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
273,193
Of which fatal
1,202
Years on record
2000–2026
Classifications
20
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The record

57 total records

Showing 50 of 57
April 23, 2026 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Truck driver noticed some smoke coming from behind the truck dump. Plant Technician and supervisor responded and did not see a fire but noticed a hot spot in the roof area of the building behind the truck dump. The decision was made to notify the local fire department. An area of hot coal was identified by the fire department, and they washed out the area.

July 17, 2022 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee arrived at work at 5:01 am and entered the men's change room to prepare for work. Employee sat down on the bench and removed one shoe and when they put on one boot, they noticed pain in their lower back. The employee went home for the day and did not work. The next day, employee did not report to work and was referred to an orthopedic physician due to continued discomfort.

August 11, 2021 WY · Coal water truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Water truck operator was picking up a chock block and felt some pain in their lower back. Employee was seen at the walk in clinic and prescribed a muscle relaxant for a lumbar strain.

December 19, 2020 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Maintenance technician felt a pop in their knee and could not straighten their knee out. Eventually their knee popped again and employee could straighten their knee. Employee was seen by a physician and received an MRI. Physical therapy was prescribed and the first date of physical therapy was February 8th 2021, making this a reportable injury as of that date.

August 26, 2020 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Spontaneous combustion started in an open unshot coal face that could not be reached by the loader. Holes were drilled in the top of the bench, the holes were loaded and shot. The hot coal was loaded out and buried. At no time was there any danger to either employees, equipment or structures.

March 16, 2020 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by flying object

Technician was connecting an air hose to an Enerpac jack, the lock moved forward and locked onto the air fitting. When the technician turned the twist lock to allow for the flow of air through the fitting, the air line came back off of the jack and struck the technician in the mouth, causing an abrasion to the lip and a chipped tooth.

January 20, 2020 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Technician was walking down a slope when EE fell forward onto EE's hands. The technician believed that they were unhurt until later when their wrist started hurting at which time they were taken to the clinic for treatment.

October 29, 2019 WY · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Fall down stairs

Employee was walking down the stairs at the bulk bins when EE slipped and fell partially down the stairs. EE landed on back and arm causing pain in EE's back and side. Employee went to the doctor to be checked out.

May 27, 2019 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A hot area in the exposed coal face was fanned by winds and produced flames which were extinguished by a dozer operator but not within the half hour after discovery. No miners were ever in danger at any time.

April 28, 2019 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Supervisor observed a hot area in the coal berm when winds picked up and fanned the hot coal it caused it to spark and flare up. There were no miners in danger at any time.

February 20, 2018 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Some hot coal started smoking in the high wall face. There were never any employees in any danger.

December 23, 2017 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Mechanic installing wheel on lube truck, wheel slipped and pinched employees left hand between tire and truck body. The third and fourth fingers on the left hand suffered lacerations, requiring stitches.

June 23, 2017 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Coal shot was detonated in Pit 2 at 2:30 P.M., shortly after smoke was seen coming from area south of Pit 2 beyond topsoil strip area. CCFD was notified and responded to the fire with mine personnel. Fire was extinguished after 30 minutes. No mine personnel, equipment or facilities were at risk at any time.

February 22, 2016 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Fall down stairs

Employee ascending steps to work station and tripped on first step. Employee landed on right hand, spraining wrist. There were no tripping hazards or obstacles present. Because miner was fitted with a splint to restrict movement, it was decided they might not be able to safely perform their duties even though employee was released to work as tolerated.

October 27, 2015 WY · Coal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Miner was lowering a 6' ladder into the feeder breaker when he felt pain in his lower back. Miner was seen at the clinic & returned to work w/o restrictions. On 4/11/16, Mine was 1st notified that miner had seen a dr for his back pain at the end of Feb. On 4/14/16, Mine was further notified that miner had been prescribed a steroid pack & had undergone an MRI & had an injection.

September 26, 2015 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck against a moving object

Keeper bolt on the cylinder pin at the rear of the moldboard broke allowing the pin to work its way out. When the pin fell out, it allowed the moldboard to drop, stopping the motor grader.

September 5, 2015 WY · Coal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee entered equipment cab after lunch. In the process of closing the door on the left hand side of the cab, employee placed right hand on the door jamb while reaching for the door with their left hand. Employee closed the door causing an injury to their right thumb that was still in the door jamb.

January 30, 2015 WY · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by flying object

Miner was dismounting a loader when an object struck his hard hat. No medical treatment was required, and miner reported to work for his next scheduled shifts. Dry Fork Mine (DFM) was notified on 2/09/15 that miner intended to visit chiropractor for soreness/stiffness in neck. Because miner has now sought chiropractic treatment, in abundance of caution, DFM is filing this Form.

October 29, 2013 WY · Coal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Incident at issue did not involve an employee of the operator but rather involved an employee of a contractor working on site. While the operator is not required to file this 7000-1 form, the operator is doing so now out of an abundance of caution. Contractor emp fell in parking lot. EE went to ER & no injury was found. EE received a prescription for pain killers

July 18, 2013 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A passing Union Pacific loaded coal train emitted sparks and ignited a grass fire. There were no injuries or property damage as a result of the fire.

June 5, 2013 WY · Coal safety representative OTHER
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Unclassified, insufficient data

Dry Fork was notified today of a possible lumbar spine injury to an EE. Dry Fork Mine does not believe the alleged injury is work relate, Dry Fork Mine is filing this 7000-1 out of abundance of caution and to err on the side of compliance.

December 28, 2012 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Time is Approximate Employee collapsed while filling out time card in lunchroom at the end of his shift. Employee was non-responsive, pulseless and breathless; CPR was started by crew members. Employee had return of respirations and pulses. Employee was turned over to EMS who transported him to CCMH. Employee had respirations and pulses at the time of transport.

August 30, 2012 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Grass fire that started on the county road. Fire continued from county road to mine perimeter road on south and east high walls. Fire burned between 800 to 1200 acres.

August 29, 2012 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was driving a lube truck on a haul road. He went through a soft spot in the road, which bent the tie rod and damaged the oil pan. The steering wheel turned quickly, the employee's little finger got caught in the steering wheel as it turned. The employee fractured the 5th metacarpal on the L hand. Employee is required to wear a splint and a sling until healed.

February 20, 2012 WY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was re-installing floor grating. Employee caught the tip of his finger between grating pieces. Splitting his finger nail. Nail was removed on 2-25-2012, nail was sutured in place to cover until new nail in place, antibiotics were given as a precaution.

January 25, 2012 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was lifting a dog bone into place when the lifting chain slipped and the part fell onto the employee's steel toe boot. The employee's toes were lacerated requiring sutures to close.

November 29, 2010 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Lifting pump from machine to grab overhead hoist, turned to set down and stumbled. Pump pinched finger against frame of dozer and cut finger.

August 16, 2010 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

After stepping off water truck, when standing flat on the ground turned to move left, felt sharp pain across lower back.

March 17, 2010 WY · Coal mechanic helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

While changing out an O-ring on a Husco split spool valve on a LeTourneau Loader, the mechanic helper got hydraulic oil in both eyes. Eyes were flushed, EE taken to Gillette optimetric for follow up eye exam. Employee received antibiotic/steroid drops & ointment to use in eyes. Employee back to work next shift with no problems. Eyes clear, no redness, "100% better", EE feels fine.

December 13, 2009 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While Dry Fork Mine does not believe this incident constitutes an accident under MSHA's regulations or the Mine Act, EE was applying heat and compressed air to a partially frozen water pipe when his leg was injured.

May 7, 2009 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

This form has been prepared for abatement purposes only. The operator of Dry Fork Mine denies that any reportable event occurred. FIRST AID ONLY - Minor cut R middle finger while installing taper lock sheave on shaft to set bearing.

August 7, 2007 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Grass Fire that had flame for more than 30 minutes. The Fire was located in an inactive area of the mine. Haul roads encompassed the entire perimeter of the inactive area. The Fire went to the north and northwest. No structures, people or equipment were at risk.

July 13, 2007 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was fueling and lubing the trackhoe, went to add glycol to the radiator (engine was warm) the cap hissed at the operator, burning his wrist. Employee was unable to screw the cap back into place and was sprayed in the face with hot glycol. 2nd degree burns to wrist and hand, 1st degree burns to face and chest.

August 25, 2005 WY · Coal FIRE
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Accident type, without injuries

BN Train that was on the main track started a grass fire, that lasted more than 30 minutes. Area that was burned was strip of grass between the main line and Dry Fork Mines rail -loop. No damage to structures or equipment. No injuries. the only damage was burned grass.

March 17, 2005 WY · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by falling object

OCCURED WHILE CLEARING MATERIAL FROM UNDER THE TAILGATE. TIP OF R INDEX FINGER CRUSHED. WHEN MATERIAL WAS CLEARED FROM AREA TAILGATE DROPPED AND FINGER TIP WAS CRUSHED IN LATCH RESULTED IN A FRACTURE TO THE R INDEX FINGER TIP WITH A LACERATION THAT REQUIRED SUTURES

March 16, 2004 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

***This is an ammendment to e-doc 10466 may still have more infromation later. cleaning tracks of a dozer with a shovel -felt stinging sensation, finished job. when glove reomved individual could not raise tip of 5th digit L hand. Individual denies contact with anything and did not feel that he had stressed his hand at all.

November 3, 2003 WY · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Fall onto or against objects

EE STEPPED OUT OF CAB OF VEHICLE AND HIS FOOT SLIPPED OUT FROM UNDER HIM CAUSING EE TO FALL BACKWARDS ONTO THE FLATBED OF THE TRUCK JAMMING HIS LEFT SHOULDER. THE EE DID NOT REPORT THIS INCIDE NT TO EMPLOYER UNTIL 1/5/04 & HAS NOT MISSED ANYDAYS FROM WORK OR HAD RESTRICTED DUTY. EMPLOYER MADE AWARE ON 2/3/04 THAT EE IS SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR, MAKING THIS REPORTABLE. CHIRO IS 1ST MED

September 9, 2003 WY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by flying object

WHILE WASHING DOWN THE GALLEYWAY ON CV06 EE SPRAYED A PILE OF COAL WITH A WATER HOSE, AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE SPRAYED A GUST OF WIND CAME UP THE GALLEY. THIS CAUSED COAL TO BE BLOWN INTO HIS EYES. HE FLUSHED THE EYES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE FOLLOWING SHIFT EE WAS SEEN BY AN OPTOMETRIST WHO NUMBED THE EYE, REMOVED A SPECK OF COAL DUST, AND GAVE HIM A PRECAUTIONARY ANTIBIOT

July 30, 2003 WY · Coal ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE PUTTING KEEPER BOLTS ON CUTTING EDGES OF CAT 16-G EE TWISTED CAUSING PAIN. THE EDGES WERE ALREADY BEING HELD IN PLACE. NO INJURY OCCURED JUST A TWISTING MOTION CAUSED BACK PAIN. EE HAS P REVIOUS HISTORY OF BACK INJURY. HE HAS SEEN A CHIROPRACTOR ON AND OFF FOR 6 YEARS. EE WAS RELEASED TO RETURN WITH NO RESTRICTIONS. NO INJURY-ILLNESS.

June 25, 2003 WY · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CUT FINGER ON METAL BAND WHILE MOVING DOZER BLADES

April 15, 2003 WY · Coal NO VALUE FOUND
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · No Value Found

THIS INCIDENT OCCUREED WHEN A FLOATING PLATFORM OVERTURNED. THE EE CLAIMS THAT HE WAS INJURED AS A RESULT. WE BELIEVE THAT THE CONDITION WAS PRE-EXIXTING AND THAT HE WAS NOT INJURED IN THE INC IDENT.

March 28, 2003 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler NO VALUE FOUND
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · No Value Found

OILER STEPPED OUT OF LUBE TRK, STEPPED IN HOLE AND SPRAINED HIS ANKLE. A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER THE INITIAL FALL, THE EE STATED THAT HE REINJURED HIS R SHOULDER IN THE FALL. DFM DOES NOT BELEI VE THAT THIS INJURY WAS FROM THE FALL BUT AN ON GOING PROBLEM FROM A PAST NON-WORK RELATED INJURY TO THE SAME SHOULDER. EE AT THE TIME OF REPORTING INITIAL INJURY WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE SHOULDER

December 23, 2002 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

REMOVING BELLY PAN ON CAT D-9 DOZER. LOWERED ONE SIDE OF PAN TO FLOOR, WAS BEATING PIN OUT OF THE OTHER SIDE. WHEN PIN CAME OUT, PAN PINCHED LEFT INDEX FINGER BETWEEN THE FRAME OF DOZER AND TH E BELLY PAN. FRACTURE OF LEFT INDEX FINGER. CUT ON PALM ASPECT OF L HAND NO SUTURES.

November 2, 2002 WY · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

WHILE WORKING ON A COAL SHOT EE BENT OVER TO PICK UP A OBJECT FROM FROM THE GROUND AND AT THAT TIME HE FELT A SHARP PAIN IN HIS LOWER BACK. HE WAS THEN TRANSPORTED TO CAMPBELL COUNTY HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION. NO DAMAGE WAS NOTED HE GIVEN PAIN MEDICATION AND RELEASED.

October 8, 2002 WY · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

WHILE THROWING CABLE OFF BENCH TWISTED CAUSED MINOR BACK PAIN. BACK DID NOT HURT AT THE TIME. THE NEXT MORNING IT FELT LIKE IT WAS OUT OF PLACE. WENT TO THE CHIROPRACTOR FOR AN ADJUSTMENT.

July 23, 2002 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

WHILE PURGING LINES WITH GREASE GUN THE AUTOLUBER'S END BLEW OFF CAUSING THE CONTENTS TO SPLASH ON FACE & INTO EYES. SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS WERE ALSO WORN AT TIME OF INDIDENT.

March 14, 2002 WY · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE OPENING SHOP DOOR, EMPLOYEE CAUGHT FINGER BETWEEN DOOR AND FUEL TANK.

January 30, 2002 WY · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Fuels-Wyoming Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT EE WAS USING A SET OF CHANNEL LOCK PLIERS TO HOLD A PUNCH. WHEN CO-WORKER STRUCK THE PUNCH WITH A HAMMER, A PIECE OF THE PUNCH FLAKED OFF AND BECAME EMBEDDED IN EE'S RT. INDEX FINGER.

Showing 50 of 57