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

327 total records

Showing 50 of 327
March 16, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While clearing a jammed can in the north shaker line accumulator, employee's hand became caught between discharge wheel and accumulator frame resulting in lacerations to top of right hand, middle and index fingers.

March 11, 2009 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unknown electrical problem rendered the Production hoist inoperable. There were no persons underground at the time. Trouble-shooting revealed a contactor linkage had gone out of adjustment; back in operation at 12:45pm.

March 11, 2009 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unknown electrical problem caused the Koepe access cage to become inoperable. Mine evacuated; no injuries. Troubleshooting into mid-day revealed brake caliper switch had gone bad; back in service at 1:00 pm.

February 4, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The pinion brake on the # 2 hoist drive would not release. The mine evacuation was complete at 1:50pm. A new pinion brake releif valve was installed, the hoist was tested and restored to service. Miners returned underground at 3:00 pm.

January 20, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was assigned to clean up oil spillage near the block press. While applying oil to the dry floor, he slipped and grabbed a stack of pallets with his left hand to avoid falling to the ground level. Later in the shift he observed a knot that formed on his left wrist as a result of grabbing the pallets.

January 14, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Swepco power outage affected city of Grand Saline and multiple counties. Power was restored at 8:31 a.m., the hoist was tested and mining operations resumed.

January 12, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Experienced intermittent loss of control power due to faulty contactor relay that controls hoist speed. Miners were evacuated and the control contactor relay was replaced. The hoist was tested and miners returned underground at 4:55 pm.

January 11, 2009 TX · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was demoing some (RMC) ridgid metal conduit during a weekend shutdown. The employee used Tru-trape to support one end of the conduit while he cut a strap loose with a reciprocating saw. The tru tape broke, causing the RMC to fall on one end and the other end to raise up catching his arm between the RMC and a angle iron brace cutting left arm.

January 9, 2009 LA · Metal/Non-Metal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was placing a blasting cap in a drill hole with his left hand while holding on to the top rail of the loading basket with his right hand. The loading basket moved causing the basket to move against the mine face, mashing his finger between the mine face and the loading basket.

December 28, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee slipped on slick floor and caught himself before falling to the ground. While slipping he twisted his knee. Employee continued to experience problems and because of his chronic arthritis condition required surgery (ACL repair) to the knee. THIS IS NOT A NEW INCIDENT.

December 22, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck by powered moving object

EE was cleaning tail pulley and had the #5 Kubota parked on the side of him. The Dubota started rolling, rearing him from the back and causing him to slip and fall, hurting his knees. EE was sent for med evaluation and released to regular duty. He continued to have pain and again sought med attention. ON 1/7/09 EE was diagnosed w/positive fracture to the left knee.

December 22, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Koepe man hoist was malfunctioning. Investigation revealed the "resolver" on lilly controller shaft was loose. Resolver was tightened and controller put back in "sync". No injuries; no other problems. Hoist ran on manual until problem solved.

December 21, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Koepe man hoist malfunctioned. Lilly controller was out of "sync" due to bottom limit switch inoperable. Switch was replaced and hoist checked; back in service at 3:00am. Mine evacuated; no injuries; no other problems.

December 19, 2008 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee states he was walking around the back of a fork truck at the maintenance shop to access the area he was working in. While walking behind the fork truck and through the bay door, his right foot turned on an elevated part of the asphalt walking surface causing him to fall to ground level.

December 9, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck by falling object

The employee was riding in a gator into the salt mine to fix a scaler. A piece of rock salt fell from above and broke his right femar and fractured bones below the knee cap.

September 17, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A PLC failure occurred to the PC for the hoist controls. The PLC program had to be re-installed. Mine evacuated; no injuries.

August 12, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee using handheld drill to put hole in stainless panel box. As drill broke thru hole, it pulled hand abruptly forward and it made contact with edge of panel box, causing injury. Reportable as Medical Treatment - sutures.

July 26, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee waws replacing a .25 inch fuel line on the powder rig engine and did not realize the cover was not secured. When he attempted to remove the fuel line from the engine, the cover on the driver side of the powder rig fell and caught the tip of his finger.

July 25, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

At approximately 4:50am the loading gate for the N skip became stuck, halting operation of the hoist. The hoist operator failed to follow established procedure to notify management, who learned of the problem at approximately 6:05-6:10am. Action was taken and the hoist became operable at 6:20am. No injuries or other problems.

July 23, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee suffered injury when part of handrail broke loose on side of elevated platform in Crushing/Screening plant. As he put hand on railing, it separated, causing him to fall onto the platform. He put his arm out to help lessen fall and injured arm.

July 16, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported pain in right wrist when she woke up on report date. Employee sought medical help and was diagnosed with tendonitis. Further medical evaluation revealed that the employee would need surgery.

July 8, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee felt alleged pain as he bent over to shut off a water valve. He felt additional alleged pain as he slipped on a wet step after shutting off the valve. He also alleged pain from helping lift an explosives box the day prior.

June 26, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

EE stated she slipped going down wooden steps & fell, landing on her rt arm & buttocks. She alleged pain in her back & neck area. After being examined at the local hospital ER, she was released to return to work. In interview that day & afterward, she stated she was ok. She began missing work on 4/3/09 for unknown reason at the time. Mangagement feels this is not reportable.

May 30, 2008 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee states that while stacking 50 lb bags of USP product onto a pallet for loading, he felt a burning sensation in his left wrist. A short time later, he noticed some swelling in his left wrist. He was removed from the job and was sent to see a physician.

May 27, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A two-fold electrical problem occurred with the Koepe hoist. The lower landing stopswitch had a malfunction, and wouldn't allow brakes to release on manual. Also, the re-synch motor that controls the lily controller was not functioning properly. Mine was evacuated and hoist back in service about 1:45pm. No injuries.

May 21, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

Employee was descending an extension ladder when the ladder shifted on it's base and caused the employee to lose his footing. He fell off the ladder from about the fourth rung from the bottom of the ladder. In the process he suffered a fractured right wrist when he contacted the ground.

May 19, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

During the normal weekly exams of the production hoist, it was determined that the North skip rope met the requirements of 57.19024 for retirement/replacement. The mine was evacuated (39 persons). No injuries. No other problems.

May 7, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

During shift change 1st to 3rd shift, the Koepe hoist stopped operating,was electrical problem & mechanical problem with lily controls.After re-adjustment of over-travel cam on the lily controller,hoist was back in service 7:40am.Mine evacuated,no injuries/other problems.Service rep's called to evaluate & check programming.

May 6, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A mechanical problem occurred on the Koepe man cage. The overspeed cam that operates the overspeed contact was loose/not making good contact and would not allow the Koepe to function properly. The mine was evacuated of the 40 persons in the mine. The problem was corrected and Koepe back in service at approximately 3:30pm. No injuries; no other concerns.

April 30, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The Lilley controller lost syncronization with the PLC controller. The brake switch and Lilley controller was out of adjustment. The mine initated a routine evacuation due to temporary loss of secondary means of egress. MSHA was notified at 9:50pm. 23 people were underground at the time of the failure. The hoist was returned to service at 12:25am May 1st 2008.

April 29, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Brake caliper spring discovered to be broken on the northside brake drum counterweight linkage. Mine initiated a routine mine evacuation to effect repairs due to temporary loss of second means of egress. There were 49 employees UG at the time of the evacuation. MSHA notified at 11:07am. Hoist returned to service at 1:00PM.

April 27, 2008 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EE states he was bagging 40lb film sacks of pellets, when he stepped off the wooden platform to retrieve more bags. While stepping down from the platform, his foot contacted the edge of the wooden platform, causing him to lose his balance and fall forward. He raised his right arm and grabbed the ink jet coder box to keep from falling. Strained right ankle and arm below shoulder.

April 25, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The west brake canister packing gland failed preventing adequate air pressure on the pressure side to activate the spring release before the PLC controller timed out. MSHA was notified at 6:35pm. There were 17 employees underground at the time of the evacuation. The mine evacuation was complete at 7:35pm. The hoist was returned to service at 10:20pm 04/25/2008.

April 25, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Koepe Lilley Controller Overwind Out of Adjustment. Called for routine mine evacuation due to loss of secondary means of egress. MSHA notified at 5:14pm. There were 18 people underground at the time of the evacuation. The hoist was returned to service at 5:50pm April 25th 2008.

April 22, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Koepe west brake switch failed to activate before the PLC controller timed out.Called for a routine mine evacuation,temporary loss of secondary means of egress.MSHA was notified at 6:08pm.25 employees underground at the time of the evacuation.Evacuation was cancelled after the hoist was returned to service at 6:00pm.

April 16, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The brake limit switch for the Koepe lily hoist access cage had moved due to vibration, causing the cage to stop. It took time to reposition them and adjust the brake cannister. Mine evacuated; no problems; no injuries. 15 persons in the mine. Hoist back in service at 6:15am prior to completion of evacuation.

April 12, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Unknown electrical problem stopped the production hoist. Extensive investigation revealed a bolt holding an electrical contact had "stripped" and pulled out, causing contactor to be displaced from normal position. Mine evacuated; no injuries; no problems. 21 persons underground.

April 1, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An electrical problem took the Koepe (access) cage out of service and mine was evacuated after initial troubleshooting. Final investigation revealed a switch at the Koepe shaft bottom had burnt in the "open" position. While trying to find problem, the lily hoist controls got out of adjustment. Back in operation at 3:45am. No injuries. Evacuation - no problems.

March 27, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee injured on 3/27/08 when getting out of skid-steer loader. He slipped and leg went between bucket and loader frame. Took Family Medical Leave for some reason on 3/28/08. Worked on 3/31 & 4/1. Went to doctor on 4/2/08 and given restricted duty.

March 19, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was traveling along the conveyor belt in a Kubota ATV, when one of the front wheels struck a chunk of material in the roadway. This caused the steering wheel to turn abruptly and his elbow was struck by one of the steering wheel spokes. He continued working his normal shift/duties, but as of 4/25/08 he has been placed on restricted duty by his physician.

March 13, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An electrical problem caused operation of Koepe cage to cease. Extensive investigation revealed dust partially clogging air sensor for SCR cooling fan & allowing over-heating. Mine evacuated; no injuries; no problems. Hoist back in service at approximately 12:05pm.

February 19, 2008 TX · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE states he was manually palletizing 50lb paper stacks of USP product. While removing bag from scale to stack on pallet, he felt a spasm and discomfort in the middle of his back. EE was seen by a physician and assigned to restricted duty for a period of two weeks.

January 26, 2008 LA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Original incident occurred on 1/26/08. EE sought medical attention and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. He continued to experience problems and after seeking further medial treatment required surgery for the condition. This is not a new incident.

January 26, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

While doing the normal pre-op walkaround, the dayshift hoist operator noticed smoke emitting from the brake coil on the Production hoist. The hoist was stopped and mechanic called. After initial investigation and not knowing repair time, a mine evac was started. Mine evacuated; no injuries/problems. Hoist back in service at approximately 6:35am.

January 19, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

During the shift, the production hoist became inoperable and troubleshooting began. When the problem was not promptly discovered, the mine was evacuated. Investigation revealed that the electric wear switch on the brake accumulator was out of position. It was re-positioned and hoist put back in service at approximately 12:40. No injuries or other problems.

January 3, 2008 TX · Metal/Non-Metal pumper POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck against a moving object

EE states he was preparing to move a load of round cans using the Nissan electric fork truck. When he applied pressure on the operating handle without activating the speed control, the machine abruptly moved forward pulling the employee with his left arm resulting in a shoulder strain.

January 3, 2008 OH · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Struck against a moving object

Employee was injured while driving a golf cart along the conveyor belt and fell asleep, steering into the conveyor belt structure. He awoke just as he struck the conveyor structure. The employee was working "over" 4 hours in addition to his regular shift.

December 13, 2007 OH · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A loss of power occurred to production hoist. One side would power up; other would not. MINE WAS EVACUATED. After much troubleshooting, a faulty contact was found at the Joystick controller area. Part replaced; operation checked. No injuries or other problems. Back in service at 9:30am.

December 11, 2007 OH · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man ELECTRICAL
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

A fire was discovered in skid-steer loader engine compartment and was put out in 3-4 minutes. It re-ignited twice immediately and was totally extinguished within 5 -6 minutes. Due to smoke and CO(34ppm), foreman called a mine evac. It was determined to be electrically caused.

December 10, 2007 LA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Morton Salt Div/Morton International Inc · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was standing on the southwest side of the chlorinator station inside the strip curtain observing another employee attempting to remove the chlorinator. Upon breaking the seal with the bottle by loosening the yoke of the chlorinator, chorine gase began discharging from the bottle.

Showing 50 of 327