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

41 total records

Showing all 41
September 3, 2019 MT · Coal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling a drawer of coal from the riffler with their left arm and felt something pull in EE's left upper arm/shoulder.

December 22, 2016 MT · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall from machine

Employee was exiting the right rear passenger door of a crew cab pickup when EE got feet hung up between the rear seat and the door pillar, causing EE to fall out of the vehicle and land on the right shoulder and hip area. EE sustained a deep bruise to the right hip area causing EE to miss the next scheduled shift.

December 17, 2016 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Truck driver was walking around trailer when ee slipped and fell. The temperature was -6 degrees which contributed to slick conditions of the packed snow. The driver slipped, ankle rolled and ee fell fracturing tibia and fibia.

February 4, 2015 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was moving trailing cable with a cable hook when he slipped and fell to the ground landing on his right elbow tearing his right shoulder rotator cuff.

October 2, 2014 MT · Coal machinist HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was manually moving a dragline swing gear bearing retainer weighing approximately 150 lbs. when his middle left finger became pinched between the retainer flange and a walkway toe board. This resulted in a laceration to the top of his finger requiring 15 stitches. He was wearing heavy leather welding gloves at the time.

September 17, 2014 MT · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was grinding on a spreader bar in the Weld Shop when the grinder kicked to the left after catching on metal causing the disc to cut through his coveralls and into his left knee. The laceration required ten (10) stitches.

June 23, 2014 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck against a moving object

An empty haul truck traveled in a forward direction through a dump berm and came to rest at the bottom of the angle of repose dump fatally injuring the operator.

March 16, 2014 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was helping a mechanic tighten a loose hose connection in the back of a lube truck when the mechanic bumped the truck rear door lever causing the door to come down and strike the employee across the back area resulting in two (2) broken ribs.

February 22, 2014 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was changing a park brake on a haul truck when the bolt he was using an impact on broke allowing the brake housing to pop slightly outward and strike the top of his right middle finger. This resulted in a 2mm fracture to the fingertip and a laceration to the side of the finger that required 4 stitches. He returned to work full duty on his next scheduled shift.

September 26, 2013 MT · Coal welder (shop) DISORDERS (PHYSICAL AGENTS)
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Flash burns (welding)

While at his residence the employee woke up early in the morning to discover his eyes had sustained flash burns from performing extensive weld work over the last 3 days. The damage over time was either sustained from reflection while working in close proximity to another welder, or from a small gap that was identified in his welding hood.

May 2, 2012 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee stuck his hand into a moving heater/ac fan blade while attempting to replace the cover for it that had just fallen off. His right index finger was cut by the fan blade resulting in three (3) stitches.

July 27, 2011 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE was purging propel lube lines on a 1570 Dragline. Contractors were working above him & accidentally knocked over an open bucket of EPA 2000 Solvent which in turn fell on top of him. He was correctly following all safety procedures put in place for this project. He suffered a chemical burn on his left eye which required prescription medication.

August 20, 2010 MT · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stopped dozer to look behind when his neck popped. He could not turn head to side afterward. The mine believes due to no noted mechanism of injury that this is not work related. Potential causal factors found include employee having a metal plate in his neck from a previous non-work related event, and that he was "breaking a philly" the previous day.

August 17, 2010 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck against stationary object

The EE was trying to remove a door panel that was stuck. When it came loose, his hand came into contact with a sharp edge, resulting in a laceration to his finger that required medical attention (3 stitches to a finger).

May 4, 2010 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was opening the heater valve door to turn on the dozer heater valves when a gust of wind caused dust to swirl up underneath his safety glasses getting into his left eye. This resulted in his cornea being scratched. A prescription antibiotic was applied. Employee returned to work on his next scheduled shift.

October 8, 2009 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was laying down some metal shelving on a push cart when his left ring and pinky finger were caught in a pinch point causing the ring finger to be lacerated and the pinky finger to lacerated and broken. Employee lost approximately 25% of the distal bone of the pinky.

May 15, 2009 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was exiting the cab of the vehicle she was driving that had been parked with the driver's side front and rear axles partially on a stem pile increasing the distance from the vehicle step and the ground. As the employee's left foot contacted the ground, her knee buckled. An MRI revealed a torn ACL. Surgery to repair the torn ACL took place on 07/16/2009.

May 7, 2009 MT · Coal welder (shop) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall from machine

Removable stairs were not level or secured from top of dragline shoe to rev-frame platform. Injury was stepping down onto second step when stairs came loose. He lost balance falling approx. 3' onto his left side, striking the toeboard of a catwalk on top of the shoe, fracturing the 12th left rib.

January 5, 2009 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing bolts from the belly pan of a scraper to perform maintenance work when the hinged pan swung down pinching his right index finger causing it to be lacerated on both side from the middle joint up. This resulted in 17 stitches.

June 20, 2008 MT · Coal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by falling object

Task to remove cable guide of "A" frame, stagged in shop, when partially cut loose by air arcing, cable guide broke loose and dropped about 16 inches to floor, striking welder on top of right foot as he stepped back and rested on steel toe of left boot.

December 20, 2007 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting a bucket of approx. 20 to 25 lbs. of bolts and other materials from the ground to the flatbed of his pickup when he sustained an umbilical hernia. He was evaulated by a physician and fully released. On 2/21/08 the employee underwent outpatient surgery to repair the hernia and received a full work release to return on his next regularly scheduled shift.

July 24, 2007 MT · Coal FIRE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Accident type, without injuries

Two employees were in the process of inspecting topsoil piles while driving on a two track road when they noticed flames coming from the engine compartment of their pickup truck and underneath it. The truck cab burned down along with approximately 20 acres of BLM land. The fire burned for approximately 1 hour.

March 15, 2007 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working from a walk platform. As the platform is designed to fold up, the weight of the employee standing on the edge caused the platform to fold unexpectedly pinching his left leg at shin height between the platform and a metal structural brace. He suffered a 1" laceration to his left shin that required 2 sutures.

March 6, 2007 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee put himself in a precarious position so that when he slipped, his leg became wedged between two pieces of iron.

February 19, 2007 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was lowering a manlift and felt something get in his eye. He was wearing safety glasses at the time.

November 28, 2006 MT · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · POWERED HAULAGE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The Haul Truck operator that had called in a problem with his park brake was found shortly thereafter pinned under his left rear tires. He had sustained fatal crushing injuries.

September 16, 2006 MT · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall from machine

While attempting to locate the heater valves in the engine compartment of a blade, the employee fell approximately 3 and 1/2 feet to the ground. The employee felt sharp pain in his right shoulder and both hips. He was unable to return to his next scheduled shift.

September 1, 2006 MT · Coal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was attempting to place the de-watering pump back into the cradle after he was finished de-watering a blasthole when pump slid into postion pinching the tip of the his finger between the cradle and the pump. He was in compliance company and mine rules and regulations.The accident did not involve the mining system, job skills or protective equipment.

January 15, 2004 MT · Coal IGNITION OR EXPLOSION OF GAS OR DUST
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Accident type, without injuries

EE STRUNG OUT A CUTTING TORCH, TURNED ON THE FUEL GAS (PROPANE) AND LIT THE TORCH. HE THEN OPENED THE OXYGEN VALVE. WHEN HE DID SO THE OXYGEN FEED LINE EXPLODED. A FIRE RESULTED AT THE HOSE REEL WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED WITH A HAND HELD DRY CHEM. EXTINGUISHER.

August 25, 2003 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE HAD PRYED THE OUTSIDE BEAD BAND OFF OF A 23 1X26 TIRE, PULLED THE TUBE OUT AND STARTED TO PRY OFF THE INSIDED BEAD BAND WHEN THE BAR SLIPPED OUT HITTING HIM IN THE UPPER LIP. HIS LI P WAS CUT AND NEEDED STITCHES.

October 17, 2002 MT · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

REPETITIVE TRAUMA TO ELBOW FROM OPERATING VARIOUS TYPES OF EQUIPMENT. SINCE THIS IS AN ILLNESS, THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT IS THE DATE TREATMENT WAS GIVEN.

May 30, 2002 MT · Coal electrician, lineman POWERED HAULAGE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck against a moving object

WHILE TRAVELING ON AN ACCESS ROAD, THE PICKUP THE EMPLOYEE WAS DRIVING STRUCK A HOLE. THIS RESULTED IN THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCING A BACK STRAIN.

April 26, 2002 MT · Coal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE DESCRIBES THE ACCIDENT AS FOLLOWS: " I WAS SURVEYING ALONG A SCRAPER CUT (2'DEEP) WHEN I LOST MY FOOTING ON THE UNEVEN AND LOOSE MATERIALAND FELL AND INJURED MY LT. WRIST."

February 25, 2002 MT · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck against a moving object

WHILE TRAVELING TO THE YARD FOR LUNCH BREAK. THE SCAPER OPERATOR EE CAME AROUND A CORNER ON THE MINE ROAD. HE TOOK THE CORNER WIDE DUE TO HIS SPEED. THE SCRAPER HIT A DITCH WHICH CAUSE HIM TO HIT HIS HEAD ON THE DOOR FRAME. CAT BEHIND EAR AND NECK THAT NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION.

July 5, 2001 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

AFTER COMPLETING REPAIR OF A CAMERA AT THE TAG READER ALONG THE RAILROAD TRACKS, EE WAS RETURNING TO HIS TRUCK AFTER DOING A FINAL EQUIPMENT CHECK AND TRIPPED OVER A PARTIALLY EXPOSED CABLE & ROLLED DOWN THE EMBANKMENT APPROX. 15'. THIS CAUSED A BACK SPRAIN.

May 31, 2001 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EE WAS RAISING THE BELLY PAN FOR A D-9 DOZER. THE JACK LIFTING HANDLE HIT THE "T HANDLE"FOR THE JACK RELEASE VALVE, CAUSING THE JACK TO FALL AND PINCH THE EE'S HAND. SUTURES WERE REQUIRED TO CLOSE THE WOUND ON THE LEFT SMALL FINGER.

January 4, 2001 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Fall from machine

THE EE WAS REPARING THE MANLIFT OF THE 120 SHOVEL. WHEN HE DEPRESSED THE LATCH MECHANISM, THE LIFT SWUNG AWAY FROM THE SHOVEL CAUSING THE EE TO LOOSE HIS BALANCE AND FALL APPROX. TWELVE FEET T O THE GROUND. THE INCIDENT BECAME REPORTABLE ON ON JAN 11,2001, WHEN THE EE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR A CHIPPED TOOTH.

October 18, 2000 MT · Coal truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS LOADING DRAGLINE TRAIL CABLE ONTO THE REAR DRUM OF A CABLE TRUCK. A ROPE WAS LOOPED THREE TIMES AROUND THE PLM CONNECTOR. AS EMPLOYEE STARTED TO LOAD THE CABLE ONTO THE DRUM, HE T RIED TO ASSIST THE PLM COUPLER OVER THE LOADING BAR. HIS GLOVE CAUGHT ON ONE OF THE FOUR BOLTS ON THE PLM COUPLER PULLING HIS LEFT HAND INTO THE BAR FRAME, PINCHING LEFT RING FINGER.

August 15, 2000 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EMPLOYEE WAS PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT OF A DOZER. HE PLACED HIS HAND NEAR THE AIR DUCT TO CHECK FOR AIR FLOW ANDTEMPERATURE. THE GUARD HAD BEEN REMOVED AND A VANE FROM THE SQUIRREL CAGE APPARENTLY EXITED THROUGH THE DUCT AND STRUCK THE EMPLOYEE'S LEFT MIDDLE FINGER. SUTURES WERE REQUIRED.

February 8, 2000 MT · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Spring Creek Coal LLC · Struck by flying object

DISMOUNTING AN 11R22.5 TIRE FOR REPAIR. WHILE BREAKING THE BEAD-SWUNG BEAD AXE BETWEEN RIM AND TIRE. BEAD AXE MADE CONTACT WITH THE RIM CAUSING A METAL CHIP, WHICH FLEW INTO LEFT EYE BETWEEN THE RIM OF SAFETY GLASSES AND CHEEK.

Showing all 41