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

427 total records

Showing 50 of 427
October 18, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by falling object

The miner operator stopped mining, swung the tail toward the right rib and exited the cab. It is unclear why EE exited the cab of the miner. EE was a couple feet from the operator's compartment when the arch fell, striking EE in the head/neck/shoulder/upper back area. The injured employee was provided first aid in the mine and taken to the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County.

September 30, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Performing an inspection inside of a tank, coming out of the tank from the side opening, feet first and had pressure to EE's biceps pulling self through the opening, lost grip with EE's right hand, used EE's left hand and arm to catch self and immediately felt pain and burning sensation in EE's left bicep.

August 13, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal painter MACHINERY
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by falling object

An EE was jack hammering the Debris when it broke free. IE's hand was on the stack wall when the debris impacted EE's fingers

August 11, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Removed a counter weight guide rail on a bucket elevator to work on a bearing behind it and when re-installing it, the lower portion slid off of the base and started to fall downward. As it fell, the injured employee grabbed the rail so it would not fall towards EE. This resulted in EE's left index finger being pinched between a stop block and the counter weight frame.

July 25, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Contact with hot objects or substances

Assisting with a horizontal pressure leaf filter, being filled with hot water, in preparation for an acid wash, on the deck to confirm when the filter was full. The carriage bolt assembly that holds the filter head, to the filter shell, failed and sprayed the employee with hot water. Employee was treated for 1st and 2nd degree burns and given a full work release on 08/02/21.

July 18, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was walking and stepped on a rock and rolled right ankle but continued working through the shift. Medical treatment was sought and an MRI was obtained on July 20th which determined that they had ligament issues in the ankle then employee was placed on restricted duty July 22nd.

July 18, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

July 18, our #1 shaft Service hoist went down at over temp approx. 6:00PM. The AC units in the control room had clogged filters. We cleaned the filters, were able to cool down the control room and the VFD's were reset by 830 PM, NO damage to the hoist or hoisting equipment, a COURTESY CALL made to MSHA Hotline. This did not affect entry/egress from the mine.

June 21, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal motorman, motor person, swamper, switchman, locomotive operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Engineer was climbing the steps on a locomotive when hips and back began to hurt. Later claimed to have numbness in hands and legs.

June 8, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec STRIKING OR BUMPING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee struck head on a roof support cable bolt. The suspension in EE's hard hat broke and EE received a laceration, to the scalp, likely from the rivet for the suspension.

June 7, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The mine experienced greater than 1% methane at the top of the exhaust shaft. This was due to methane liberation within the longwall section while mining through a cross cut and the top not caving as it should following a cut. This led to an evacuation of the mine and changes to the ventilation system to reduce the levels to below 1%.

May 5, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Track laborer was using a track wrench on a joint bar bolt. EE slipped and twisted left ankle.

January 12, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

During a general hoist inspection On January 12, 2021, 2 broken wires in a single strand were identified on the head rope for the #1 service hoist. Two broken wires in a strand meets retirement criteria and the hoist was taken out of service to change the rope. The rope is a 6x25 flattened strand fiber core hoist rope.

December 28, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A failure occurred in the tail rope system for the ore skips on the #2 friction hoist. It's suspected that a swivel bound, allowing the tail rope to unwind/part, creating a failure point on the rope about 150-175' below the north skip. No hoist damage occurred, this is a production hoist, not a personnel hoist. Investigation is ongoing.

September 9, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

This is being submitted at MSHA's insistence to terminate Citation No 9475521. A Sept storm caused an overflow of the Total Containment Pond, resulting in water-trona solution to spill into the desert. The water-trona solution is not hazardous to persons but required Solvay to contact Wyoming DEQ and BLM (Landowner) to comply with Solvay's environmental permit as it left the site.

July 24, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was adjusting fly ash system when a piece of material blew into EE's eye. EE was checked by a physician and received a prescription antibiotic ointment for precautionary purposes. This injury report was overlooked during furloughs, etc. amidst the COVID crisis.

June 28, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator MACHINERY
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Installing a monkey face with a hilti drill and pinched EE's finger between the roof and the monkey face causing a laceration that required sutures to close.

April 13, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was getting on the manlift. EE's foot got caught/snagged on the landing floor as EE was stepping while the lift lowered. As EE was shutting down the lift, EE's knee twisted. As a result, EE injured the knee which has required modified duty and physical therapy as of 4/28/20.

January 31, 2020 WY · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by falling object

A bore miner was parked in an area under roof support to replace a shear pin. The roof was checked visually and appeared to be in good condition. A 5"x10"x1-3" thick piece of the roof, in front of the bore miner and inby roof bolts, separated, broke apart and fell. A piece of the material hinged, swung toward the miner, and hit EE.

December 27, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

The mine had elevated levels of methane which called for an evacuation. MSHA 800 number was called out of courtesy even though it was not required under part 50. Because of the call we are submitting this 7000-1.

October 23, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal drill helper OTHER
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was onsite doing drilling and suffered a nonfatal heart attack. Medical treatment was started and employee was transported to the hospital.

October 9, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was installing roof bolts. The steel plugged, the employee struck the steel with the drill wrench. Upon striking the steel, the socket end of the wrench broke causing the socket to ricochet off the mast and struck the employee in the thumb.

October 8, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee notified management about soreness in elbow in March, EE is a surface mechanic and continued to work until September when EE notified us that the elbow was sore following work on a screw conveyor. EE had an MRI which indicated mild triceps tendinosis. EE was prescribed physical therapy making this reportable.

September 18, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

#1 Service Hoist experienced a fault on a motor used to cool the main hoist motor. This was a result of a faulty contactor. The hoist was not in operation at the time and did not affect mine personnel in any way. There were always two means of egress maintained out of the mine while the repairs took place.

July 27, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal motorman, motor person, swamper, switchman, locomotive operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Team member was lining a rail switch when team member felt a pop in left chest/rib area. Team member continued to work and finished shift. On 8/5/2019 team member went to a doctor where xrays were performed and a steroid was prescribed to help with swelling. No lost time, no work restrictions were placed.

May 13, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

#1 Bore Miner mined into a small void of gas and water. With immediate ventilation changes, gasses were dispelled and the mining process proceeded within 15 minutes. The MSHA hotline was notified due to Solvay Chemicals receiving a citation (9348706) the prior week for not immediately reporting the same issue as a rock outburst.

January 9, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

A mechanic's hand was injured by a fan sheave and pinched by the V-belt mechanism resulting in a laceration and a fracture of the hand.

October 25, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to unroll a tape wrap on an extension cord bundle. The employee removed gloves to unroll the tape. After failing to unroll the tape the employee pulled out personal pocket knife in an attempt to cut the tape. During cutting a cut occured to EE's left hand between the thumb and index finger.

October 24, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by falling object

NAIS crew was hydroblast cleaning the inside of tank. EE wanted to shotgun a different area of the tank but there was a slab of material approx. 30-40 lbs where EE wanted to stand. EE tried to pick up the material to move it out of the way. EE lost control of grip and the material fell on EE's right hand. EE was able to get hand out from underneath the material and exited the tank.

October 23, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal INUNDATION
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

During routine maintenance on longwall equipment, a methane release was detected by monitoring equipment. Area was immediately evacuated and ventilation controls were adjusted to dilute the liberated gas. Gas continued to be emitted so as a precaution the mine was evacuated. MSHA was notified as courtesy through the 1-800 #.

September 24, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured person was using pliers to pull zip ties to secure electrical wiring. The pliers slipped off the zip tie and hit the employee in the mouth breaking a tooth and chipping another tooth. The injured employee return to work the next scheduled shift and has not lost any time for the incident.

September 11, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by falling object

A piece of a cone shaped plate was being lifted into place. The plate started to tip over and the supervisor said to let it fall because it was still attached to the chain fall. While the supervisor was talking, EE reached out to grab the chain and cut left middle finger on top of the plate. EE had not yet put gloves on.

July 18, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

A mine crew was welding sections of Drisco pipe together for use by Mine Tailings. In the process of aligning two sections of pipe in the welding machine assembly, the employee's hand was pinched between the sections of pipe. This resulted in a non-displaced fracture to the first knuckle joint of the right index finger.

July 5, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal motorman, motor person, swamper, switchman, locomotive operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck against stationary object

Team member received a papercut to their right index finger on 7-5-18. Washed the cut out with soap and water and put latex glove over it. 7-12-18 Team member went to dr for antibiotics for infection to the papercut. 7-17-18 EE was taken to hospital for care and to prevent septic shock.

April 21, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mine production ee was changing miner bits. During the removal process a bit became stuck and as the ee pulled addition force to free the bit, the bit wrench slipped causing the bit wrench handle to strike another bit, pinching the ee finger between the bit wrench handle and a miner bit, resulting in a fracture to the ee right index finger.

April 6, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was hauling a load of roof bolts and resin to a production panel. The bolting resin stack had worked out of position in transit. The employee attempted to manually re-adjust the bolting resin, as ee was pushing the resin back into the proper position, ee felt a "pop" and discomfort in lower right leg. EE was placed on restricted duty beginning 4/11/18.

March 15, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was repairing a conveyor belt. The worker was cutting the belt close to an area where there was a mechanical splice in the belt. The knife blade caught on the mechanical splice, the worker lost control of the knife blade and sustained a laceration to EE's right knee. Medical treatment in the form of 4 Stitches was required. The worker was released to return to work.

February 9, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by flying object

A Mine Production crew was repositioning trim chain onto a sprocket, trying to rotate it by striking it with a hammer, so employee was kneeling in front. A fragment of metal separated from the sprocket and struck the employee in the upper leg. An attempt to retrieve it was done on 2/21;ee received two stitches and was placed on restriction to allow the injury to heal.

January 31, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal outside foreman, leadman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking between the A track and Runner switch at the Landing at Solvay when EE slipped on a piece of ice falling on buttocks. EE felt a pain in lower neck/mid back area and a tingling in left hand. EE was taken to the ER where EE was advised a follow up with EE's primary physician, restricted to light duty and discharged.

November 21, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by flying object

An employee using a metal hammer, connecting a pin into the links on a conveyor chain sustained a puncture wound that was caused by a piece of metal that had come from the pin as it was struck by the hammer, in EE's thigh. After, EE became aware of this, a few days later, EE was taken for medical evaluation where it was determined that the metal fragment should be removed.

November 12, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck by flying object

A Mine employee was positioning a relay bar being installed on the longwall set-up face and supported by a come along (chain style). While positioning the relay bar, the come along chain broke and struck the employee in the face. The employee sustained a laceration wound on the chin that required stitches and a tooth was also damaged. The employee has been released to work.

November 8, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech ELECTRICAL
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Contact with electrical current

Incorrect components in the VF Drive led to overheating of a transformer and a normally open contractor. Overheating of contractor led to the welding of the internal contacts, resulting in abnormal current flow to area where incident occurred.

October 12, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

A hoist mechanic removing a check valve nut using a 4lb hammer and a pin hammer, when ee felt a pull in arm. The employee was treated on site, before being taken to the local hospital, and was released back to work pending further evaluation. Upon medical recommendation on October 26, 2017, employee elected surgery, scheduled for October 30, 2017.

September 23, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal master mechanic, foreman, supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee was setting up the first piece of decking on a new overcast. As the crew set the side walls, the first piece of decking rotated and struck the employee. Their left little finger was pinched between the decking and floor. The employee was treated on site, taken to the local hospital, and the wound required stitches to close. The employee was released back to work.

July 18, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A Mine Maintenance employee, that was wearing cut resistant gloves, was repositioning a sprocket the employee was welding. In the process of moving the part, finger was pinched between the sprocket and another tool. The employee was treated on site before being taken to the local hospital where the wound was closed with twelve stitches. The employee was released back to work.

July 15, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

Portion of the side wall (rib) had fallen due to water erosion by a nearby sump impairing two stoppings at the bottom of shaft #3. In order to effect repairs in this area, power and ventilation were shut down after mine employees were evacuated. Repairs were effective, power and ventilation were restored within two hours.

June 23, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee received a laceration while tightening a bolt with a hammer wrench that slipped, pinching employee's finger between the wrench and breather pipe cap. The employee was treated on site before being taken to the local hospital where the wound was closed with seven stitches. The employee was released back to work without restriction.

June 12, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal HOISTING
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Accident type, without injuries

After receiving the results of a non-destructive rope test, in which, the tail rope on the service cage exceeded retirement criteria, the rope had strength loss of greater than 10%, the #1 shaft service hoist was taken out of service until new rope is installed.

May 18, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Solvay Chemicals, Inc · Struck against stationary object

Individual was tightening a T hand on an iron hand attached to a forklift with a wrench. The wrench slipped causing the individual to strike hand on the forklift causing a laceration.

Showing 50 of 427