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

308 total records

Showing 50 of 308
August 15, 2025 IN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler POWERED HAULAGE
U S Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Telehandler operator picked up a bundle of 20' x 6" c-channel. The c-channel began to slide from the end of the forks toward the mass of the telehandler. The IE, who was near the telehandler, attempted to prevent the channel from sliding back on the forks resulting in a laceration that required 5 stitches to close a wound on EE's middle finger.

July 8, 2025 OK · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
United States Gypsum Company · Contact with heat

Operator was cleaning up material spillage from the Mill White Belt, when they started showing signs of heat illness. Employee was administered fluids.

June 23, 2025 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
United States Gypsum Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was loosening a bolt on a brake caliper of a pickup truck, when EE felt a pain in EE's back. EE was diagnosed with a lumbar strain.

June 13, 2025 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was lowering a guard in to position and the guard got hung up while it was being lowered. The employee had hand positioned on the bottom section of the guard and when the guard freed up, it pinched the employee's right index finger, causing a hairline fracture to the finger.

April 28, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing old bits from the Trencor Surface Miner with a large chisel. While the employee was hitting the chisel with a hammer, the chisel became dislodged from the holder striking the employee in the nose.

April 25, 2025 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

The hoist operator reported a chute issue. Production supervisor was notified at 9:18AM that maintenance was going to check the chute. The time reached the 30 minute mark at 9:48AM and an evacuation order was given. MSHA hotline was then notified at 9:56AM. Excess material was not allowing the chute to close causing a fault to the PLC. No miners were injured.

April 23, 2025 IA · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
United States Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

The 3rd shift relief hoist man was performing a pre-shift inspection on the #2 emergency hoist. The hoist did not pass inspection on the caliper test for the braking system. Mine maintenance was notified and upon investigation it was determined that the brake chamber was faulty. 19

April 10, 2025 MI · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
United States Gypsum Company · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was entering Volvo haul truck and felt a pop in their right knee on 3/12. Employee informed operator on 3/25 of the injury. Employee was seen by company doctor on 3/27 and released with no restrictions. Restrictions were instituted after employee consulted with their personal doctor and had a follow-up exam with the company physician on 4/10.

April 8, 2025 IA · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
United States Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

The 1st shift hoistman had an issue with the hoist the afternoon of 4/8. Upon investigation it appeared that there was possibly something wrong with one of the brake valves. After troubleshooting, it was noticed that the brake arm linear position transducer was damaged. The team is currently investigating alternative means of control until a new transducer can be acquired.

March 10, 2025 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by falling object

At around 5:10pm, employee was re-installing a cover plate after inspecting the inside of a rock transfer chute between two conveyor belts. All the fasteners on the cover plate were removed except the safety chain. As the employee was installing the first fastener, the plate slipped, and EE reacted by trying to catch the fall with EE's right hand.

January 15, 2025 IN · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

During an MSHA inspection of the "HP7 area", H2S gas was found near barricade points from the water containment area that fluctuated under and over 25 ppm around the barricade. A "K" order was issued. The inspector made a phone call and was directed to make this a reportable incident categorized as an "inundation" at approximately 2:02 p.m. I reported to MSHA hotline at 2:10 p.m.

November 27, 2024 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While sliding telehandler forks inward to accommodate a narrower pallet employee pinched finger in between fork and mast cutting the inside of the pinky finger on right hand.

November 5, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Hoistman said around 6:35a.m. smoke came out of an electrical box under the hoist control station. One of the switches/relays had caught fire. The hoistman immediately put out the small electrical fire. The burnt component had caused a power loss to the hoist controls. Evacuation was initiated due to only having one escapeway.

October 14, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Hoist operator reported that the hoist operating system had faulted. This made the hoist inoperable. The "on call" electrician was notified and said they wouldn't be able to make it to mine within 30 minutes. I then reported to the MSHA hotline and called for evacuation. No miners were present in the cage or shaft during the incident.

October 14, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

During operation of hoisting rock, an encoder fault had occurred on the hoist, stopping operation. While trying to reset the fault by powering the system down per the instructions of the manufacturer, the drive would not power back on due to the plunger on the contacts not tripping, therefore not giving the reset feedback to the system.

October 14, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Hoistman reported that when they went to bring the cage down, the controls didn't work. They tried to perform a "soft reset". That didn't clear the faults. We didn't have an electrician on the property to perform a "full reset". I made the decision to evacuate due to only having one escapeway.

October 9, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Hoist operator started hearing a noise around the drive motor area. They then shut the hoist down immediately until further investigation could be done. The call was made to go ahead and evacuate the miners due to having only one escape route.

September 26, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Mine 12-00427 evacuated the Mine on 9/27/24 immediately upon receiving confirmation from Frontier Kemper that the Quick Release Safety test procedure for the Skip #1 and Skip #2 were done incorrectly.

September 23, 2024 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

The east gate solenoid valve failed causing the hoist man to switch to maintenance mode. The gate did not shut, causing rock to overflow into the skip and cause a pile at the bottom of the shaft. No miners were present in the area of the incident.

August 15, 2024 TX · Metal/Non-Metal ledgeman/hand, quarry man DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
United States Gypsum Company · Contact with heat

Quarry Employee was marking a shot to be drilled when they began to experience signs of Heat exhaustion. Employee was taken to an emergency room and given fluids.

May 21, 2024 IA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United States Gypsum Company · Fall onto or against objects

An operator was filling a tank on truck #40. The operator's foot slipped off the edge of the platform causing them to slip, and they fell into a handrail, breaking three ribs on their left side. The other operator they were with immediately came over to the scene, laid them down and called for help.

May 8, 2024 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by falling object

While inspecting the compressor on the 401 excavator drill, the employee raised the hood covering the compressor to inspect the hinge. During inspection, the hood closed and hit the employee's finger

May 1, 2024 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United States Gypsum Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanic stepped off the service truck without using three points of contact. Mechanic descended the service truck steps going forward instead of in reverse which is the requirement with diesel fuel nozzle in one hand. When EE's left foot stepped off the ladder and contacted the ground, EE rolled and twisted EE's ankle causing a fracture to left ankle.

April 26, 2024 IA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was operating a mill loader to run rock from the mine stacker pile to the mill. They were on the west side of the pile to grab a bucket of fines; the employee then began to back up and came to an abrupt stop (loader backed into the radial stacker). They then turned around to look and saw that the radial stacker was coming down on top of the loader.

April 8, 2024 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
United States Gypsum Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee began feeling ill and told a co-worker that EE thought EE may be having a stroke. Diagnosis was a personal health issue of a complex migraine that causes stroke-like symptoms.

December 12, 2023 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

During an MSHA inspection the inspector found that the maintenance platform canopy was damaged. The mine took hoist out of service and evacuated the Mine.

September 12, 2023 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Loose guide structure was found on an inspection of the main shaft. The shaft was taken out of service so that the repairs could be made.

June 29, 2023 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
United States Gypsum Company · Contact with heat

Employee was servicing equipment in Harley Pit and began feeling exhausted and dizzy which led to momentary loss of consciousness - presumably related to heat.

June 21, 2023 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was collecting a transmission oil sample on a front-end loader. The sample catch tube was attached to the pressure test port and when it opened the valve, transmission oil was sprayed into the employee's eyes, requiring them to be flushed and eye drops administered.

June 15, 2023 OK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
United States Gypsum Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee was walking from MCC back to loader when EE presumably stepped on a rock or uneven surface causing pain on the bottom of EE's left foot and EE's two outside toes.

June 14, 2023 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
United States Gypsum Company · Flash burns (welding)

Employee's eyes started watering when welding flashes reflected off wall in the welding shop.

May 19, 2023 IA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec NONPOWERED HAULAGE
United States Gypsum Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

On 5/11/23, operator was using a dolly to move ten-50lb bags of material. Operator pulled dolly back, lost their footing and caused the momentum of the material to push the operator down and they fell on their left knee. The operator was treated with first aid for knee abrasion. Operator did not want to see a doctor when injury occurred. Operator requested to see a doctor 5/19/23.

April 10, 2023 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
United States Gypsum Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped on the wheel chock berm at ground level while servicing a FEL. The employee landed on EE's lower right back area and experienced a bruise/contusion to the area.

April 4, 2023 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mine maintenance employee was assisting in performing an annual service on the 2-belt hydraulic take-up. The employee placed their left ring finger in-between the two guards and pulled back on the guarding, this resulted in pinching of the employee's finger. The employee was wearing leather gloves at the time of the incident.

February 18, 2023 IA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by falling object

A miner was dumping trash dumpsters. The employee followed proper shutdown procedures of the forklift and tried to assist the dumpster by pushing up on the rear. When that didn't work the employee grabbed the dumpster from the side and pulled down, causing the dumpster to tip. The pin that holds the dumpster lid failed, causing the lid to fall on the employee's right hand.

January 12, 2023 TX · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On Thursday January 12th, an employee was cutting a drag cable from the dragline equipment with a hand torch. The cable was coiled up like a spring with a lot of tension. In the act of cutting the cable, the cable untangled and struck the employee in the thumb.

July 15, 2022 OK · Metal/Non-Metal FIRE
United States Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

A wildfire that started near Hitchcock (Blaine County 720 Fire) burned onto USG property. When it reached the property, we notified MSHA. It burned several acres on the mine site. No personnel were injured and no equipment was damaged.

June 13, 2022 OK · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by flying object

Wind gusted around the DEF storage area, blowing airborne dust into employee's left eye. Employee incurred a scratched cornea.

June 2, 2022 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
United States Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was repositioning a jack-stand, and while maneuvering the stand, it shifted and the employee placed EE's right hand on the top of the stand to prevent it from tilting forward, resulting in pinching EE's right thumb in between the stand and the frame of mobile equipment EE was working on. The tip of the right thumb was fractured.

April 21, 2022 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

During a test run of the escape shaft, an alarm was given, stating the cage was in over travel. The cage went to 387.5' and threw the alarm of over travel on the Tiley system, the appropriate stop is at 386'. The cage was manually brought up past the trip alarm and reset. Another test was conducted and it produced the same results as stated above.

April 8, 2022 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

The escape shaft was found to be in over travel. The cage was found to be at 387', the normal position is 386'. The over travel was caught by the Tilley panel and an alarm was given. The cage did not trip the physical over travel switch.

April 2, 2022 IA · Metal/Non-Metal welder (non-shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by falling object

Dust had built up on a beam used for hoisting. When utilizing the equipment, the dust was liberated and was able to get behind the worker's safety glasses and into eye.

March 31, 2022 OK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
United States Gypsum Company · Fall from machine

Employee was washing a pickup truck at the wash pad. Employee was washing from the bed of the pickup and fell over the tailgate to the ground. The fall resulted in a fractured left thumb, rib, and transverse process.

March 10, 2022 IN · Metal/Non-Metal POWERED HAULAGE
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Supervisor was moving rock to top of stockpile when trying to fill in a low spot at the edge of the berm. Made decision to use the loader parallel with the berm and got to close too the fresh fill on top edge. Left side of the loader slid down the edge of the berm landing on the left side of the loader.

February 24, 2022 OK · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
United States Gypsum Company · Struck by falling object

Employee was removing an old light fixture when the fixture slipped from grip and while catching the fixture, a sharp bolt end cut the employee's right ear.

December 14, 2021 IN · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
U S Gypsum Company · Accident type, without injuries

Escape hoist had an interlock for down stop preventing the hoist from normal operation. The hoist had tripped the magnetic down stop switch at the mining level but did not return back to the normal position when the cage went back to the surface.

November 30, 2021 OK · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
United States Gypsum Company · Struck against stationary object

Operator of the EX1200 Excavator was dismounting machine when the operator stepped on a rock on the ground, rolling left ankle. The ankle was determined to be dislocated and fractured.

October 26, 2021 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
United States Gypsum Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee alleges was exposed to COVID. Employee did not report anything to the plant. Employee has been out since 10/22/21 due to COVID. The plant received a lawsuit from EE's lawyer on 01/23/22. Only thing plant is aware of is the employee carpooled with another employee. Mask and social distancing are required at work.

October 4, 2021 IA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
United States Gypsum Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A miner was diagnosed with COVID on 10/1/21. On 10/4/21, a second miner reported symptoms and tested positive for COVID. The second miner switched equipment with the first miner halfway through the shift, on the first miner's last day at work prior to becoming symptomatic. Based on further investigation, the second miner's exposure likely happened in the workplace.

September 28, 2021 IA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
United States Gypsum Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mine mechanic was attempting to drive out the front pivot pin from a roof bolter using a 20# sledgehammer and a T-handle drift pin. The employee missed a swing, which resulted in the employee's right index finger getting caught between the handle of the sledgehammer and the drift pin. The finger was lacerated along the top and required 7 stitches.

Showing 50 of 308