibula was chipped due to this.

June 15, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was cutting vac hose and cut themselves. The employee received 2 stitches on right thigh.

May 25, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was installing new buckets on FM#3 discharge elevator. The bucket weighted roughly 25lbs and was lifting the bucket at chest level. Employee has been doing physical therapy from 5/25/2023 until 1/31/24. The doctors diagnosed EE with a torn rotator cuff and went into surgery 1/31/24.

March 12, 2023 IL · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
VCNA Prairie LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operator was installing a new return roller when it slipped out of position and pinched the employee's finger between the roller and frame

January 3, 2023 MI · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting cribbing to set the mill motor in place on a flat bed trailer. When the employee was lifting the cribbing (approximately 100lbs) employee felt knee hyperextended backward resulting in pain. Employee was seen on January 6, 2023 by the orthopedics and was given a cortisone shot.

October 25, 2022 NY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
VCNA United Materials LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee is a mechanic and was performing maintenance activities on the D-6 dozer at the plant. Employee was standing on top of the D-6 dozer tracks while holding onto a handrail with left hand. Out of nowhere, employee claims left hip "gave out" and employee fell on top of the D-6 dozer tracks. Employee was evaluated by an Urgent Care on 10/26/22.

October 19, 2022 IL · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
VCNA Prairie LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was splicing belt. EE was placing board underneath belt to help support for cutting. EE flipped the rubber belt over board and felt a shocking pain in finger tip on three lower fingers of right hand. Employee was feeling pins and needles in those fingers, employee then started feeling pain in their right thumb.

September 12, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

The #3 boom boat loading sock counterweight was stuck in the up position and needed to be freed up. The employee decided to pull on the cable to free the counterweight. When the counterweight broke free it pulled employee's hand towards the pulley. This resulted in cutting the tip of the pinky off.

August 31, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee aggravated lower back / Left buttock from operating the truck over time. Employee was looked at by our occupational doctor on 8/30/2022 and given time off, incurring an LTI.

August 11, 2022 IL · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
VCNA Prairie LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee had a tick bite.

August 9, 2022 IL · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
VCNA Prairie LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

At 1:00 pm the employee was cutting new shim plates for Jaw crusher, as EE was cutting with the Torch the sparks from the cutting caught on EE's left pant leg, it caught on fire and when our employee noticed EE quickly put it out with water.

July 30, 2022 IL · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While the employee was cutting a conveyor belt performing maintenance, the knife slipped and cut the inside of EE's left knee.

June 2, 2022 IL · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec MACHINERY
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While repairing the steps to the water truck, the employee was attempting to hold a bracket in place, while using a hand drill. The employee was attempting to drill out old broken rivet to install new plate and bolts. While drilling out out the old rivet, the drill bit made contact with the employee's Left index finger nail cutting the nail.

April 10, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was swinging a sledge hammer to close a swing gate in the finish silos. The employee missed the target resulting in hitting their pinky and causing a fracture.

March 27, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was walking out of the doorway in the finish silos. The door that was propped open closed due to a gust of wind and pinched employee's finger between the door frame and the door. The employee was diagnosed with a fracture and a laceration to the left index fingertip.

March 24, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

An employee was swinging a sledgehammer to knock out pins on the clinker cooler conveying elements. The employee noticed a sharp pain in the left hand. The employee was then diagnosed with hook of the hamate fracture.

March 22, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Fall from ladders

An employee was climbing rope ladder to get into the vessel when the screw clamp that was holding it in place came off. The employee fell 46 inches and hurt their knee and bumped shoulder. This resulted in a shoulder sprain.

March 11, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on a patch of ice while getting out of personal vehicle in the employee parking lot and landed on left hand causing a broken wrist.

February 11, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was assisting in moving an intake pipe for the 1302 fan. The intake pipe tipped over and pinched the employee's finger between the fork of the telehandler and intake pipe. Employee received 6 stitches and fractured the upper part of middle finger.

February 10, 2022 MI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting the head of a bolt to remove a machine guard with a portable grinder. The grinder kicked and struck the employee in the lower left thumb causing an injury that required six stiches.

October 1, 2021 IL · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
VCNA Prairie LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was using a metal hammer to drive collar on a shaft. While striking the hammer a piece of metal splintered off the hammer and struck the employee in the neck.

August 2, 2021 MI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
St. Marys Cement U.S. LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was instructed to go up to the 316 belt and clear debris. The employee proceeded to the platform to perform the function. The employee went to place the shovel on the platform. While putting the shovel up on the platform, the shovel made contact with the hand rail and bounced back with the flat part of the metal shovel pan hitting the employee in the nose.

Showing 50 of 308