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

85 total records

Showing 50 of 85
July 25, 2019 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Highland Mining Company · Struck by flying object

Employee was standing approximately 10' to 12' feet from the rear crawler as the #65 High Wall Miner was being trammed to the next cut. When a 1" x 1/4" piece a metal believed to be from a roller on the crawler struck EE on the left arm requiring 3 stitches.

June 5, 2018 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company · Accident type, without injuries

Non injury roof fall between break 20 & 21, roof fall was reported and investigated, has been cleaned up and area re-supported

September 8, 2017 WV · Coal electrician, lineman ELECTRICAL
Highland Mining Company · Contact with electrical current

Employee was in the process of removing a cable from the J-box, and received an electrical shock to the right and left hands. Employee had pulled the disconnects on the pole and at the substation, and shunted the wires to remove any current.

April 6, 2017 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Highland Mining Company · Struck by flying object

The truck the injured employee was operating, was being loaded and dust came through the window that was rolled down halfway, and employee felt dust go into left eye.

January 25, 2017 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Highland Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While removing a cutting edge. The employee was pushing a carriage nut back into the slot that keeps it from turning with left hand while the impact was still on the bolt, EE was attempting to pick up on the impact with right hand when inadvertently activated the impact causing the nut to rotate at a high rate speed resulting in a laceration to left middle finger.

December 27, 2016 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall approximately 50' long, 20' wide and 10-13' high occurred in the #3 entry. No injuries occurred due to this roof fall.

August 22, 2016 WV · Coal outside foreman, leadman DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

In May of 2015 this employee retired from work. On 08/22/2016 this mine was notified that this employee had been diagnosed with Occupational Pneumoconiosis.

May 26, 2016 WV · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Highland Mining Company · Struck against a moving object

Employee stated ran over a piece of rock while operating loader. This caused the loader to jerk back and forth, causing pain to the neck and back. Employee began missing work on 6/27/2016.

March 29, 2016 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company · Accident type, without injuries

A non-injury roof fall occurred at break #35 on the #4 belt. Passage of persons was not affected. Ventilation was not affected no equipment was involved

February 1, 2016 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

On February 1, 2016 this mine was notified that this employee was diagnosed with Occupational Pneumoconiosis.

December 18, 2015 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall from machine

Employee was fueling excavator and when EE turned to dismount EE slipped on tracks and fell to ground catching self with left hand and hurt left shoulder. EE continued to work until June 20th, 2016 where EE had surgery on shoulder.

December 11, 2015 WV · Coal examiner, fire boss, pre-shift examiner, mine examiner DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Highland Mining Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Occupational hearing loss but he is still working as of 12-28-15.

December 9, 2015 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall from machine

Employee was climbing truck steps when his left foot slipped from the rung causing him to fall to the ground. Left knee sprain, back, right hip and shoulder pain.

November 16, 2015 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Claim filed for pneumoconiosis. Date of diagnosis was 11/16/2015. Date of notification was 1/14/2016.

October 27, 2015 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Highland Mining Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee called the Safety Office on 10/28/2015 alleging an injury on 10/27/15. Employee could not describe an event or time other than normal operation of his dozer. He states after he got home he began having pain down left leg when he bent over preparing to go to bed.

October 15, 2015 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cable crossovers were being moved when one side slipped from the loader forks causing the cable to whip, striking employee, who was examining cable 75 feet from the crossover, and knocking him to the ground. This resulted in a laceration to the upper lip and a broken right wrist.

September 28, 2015 WV · Coal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

On September 28, 2015, this mine was notified that this employee was diagnosed with an Occupational Illness of pneumoconiosis. Employee is still currently working as of 9-28-2015.

September 21, 2015 WV · Coal welder (non-shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

When installing excavator bucket pin employee pinched left thumb between the bucket and stick arm, causing a laceration to the tip of the left thumb.

August 18, 2015 WV · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner MACHINERY
Highland Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was straightening step on excavator. He had hooked a chain to bucket of the excavator and to the step and instructed the operator to put tension on the chain. As the operator applied tension the weld on the step broke loose allowing the step to strike the employee in the right leg resulting in a laceration requiring 7 stitches.

May 18, 2015 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall from piled material

During preshift of a 785 Rock Truck, the operator was trying to clean the camera on the back of the truck. He stated he was standing on a rock and then jumped to reach the camera and fell when he landed.

May 5, 2015 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

On January 31, 2015 this employee was terminated due to a Lay off at the mine site. On May 7th, 2015, this mine was notified that this employee has been diagnosed with an occupational illness of pneumoconiosis.

January 24, 2015 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Claim filed for pneumoconiosis. X-ray date of 1/24/15. Employee termination date was 8/8/14.

December 29, 2014 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Highland Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was getting into his service truck. When he grabbed his hand rail the wind blew his door shut and caught his right hand middle finger causing a laceration that required 5 stitches.

December 3, 2014 WV · Coal security guard, watchman POWERED HAULAGE
Highland Mining Company · Struck against a moving object

Employee driving company truck checking truck dump & gate. A deer ran in front of him - he steered to miss deer & drove into bank - road was wet - muddy.

October 29, 2014 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis after 50 years of mining employment. Employee is still currently working as of 10/31/2014. Safety department was notified of this diagnosis on 10/29/2014.

October 1, 2014 WV · Coal beltman, conveyor man, conveyor belt worker, mobile bridge carrierman, feeder operator, conveyor rider DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Highland Mining Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

We were notified of his diagnosis of coal workers pneumoconiosis on 12-4-14 he hasn't worked at this mine since 2013.

August 12, 2014 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Highland Mining Company · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a 789 CAT truck when his load shifted causing the front of the truck to lift off the ground. The load slid out of the bed of the truck and the front of the truck came back down, jarring the operator. Employee sought medical attention that evening and was referred to a specialist. On 8/20/2014 the employee was taken off work by the specialist.

February 14, 2014 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee slipped while stepping out on the deck of a D-10R dozer. When he caught himself with the handrail, he felt pain in his right shoulder. He sought treatment to his shoulder on 3/12/2014 and was prescribed physical therapy 3x a week.

February 12, 2014 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Highland Mining Company · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall in #3 entry on #3 belt from brk.13 near spad #34 and continued to spad #40 on brk 15. This is a continuation of a previous fall that had been cleaned up and re-supported.

February 4, 2014 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES
Highland Mining Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was dismounting grader when his back began to bother him. Employee did not slip or anything which would have led to an injury. He has had several events that have given him re-occurring back pain throughout his career. He has received care on his back within the previous 6 months. When his back pain began again he revisited the chiropractor and received treatment.

November 13, 2012 WV · Coal FIRE
Highland Mining Company · Accident type, without injuries

D 11 R (TD-5410) was working above shot material when operator smelled smoke and saw flames coming from under hood. No injuries resulted from this fire.

June 20, 2011 WV · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was replacing vent on the overhead blower of a 992 C loader when his finger was cut by the blades of the blower fan

March 21, 2011 WV · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator POWERED HAULAGE
Highland Mining Company · Struck against a moving object

was operating scoop, scoop was stuck in soft muddy area. Placed cribbing under bucket to lift scoop. Cribs failed to support the scoop and dropped from cribs suddenly bouncing the operator into the canopy, knocking him unconscious for 2 minutes. operator refused ambulance.

August 31, 2009 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Highland Mining Company · Fall onto or against objects

EE was using a ratchet with chain attempting to re-buckle the track back together on an Ingersoll drill. While pulling back on the ratchet, the chain broke causing ee to fall backward striking his head on the catwalk of the frill. This caused his hard hat to fall off as he continued to fall striking his head on the bucket of an excavator that was parked close by.

May 13, 2009 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall from machine

Employee was attempting to dismount a Caterpillar 785 rock truck. While climbing down the ladder to the ground, his foot slipped between the steps causing him to lose his balance and fall to the ground.

February 23, 2009 WV · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was on top of vehicle loading it, when driver pulled out from under bin. Employee went to hospital, was released with no restrictions. Employee still complained of pain, went to doctor and was told "No work until you revisit doctor", resulting in lost time.

January 26, 2009 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling highline to get slack out of the line. Upon pulling the highline, employee felt a sharp pain in his lower back. MRI results were not read until 2/16/09 causing his first missed shift of work to be 2/17/09.

December 16, 2008 WV · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was attempting to dismount a D11 Caterpillar dozer. He placed his foot on the step on top of the tilt jack and his foot slipped causing him to fall back onto the tracks of the dozer. Note: Employee was seen by an orthopedic specialist on January 6, 2009 who on that dat took him off of work and prescribed physical therapy.

September 29, 2008 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall onto or against objects

EE was getting out of the back of the Western Star Lube Truck at the rear of the truck. EE's foot slipped, causing him to strike his right knee on the step.

September 27, 2008 WV · Coal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator MACHINERY
Highland Mining Company · Struck against stationary object

Highwall miner operator was setting jacks on the launch to prepare to mine. The left rear tower jack broke causing the launch to drop suddenly. EE hit his forehead on the computer screen.

August 6, 2008 WV · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Highland Mining Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee was coming down ladder on bulk truck. Cut palm on protruding piece of metal.

May 30, 2008 WV · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall from machine

EE was working on the back of the operator's cab of a 785 rock truck. He lost his footing and fell about 12 feet to the ground, landing on his feet.

October 23, 2007 WV · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Highland Mining Company · Unclassified, insufficient data

Member was found in cab of 992C loader with a large laceration to the head. Due to memory loss by member and insufficient evidence, the cause of this accident is unknown. Assuming member was mounting loader and slipped, hitting head.

October 1, 2007 WV · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was eating lunch in the cab of a bulk truck. He began choking on a bite of sandwich, passed out, hit head on door of cab as he fell out. Regained conciousness and was taken to local medical facility where he was treated for a light concussion. Released with no restrictions.

September 13, 2007 WV · Coal driller, highwall operator, highwall drill operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Highland Mining Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Member was removing the pin from a hi-wall miner beam, when he turned to throw the pin he slipped and fell, landing on is hip and tailbone.

Showing 50 of 85