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
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The record

676 total records

Showing 50 of 676
January 24, 2019 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While mounting a 24.5 L24 size tire on a one piece wheel, a tire bar slipped and struck EE in the mouth causing a broken front tooth.

June 1, 2017 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall down stairs

On 6/1/2017 Employee stated while washing the bottom floor of the plant - they drug the hose out the door, misjudged the single concrete step and fell on their left shoulder. On June 2, 2017 employee was examined and diagnosed with a torn muscle in their chest. Employee continued to work full duty until 8/9/2017 when surgery was performed to repair.

September 4, 2015 IL · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Two employees were changing center can on a troughing roller. The roller was prepared for removal. As IE pulled the roller to remove it, his plan was to stabilize his end, allow the other end to drop onto the belt, then pull it out. As the roller dropped, the end of his left ring finger was caught between the roller and angle iron. The injury required sutures.

April 10, 2015 IL · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Big Ridge Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

IE was cleaning the inside of the rotary breaker with a pneumatic chipping hammer when he stepped back and lost his footing. IE said he reached for the breaker plow to brace himself and pinched his finger between the pneumatic chipping hammer and the plow. IE was diagnosed with a broken finger and the finger nail was removed to relieve pressure.

November 26, 2013 IL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured employee and co-worker were installing a return roller at the load out. Injured employee was holding a nylon strap that was attached to one end of the roller. The roller slipped from the co-workers hands - jerking the strap the injured employee was holding. Injured employee continued to work - had surgery to repair a small rotator cuff tear 12/22/2014.

June 17, 2013 IL · Coal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

I.E. was working on the fine refuse vibratory screen, he was climbing into work area he felt a "pop" in his left knee,and continued working. On 9/12/2013, the injured sought medical attention and was initially diagnosed with a strain of the left knee pending MRI results. On 10/3/2013 the injured was taken off work. His first missed shift was 10/7/2013.

April 2, 2013 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A prep plant mechanic experiencing pain in his abdomen in March of 2013. He later had a congenital weakness of the navel (umbilical hernia) repaired on 4/2/13. Doctor's notes and definition included. Illinois. W. C.. covers this condition.

February 22, 2013 IL · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While doing belt recovery work, employee had removed the bottom rollers from their bracket on one side of the beltline. This put the rollers in a bind, when he pulled hard, the roller came loose, smashing the middle finger of his right hand between the roller and the belt rail. The employee was taken to the hospital and the finger was pinned and stitched.

February 8, 2013 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was walking through an underpass on the Old 2A Beltline when a rock 12 inches x 12 inches x 5 inches fell from a brow striking employee. The rock caused a small laceration on the left forearm that required 3 stitches to close. The employee was released to return to work on his next scheduled shift.

January 24, 2013 IL · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Big Ridge Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

(See Attachments)EE had been experiencing back pain. On 1/24/13 the EE exp. more back pain. Notes from a case worker suggest he slipped that day and landed on his buttocks and was also recovering cable with several coworkers. The EE was released to work on 1/25/13. The EE had a microdisectomy in 2/2007. Dr. took EE off work for P.T. 1/28/13.

November 17, 2012 IL · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · MACHINERY
Big Ridge Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The EE was operating the C.M., he was making the first cut in the C.C. left from No. 4 to No. 5 entry. After making the initial cut,EE backed the C.M. into C.C. between No. 4 and 3 entries to set the machine to slab the right side of the cut. As he backed the machine into the C.C., he was pinned between the outby rib of the C.C. and the left side of the cutter head. (See attached)

November 8, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall from machine

Employee was stepping out of battery transport when he struck his head on the mine roof, knocking his hard hat off. As he reached out to grab for his hard hat his momentum carried him forward and he lost his balance. His feet caught on the lip of the deck and he fell out of the cab. As he fell he attempted to catch himself with his right arm breaking his Humerus.

November 6, 2012 IL · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking beside the double boom roofbolter when he tripped on some loose rock. As he fell he tried to catch himself with his right arm. He fell onto the floor pulling something in his right shoulder.

November 5, 2012 IL · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While working underground on 11/5/12 EE felt pain in his left shoulder. He continued to work until he had MRI which shows possible tendonosis. See Attached

October 30, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 4th North belt line @ the 218 crosscut (station 173+71) Entry #5. The fall did not affect ventilation, passage of men or cause personal injury. The fall did cause damage to the belt line. The area will be cleaned up and arched. The area had been bolted with 6 foot roof bolts. The fall measured 35'x 20'x 15' high.

October 16, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was carrying a 6 foot timber with another employee when he wrenched his lower back. The top was low in the area. Employee continued to work until 11/8/12 when the Doctor took him off work and referred him to a neurosurgeon.

October 8, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 10/8/12 employee said that he had been having problems with his hands going numb. Employee continued to work until 12/19/12 when he had carpel tunnel surgery on his right wrist. The left wrist will also need surgery, to be scheduled.

October 6, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred at crosscut 270 in the Main North Intake in the #3 entry. The fall had been roof bolted with 6 foot fully grouted roof bolts. The fall did not affect ventilation, passage of men or cause personal injury. The fall measured 30 feet long x 16 feet wide x 3 foot thick.

October 3, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that he was having trouble with both hands. He said that they are going numb, tingling, and falling asleep. He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and started missing work on 12/3/12 when he was scheduled for surgery.

October 1, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was in the intake working on a ramcar. He had to lift the screen over the tram motor. Employee stated while standing on the side of the ramcar he lifted the screen and felt a pull in his lower stomach. Around an hour later he felt a small knot in his lower stomach. Employee finished his shift and was later diagnosed with a hernia. Employee is scheduled for surgery.

September 28, 2012 IL · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting miner cable over the scoop to move a generator. When lifting the cable over the center of the scoop, employee felt pain in his left shoulder. Employee continued to work until doctor took him off on 10/18/2012.

September 27, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped and fell while changing batteries on his ram car. Employee claims that he felt something pop in his back when he fell. Employee was taken to hospital and follow up with doctor. He continued to work until 10/24/2012 when he was taken off for bulging disc of the L4 and L5.

September 11, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting his tool bag out of his tool box when he felt something in his right shoulder pull or tear. Employee came out of the mine and was transported to the Doctors office. He was later diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff. Employee continued to work until 10/22/2012 when he went off for surgery.

August 30, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was cleaning in the unit 4 tail area, when she heard a rib crack. She took off running and fell down onto the ground. She landed on her right arm leaving a small cut on it. She was released to come back to work but did not come back because she is experiencing dizziness.

August 27, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and started missing work on 9-11-12 for surgery on his right hand.

August 21, 2012 IL · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was loading rock dust bags onto the scoop. Employee stated that when he turned to put the rock dust bag onto the scoop he felt pain in his back and right leg. A diagnosis of a lumbar disc was not made until 9/11/2012.

August 10, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee started feeling numbness in both hands. Went to see doctor and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. Started missing work on 9/24/12 and was scheduled for surgery on 9/27/12.

August 9, 2012 IL · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that he has been feeling soreness in his right elbow and did not recall any certain incident that might cause his soreness. Employee continued to work until 12/12/12 when he went off for radial tunnel surgery of the right elbow.

August 8, 2012 IL · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was dragging a curtain to the face of the #3 entry when a rock fell out between the bolts striking him on his left knee. Employee continued to work until 10-15-2012 when he went off to have a torn meniscus repaired.

July 26, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Big Ridge Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was under a physicians care in April 2012 for low back pain. The MRI taken at the time indicated degenerative changes (MRI enclosed). The care provided was not a result of a work related event. At work in July, employee stated he had pain in his lower back. He was then off work on July 30, 2012. This is the result of off the job medical issues as well as repetitive motion.

July 23, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the 4A return at 18+00 in entry #4. The fall did not affect ventilation, passage of men or caused personnel injury. The fall measured 20 feet x 20 feet x 10-12 feet high. The area had been roof bolted with 6 foot fully grouted roof bolts.

July 16, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the 5th north headings MMU 012 return @ 48+15 in entry #5. The area had been supported with 6 foot glue bolts. The fall measured approximately 19feet x 19feet x 8feet high. The fall may be cleaned up at a later date. It did not affect ventilation, cause personal injury or passage of men.

June 18, 2012 IL · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was diagnosed with carpal Tunnel syndrome on her left hand and started missing work for surgery on 6/18/2012.

June 15, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee has been experiencing numbness in both hands and has been diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome. He started missing work on 8/22/12 for surgery.

June 1, 2012 IL · Coal electrician, lineman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had pain in his right elbow and pain running down into right arm. Employee was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and had surgery on 8/31/2012.

May 8, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Due to many years of operating equipment employee has numbness in both hands. Employee went off work on 8/17/2012 for carpal tunnel surgery.

April 28, 2012 IL · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Big Ridge Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

(See Attach)EE has performed various repetitive activities over 25 years that involved lifting, twisting and turning. EE stated that during 3/2012 he aligned a cable and his back started to hurt. He worked over the next few weeks. EE stated that in 2006 he had degenerative disc problems. On 4/28/12 he was diag. with degen. disc disease.The EE worked until his surgery 5/14/12.

April 13, 2012 IL · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by falling object

Employee was bending over when a rock fell out of the roof striking him on the back and spine. Employee walked to the dinner hole and felt faint. After this he was taken to Deaconess Hospital where he was kept overnight for observation and released the next day to go home.

April 6, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred in the 2nd West intake @ 42+13 station in the #4 entry. The roof fall did not affect ventilation, passage of men or cause personal injury. The fall measured 20'x 20' x 10' high and had been supported with 6 foot fully grouted roof bolts. The fall has been timbered off and will not be cleaned up.

April 4, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by flying object

Employee was putting two pieces of conveyor chain together. He had a hammer hitting another hammer putting a link together. A piece of metal flew off striking employee in the right arm. The piece of metal was removed from his arm.

March 15, 2012 IL · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Big Ridge Inc · Fall onto or against objects

Employee and 3 other co-workers were working on 242 miner, removing tram reducer, when the roof behind them started working. Employee stated he was bumped into by one of his co-workers knocking him into the front of the miner. As he was falling he reached to catch himself with his left hand. His left hand landed on a sharp rock which caused a laceration that required 11 stitches.

March 10, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Degenerative - walking See Attachment

March 6, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occurred in E#3 @ station 30+10 in the Old 5A intake. The roof fall did not affect ventilation, cause personal injury or affect passage. The roof fall measured 27'x 31' x 6'. The area had been supported with 6' roof bolts. This report is being filed to abate a citation, we do not feel that it is reportable. Area had been dangered and timbered out prior to the fall.

February 28, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee claims both hands are going numb and running up both arms. Diagnosed with carpel tunnel in the right hand. Started missing work on 8-9-12 when he went off for surgery on the right wrist.

February 24, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was putting a tire in the back of #15 truck, employee was picking a tire up and twisted a little, he had a little discomfort at the time. Employee said that he misjudged how high to pick up the tire. Employee has a lower back and groin strain. Employee did not start missing work until March 1, 2012.

February 24, 2012 IL · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Big Ridge Inc · Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall occurred on the 5A intake entry #3 at x-cut 57 (32+20 station). The fall measured 20'x 20'x 6' high. It did not affect ventilation or cause personal injury. It did fall on the primary lifeline but their are 3 intake entries and the panel is worked out. The intersection had been bolted with 6 foot fully grouted roof bolts.

February 9, 2012 IL · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) STRIKING OR BUMPING
Big Ridge Inc · Struck against stationary object

Employee was getting a line curtain from the rib in entry #4 between 56+95 and 57+65, when he turned around he ran into a roof bolt plate that was hanging down about 8" from the roof. He suffered a laceration to the forehead requiring 5 stitches.

January 25, 2012 IL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Big Ridge Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

(See Attachments) EE has been a mechanic who had years of repeated pulling and pushing on wrenches and pry bars. On 1/25/12 he felt pain in his right shoulder. He was diag. on 8/31/12 with rotator cuff tendonitis, degen. changes of the joints.

January 14, 2012 IL · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Big Ridge Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was closing air lock doors on the Main North at 246 x-cut. He had closed the west door, when he went to close the east door he tried to catch it so it would not slam shut. His right hand got caught between the two doors causing a dislocated wrist and torn ligaments.

January 4, 2012 IL · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Big Ridge Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was diagnosed with Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease. (See Attachment)

Showing 50 of 676