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
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The record

153 total records

Showing 50 of 153
March 31, 2026 CA · Metal/Non-Metal leaching operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by falling object

The employee was holding an 8" HDPE pipe while the other employee was unbolting the steel flange at Pad 6/7 - pipe lay down yard. Once the upper bolts were removed from the HDPE pipe, the spool shifted, and the steel flange swung down, striking the left pinky finger, smashing and lacerating.

February 23, 2026 CA · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Around 1230 am employee said that EE was grabbing the fuel hose at Vista Fuel Island, tripped over the sign, and fell to the ground. While falling to the ground, the employee heard a pop in EE's knee. EE didn't report it right away because EE felt fine. A couple of minutes later, EE felt a sharp pain. The employee was assessed by a MERT member and then taken to the ER.

February 10, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

While employee was walking to haul truck for start of shift, EE slipped and fell injury EE's knee and ribs.

December 16, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The technician was using a 24mm wrench and a 4lbs hammer trying to loosen the bolts on the hose half clamps. The technician missed the wrench striking EE's left hand between EE's thumb and index finger the technician was not wearing gloves. Technician was sent to Innercare and received stitches.

November 26, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by flying object

While removing G.E.T. (Ground Engaging Tools) from the loader bucket with a hammer, a piece of metal shrapnel broke off and became lodged in a maintenance technician's thigh.

November 26, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by flying object

While performing track wrapping on the #402 Shovel, a piece of metal sheared off from the roller assembly when it contacted the track chain. The fragment struck the maintenance technician on the forearm, causing a 2-inch laceration. The metal was removed from the arm and the employee was transported to a local medical facility to close the wound with stitches.

June 22, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee smashed hand under piston shaft they were removing. They received stitches and restricted duty.

April 23, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouse, supply handler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was opening boxes to receive them. EE pulled one of the boxes from the cart at the bottom. As EE was trying to get it out from the bottom the box on top fell over and hit EE in the head. The employee complained of a headache about an hour later but said other than that felt fine. On 4/25/2024 EE wanted to be checked out, so Safety took EE to the clinic.

September 6, 2023 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Mechanic needed help on the new CMV strip tank, so the employee offered to help, as they were setting the 3'' stainless steel pipe in place to bolt it down, the pipe moved and got the operator's left thumb in a pinch point and smashed it between the 3'' stainless steel pipe that they were setting in place and an existing pipe that was there on the way.

July 15, 2023 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

At 10:00PM on 7/15/2023 employee was helping install a transmission oil cooler line on the haul truck at the fuel island. Employee climbed up on the right side of the truck between the engine and the frame to help align the hose. EE was in an awkward position when EE felt a sharp pain on the right lower back. EE felt sore due to this incident.

December 13, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against stationary object

Employee was grabbing EE's gear out of the car to start EE's shift, when EE stepped on a rock and rolled EE's ankle. The pain was intolerable and wanted to go to the ER. Safety Coordinator met EE there where they took x-rays and it showed EE had a fractured ankle on right leg.

July 20, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Leadman was grabbing a tow strap out of the back of the shifter truck when it had caught on something as the employee turned around and felt small pain in right shoulder. Didn't think anything of it but went to the clinic later on to get checked out. On August 4th, 2022 employee was prescribed pain meds. So it went from a First Aid to a Medical Treatment.

June 22, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator got off the blade 604 for lunch. When getting back up on the blade EE felt pain in EE's back. Got checked out by MERT and was ok. Next day MERT checked EE out just to make sure and was still ok. So there was nothing to report. On July 11th, 2022, employee went to the clinic on EE's own was prescribed meds and put on restricted duty.

March 1, 2022 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was going up the 401 shovel ladder when EE heard a pop in EE's right knee. *Reason this is was not entered sooner is because at first EE was released to go back to work but now EE's condition has gotten worse so now EE is on restricted duty.

August 11, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal ENTRAPMENT
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Accident type, without injuries

At approximately 8:40 am, Monday August 9th, 2021, a 789 haul truck (Unit#522) approached the PAD 4 ROM rock stockpile used to feed the Pad 4 crusher. While positioning the haul truck to dump in reverse, the haul truck operator stopped at the dump edge preparing to dump when the dump floor gave away causing the haul truck to tip.

April 14, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal welder (non-shop) MACHINERY
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by flying object

Employee was finishing up grinding some brackets for a project when EE felt some debris go into EE's left eye. EE tried flushing it but didn't help so EE came to safety to have it flushed as well but was still irritating EE. Safety took EE to the clinic.

March 14, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was unloading used G.E.T from the rear of the bumper of 735 service truck, and smashed and cut EE's left index finger between the G.E.T and the edge of the metal bin. MERT members cleaned the wound and wrapped EE's finger, they determined to have a Medical Professional look at EE's wound. Employee ended up receiving stitches.

January 24, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management OTHER
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While sanitizing hands in truck, the wind caused the door to close quicker than anticipated. Index finger got caught and caused laceration. Had to get stitches.

November 12, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While changing/flipping cutting edges on dozer 605, employee was adjusting cutting edges with prybars on floor. While attempting to turn, prybar slipped and cutting edge dropped down catching finger tip between cutting edge and cement. Was taken into hospital and received stitches.

November 2, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against stationary object

Contractor was preparing to make a cut on a pipe, as contractor picked up the saw with right hand contractor's left pinky made contact with the de-energized blade.

October 8, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal barge/boat/dredge/towbarge/towboat/leach operator, riverman, deck hand HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Two employees were handling a filter press plate when one employee lost grip and the plate injured the right index finger of the other employee.

September 3, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Contact with heat

Employee was installing a radio antenna on a haul truck when employee began to feel symptoms of heat illness.

July 7, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Contact with heat

Employee exhibited signs of heat exhaustion while welding.

June 22, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Fall from machine

Driver entered cab of semi-truck to retrieve nuts and bolts for a repair. Driver lost grip and fell backwards from the second step landing on the concrete below.

May 5, 2020 CA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Contact with hot objects or substances

Changing hose on pump after waiting for engine to cool. Hot oil splashed on right forearm, neck and down back.

November 2, 2019 CA · Metal/Non-Metal leaching operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling drip lines from the rail on the kabota and the lines got stuck which caused a sudden stop. It pulled EE's left shoulder back and immediately caused pain in the left shoulder. Was taken to clinic to be evaluated.

October 21, 2019 CA · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee felt back pain while putting on boots at the start of shift.

September 6, 2019 CA · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Slipped off of the running board of light vehicle. Grabbed the steering wheel to break fall and hurt shoulder. Was seen and has a right shoulder strain, was prescribed muscle spasm medication.

August 19, 2019 CA · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While repositioning a strobe light on a light vehicle, employee missed step on the running board and awkwardly put weight on left knee feeling a pop and pain. Employee reported the incident to supervisor the following shift. Employee was seen by the safety group and referred to the clinic for further evaluation. Was placed in a knee brace.

December 2, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal janitor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee emptied the mop bucket into the sink when EE felt a sharp pain in lower back. It continued to move up EE's spine.

October 4, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by flying object

Employee was welding on HT 515 when a foreign object landed in their eye. EE was brought to the Safety Department and tried to flush it out. The foreign object was still imbedded in their eye. Took them to Clinicas and the object was imbedded 70% in their eye.

June 4, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Started on the dozer but moved to the blade for a specific project. When done, as EE was getting off right knee buckled. Shortly after it started swelling, so EE sought medical attention from Safety.

March 17, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee picked up an 8-inch pipe causing sharp pain in right elbow.

March 11, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal grader operator, roadgrader operator MACHINERY
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

The operator on 14M road grader, while doing some floor work in BC6 pit, struck a partially embedded rock causing a straining lower back.

March 7, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While filling the drill with water, water hose blew out from top of the tank and as the operator reached over to grab the hose, ee slipped causing the right knee to twist causing a sharp pain.

March 3, 2018 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

At the beginning of the shift, the employee was walking performing a pre-inspection on HT 517 at the fuel island. As employee was walking, the employee lost footing and fell on left hand.

November 17, 2017 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Haul truck operator was dumping load, bed slammed down jarring employee causing back pain

March 14, 2017 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Drill operator lacerated right thumb while closing the door on the drill.

January 23, 2017 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee fell down at fuel tank area while fueling trucks.

November 27, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Temporary Contracted employee felt muscle pain in EE's abdomen after walking with a water bucket.

November 6, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Haul truck operator reported back pain while being loaded by the shovel.

October 26, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee received a laceration on left middle finger while removing plow bolt on loader.

October 10, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee received shoulder strain while lifting object.

September 23, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee received lumbar strain while working in the lab.

September 12, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against stationary object

EE was working on 16M motor grader. EE climbed out from under the machine and stood up. EE's right foot rolled off a rock under soft dirt, causing knee to pop. Pain continued next day, then was reported to supervisor.

August 22, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Struck against a moving object

Employee received lumbar strain while operating haul truck.

August 18, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Western Mesquite Mines, Inc. · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee made a quick turn of EE's body causing back strain.

Showing 50 of 153