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

39 total records

Showing all 39
October 23, 2025 AK · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Handle on trailer slipped while lower mast arm, sticking employee on lower face below the lip. Employee given 4 stiches to close the laceration and returned to full duty work.

October 1, 2025 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Miner pushed loose forks together on telehandler and fractured right pinky finger between metal forks.

July 27, 2022 AK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
QAP · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing a threaded bolt with impact gun and got thumb caught between top plate and gun.

October 2, 2021 AK · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman MACHINERY
QAP · Struck against a moving object

Employee drove D-10 Dozer over an embankment and dozer fell on its right side. Employee cut right elbow and punctured right shoulder. Both required stitches

June 23, 2021 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Secon · Struck by falling object

While riding in a man lift, a 3 foot piece of I-beam fell over and cut lower leg of Employee.

August 5, 2019 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
QAP · Struck against a moving object

Miner was feeding the plant from a high wall with a 988 loader. Face of wall came down into bucket causing miner to hit the ceiling of the loader.

June 13, 2019 AK · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck by falling object

Employee was attempting / working to repair a section of the gear box, when a 10# piece of iron broke free and fell approximately 12'' and landed on top of arch of foot resulting in piercing top of boot creating puncture wound.

June 4, 2018 AK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
QAP · Struck by flying object

Employee was performing grinding welding operation and a foreign object got into an eye. Had it removed and prescribed drops and salve for eye. No work restriction.

August 7, 2017 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
QAP · Struck against stationary object

Miner was upset and punched the side of a train gravel car breaking right hand.

May 27, 2016 AK · Metal/Non-Metal welder (non-shop) MACHINERY
QAP · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

After working all day cutting, welding and grinding the miner thought they got something stuck in their eye. Next day EE went to the ER and had item removed on follow up appointment EE was prescribed Antibiotic and Steroid Salve.

April 28, 2015 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer FIRE
University Redi-Mix · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using torch to cut metal/cone when the oxygen hose blew from fitting causing a flash. Employee was wearing welding hood, leather gloves, safety glasses and 3 layers of clothing. The flash burnt through clothing, giving employee 1st degree burns. No lost time, employee returned to work and fully released for full duty following day on 4/29/2015.

July 22, 2014 AK · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
University Redi-Mix · Struck against stationary object

Employee stepped on a rock and twisted knee. He believed it was fine at the time but recently went to the doctor back in Texas where he lives and is having his knee operated on December 20, 2014.

July 8, 2014 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning screen and smashed left index finger between parts of the screen and discharge lip. Screen size is 7' x 20'

July 23, 2013 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Secon · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hand held grinder, hot piece of metal hit leg, burning through pants which caused him to flinch and grinder slipped and came in contact with his right knee. Caused a 22 mm linear laceration that received sutures. No lost time.

June 4, 2010 AK · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management HANDLING OF MATERIALS
University Redi-Mix · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was manually picking up a starter for the jaw on Mobile Plant #4; along w/ 2 additional employees. He felt a tingly twing in his lower back and set the starter down immediately. The employee has seen a chiropractor in the past and requested to be seen by a chiropractor for diagnosis and treatment in this case.

June 28, 2007 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Secon · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was cleaning up the deck of the cone on the crusher when his right knee popped out while he was kicking some rocks free; locking it in position.

May 18, 2007 AK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Secon · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was removing a 3/8" steel chain from a loader bucket. While he was pulling on the chain, the free end with the hook struck him in the left front top inscisor tooth causing it to fracture with a small piece removed.

June 15, 2006 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
University Redi-Mix · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Injured employee was standing on a catwalk and assisting with the change out and installation of a new piece of screen on the portable crusher with 3 other workers. He was pulling on the piece of screen after it became stuck. He subsequently lost his grip while pulling, lost his balance and fell off the catwalk and impacted the ground.

May 4, 2006 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Secon · Struck against stationary object

The employee was walking in soft dirt, caught the edge of his boot on a small rock and rolled his left ankle.

September 12, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee closing doors of rail cars delivering aggregate for later milling. Employee fell to grade after tripping on metal platform's raised edge. During fall pinching left, 1st finger between 6-foot long metal bar (used to lock door latch) and metal platform.

September 5, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee changing metal screen section from aggregate screening trailer. While pulling metal screen (6'x8' @ 60 lbs) employee sufferred muscle tissue pain in right forearm.

July 7, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Over several days of material handling (rain soaked aggregate and equipment) employee sufferred mild lumbar muscle strain requiring chiropractic treatment and modified duty work for several days.

June 3, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee manually handling and positioning portable metal stairs; stair's approximate weight 75 lbs. During task employee sufferred lumbar strain.

May 12, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
QAP · Fall from machine

Employee accessing top screen of double screen trailer to inspect screen condition. While using equipment guarding cover as steps in egress the employee's right foot slipped from 2-inch wide cover, resulting in his loss of balance and resulting 13-foot fall to grade.

April 15, 2005 AK · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
QAP · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

CAT 980F loader control's adjustment jammed and operator unable to adjust for neutral positioning during equipment's operation. Several days of operation resulting in muscular repeatative motion injury to soft tissue, posterier of left shoulder. Injured employee tardy in prompt reporting to management.

September 20, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee positioning railroad cross ties on the tines of a forklift. During movement of one tie his right middle finger tip was pinched between two ties. Employee suffered laceration requiring multipe sutchers and prescription medication.

September 8, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
QAP · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee closing bottom railcar doors. Closure requires employee to place 5 foot, 1 inch diameter steel bar in door hardware and using body leverage pull the door closed. During closure of a door the bar slipped from the hardware, resulting in the employee falling backwards to grade, landing on her left hip. Employee suffered severe contusion to her left hip area.

August 19, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck against stationary object

Employee assisting in the installation of new sizing screen in screening trailer. As employee slid screen into place the sharp front edge of the screen caught and lacerated his left, middle finger. Laceration required medical treatment and application of several butterfly closures.

August 11, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee assisting in positioning 40-foot long structural conveyor sections on flat bed semi-trailer when calve pinched between two conveyor sections.

August 9, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
QAP · Struck against stationary object

Employee descending fabricated steel ladder to grade. As employee stepped from the last rung of the ladder with his left foot he stepped upon a rock on grade at the ladder's base. Employee mildly strained his left knee.

July 28, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck against stationary object

Employee egressing from water truck's tank using fabricated structural steel ladder. As employee was stepped down final steps and attempting to step away from truck's tank a ring on employee's left ring finger caught on a projection on one of the water truck's valve.

June 11, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
QAP · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee inside impactor cutting bolts with an acetylene/oxygen torch. Employee lit and used torch without event when suddently the torch flared. Employee either: 1. pinched the gas lines and then un-pinched the lines which resulted in a gas surge, or 2. accidently opened the acetylene valve on the torch. Employee burned - 2nd degree - on left side of his face.

May 3, 2004 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee wearing gloves. Performing routine maintenance of overland product conveyor. During maintenace employee lacerated his left thumb on sharp metal edge of angled steel of conveyor structure. Employee treated with first-aid products but approximately 4 days later thumb became infected.

October 5, 2003 AK · Metal/Non-Metal NO VALUE FOUND
QAP · No Value Found

EMPLOYEE IS A GROUNDMAN ON A PORTABLE CRUSHER. DUE TO SPILLAGE OF PROCESSED AGGREGATE FROM EQUIPMENT AND CONVEYORS, HE HAD TO ACTIVELY PERFORM SHOVELING AS PART OF HIS SHIFT DUTIES. DUE TO FR EQUENT SHOVELING HE SUFFERED A PINCHED NERVE IN HIS NECK WHICH REQUIRED CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT.

May 13, 2003 AK · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
QAP · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE USING 6' LONG BAR TO UNLOCK AND OPEN RAILROAD CARS AGGREGATE MATERIAL. EE PLACED STEEL BAR IN DOORS LOCK TO OPEN DOOR. EE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY OPEN DOOR, BUT INSTEAD WALKED BACKWARDS WITH THE BACKING TRAIN. EE HAD HIS RIGHT HAND POSITIONED OVER THE FLAT END OF THE BAR. THE EE'S RIGHT HAND BECAME WEDGED BETWEEN THE STEEL BARS AND AN ADJACENT STEEL COLUMN.

May 10, 2003 AK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES FROM THE BACK OF A DOUBLE DOOR (SWINGING) VAN. ONE VAN DOOR WAS WIRED BACK TO THE VAN BODY TO SECURE IT IN PLACE. A STRONG WIND GUST PULLED THE DOOR AWAY FROM THE VAN. THE VAN DOOR SUDDENLY SWUNG, STRIKING THE EMPLOYEE IN THE RIGHT ELBOW.

April 7, 2003 AK · Metal/Non-Metal backhoe operator, trackhoe operator, crane operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
QAP · Struck against stationary object

EE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON NON-OPERATING FEED HOPPER/ JAW CRUSHER. ACCESS TO WORK AREA RESTRICTED REQUIRING EE TO STOOP AND CRAWL. UPON ENTERING THE WORK AREA THE EE STOOD UP, STRIKING ONE O F THE 4" BY 4" HORIZONTAL TUBE STEEL SUPPORTS OFTHE FEED HOPPERS WINGS. EE WAS WEARING A HARD HAT AND SAFETY GLASSES. EE SUFFERED ABRASIONS AND CONTUSIONS TO HIS FACE, AND LACERATION R EYE.

September 5, 2002 AK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
QAP · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE UNLOADING BARROW AGGREGATE FROM TRAIN CARS. TRAIN CAR DUMP DOORS BEING LODGED BY EMPLOYEE USING A STEEL BAR. EMPLOYEE KNOCKING THE DOOR'S LATCH DOWN BY STRIKING IT WITH THE STEEL BAR. WHILE STRIKING THE DOOR'S LATCH ON ONE CAR DOOR THE BAR SLIPPED, CAUSING THE EE'S LEFT HAND TO STRIKE A RAISED METAL EDGE ON THE TRAIN CAR. EE'S FINGER PINCHED BETWEEN THE STEEL BAR & TRAIN

August 1, 2002 AK · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
QAP · Fall from ladders

EMPLOYEE FILLING IMPACTOR'S HYDRAULIC OIL RESERVOIR. ACCESS TO RESERVOIR GAINED USING A LADDER. EMPLOYEE CLIMBING DOWN LADDER UPON COMPLETION OF TASK AT A FAST RATE. SLIPPED ON THE SECOND RUNG FROM THE BOTTOM. EMPLOYEE FELL FROM LADDER, LANDING ON HIS FEET. UPON LANDING HE TWISTED HIS RIGHT KNEE, TORN ACL & MANISCUSS.

Showing all 39