Mining Incidents

Search the record

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
Filters
Time period
Experience at time of incident

Alert me on this search

Email me when a new incident matches these filters. One confirmation email; unsubscribe anytime.

The record

54 total records

Showing 50 of 54
February 11, 2026 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was sweeping in truck shop. The broom handle broke and pinched finger resulting in 2 stitches

July 2, 2024 ND · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver MACHINERY
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck against a moving object

While being loaded in an End Dump with dirt, the operator experienced bouncing in the cab when the excavator dropped a bucket load into the truck. The operator reported experiencing soreness in the neck and shoulders. After being evaluated at a local clinic, the operator was given work restrictions that prevent them from returning to work.

June 28, 2023 ND · Coal pumper SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was fueling a water pump. The employee slipped in the mud and rolled left ankle causing a sprain. The employee continued to work. On 7/17/23 the employee received medical treatment for the injury, making this incident reportable. The employee was released to full duty.

November 2, 2022 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The injured employee was removing a jack stand from under a D6 dozer. EE pulled the pin to collapse the extension and it did not collapse. When it did collapse, EE's finger was pinched, causing an avulsion to the little finger on EE's left hand. The employee did not return to work for EE's next shift making the incident reportable.

October 8, 2020 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A contractor was dismantling a building that the contractor purchased at auction. Contractor hired two temp workers to help. One of the temp workers fell approximately 20 ft and was injured.

December 4, 2017 ND · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee had taken a shower at the end of EE's shift. EE was walking from the shower to EE's locker when EE slipped. EE's right hand caught a sharp edge of a locker when EE fell. EE's right hand palm received an open wound requiring six (6) stitches to close. EE reported to work at the mine on EE's next scheduled shift. No time Lost!!!

September 27, 2016 ND · Coal welder (non-shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee was struck by a piece of metal while operating a truck mounted hoist about 20 feet away from another employee that was using a hammer tapping a metal dragline bucket shroud. A piece of metal broke loose & struck the injured employee in the neck area. Surgery 10/03/2016 removed the piece. Employee was released to return to work at no restrictions or time lost.

February 17, 2016 ND · Coal brakeman, roperider, car runner, spotterman, snapper, trip rider, car rider, flagman MACHINERY
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing cutting edges from a Cat 966 loader bucket. The bolt had a flat edge & when the nut was loosen the head (underside of bucket) of the bolt dropped & spun around lacerating EE's finger. EE received 4 stitches in left 1st finger.

December 23, 2015 ND · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking out of the maintenance shop in the dark & fell on a patch of ice covered from overnight snow. EE landed on EE's left side & arm. EE declined medical attention at the time. EE had a doctor's appointment for a physical on 12/29/2015. During the physical an x-ray found one of EE's ribs was fractured, thus the reason this report wasn't filed at the time of the incident.

December 16, 2015 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a grinder to cut out an unused metal chute in the tipple. The grinder got caught & kicked back striking EE in the right leg above the knee cap. Seven (7) stitches were needed to close the wound.

July 22, 2015 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall from machine

EE found lying on the ground by a D11 dozer. EE alleges he was about to climb onto the dozer slipped & fell. EE does not know what happen. EE is a large person & was complaining of severe headache, dizziness, nauseous & discomfort in the lower back. Company believes that a medical or medication condition caused EE to lose EE's balance and fall. Waiting for medical results.

March 11, 2015 ND · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stepped off of a raise platform(8" high)to the floor of the 1570's house. When EE stepped off the raised area EE heard a pop in the L knee. Knee x-rayed, inconclusive. EE returned to work on restricted duty awaiting a MRI. EE due to swelling was unable to work on 03/20/2015 & will return after the MRI pending the results. To date no medical treatment has been performed.

November 26, 2014 ND · Coal janitor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Cleaning Service lady was taking garbage to a dumpster when she slipped & fell backwards hitting her head on the ground. She had walked to the wrong dumpster - a little used scrap metal dumpster not used for regular garbage. Light snow covered a layer of ice.

August 14, 2014 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was turning a large spare point sheave for a BE 1570 dragline. Point sheave was mounted on a storage rack. It is recommended that the sheave be rotated from time to time to prevent the sheave from obtaining flat spots while on the stand. EE was slowly turning the sheave when EE's finger became stuck between the sheave and the frame of the storage rack. Laceration - Stitches

June 17, 2014 ND · Coal welder (non-shop) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees was doing routine crack repair and at some point got metal debris in his left eye. Unknown when the debris actually entered the eye.

June 11, 2014 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing a belly pan from a d-11 dozer. a bolt used to lift with broke causing the belly pan to wedge employee's right ankle between the belly pan & the framework of the ripper

January 9, 2014 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had finished assisting with the replacement of brake shoes on the 1570 dragline. As employee was leaving the area, employee felt a pop in his lower back. Employee was examined by the local doctor. CT scan was taken indicating a lower lumbar strain. Employee could not return to work. Employee was released to assume his normal duties on 01/20/2014.

May 20, 2013 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was changing a filter on a rubber tire dozer in the grease shop. EE was extending his arm to loosen the filter. EE felt a pop in his right arm near the elbow. Medical examination was diagnosed as a tear in EE's bicep.

May 16, 2013 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck against stationary object

EE was preparing to change shanks on a reclamation chisel plow. Bolts were covered with dirt. EE used gloved hand to remove dirt. EE felt a sharp pain on his left thumb. A sharp edge on the bolt head had cut through EE's glove & lacerated EE's thumb - requiring 5 stitches.

March 5, 2013 ND · Coal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall from machine

Maintenance EE mounting a scraper at the rear engine to check engine. EE missed a step causing EE to lose balance & fall. EE landed on right wrist which was fractured.

January 17, 2013 ND · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by flying object

EE removed & cut a door spring with a torch. EE was using a chisel & hammer to remove slag to free the spring. Injured EE was standing behind the EE when a sliver of slag flew off striking the injured EE in the face. Removing the sliver required opening the wound that then needed two stitches to close. EE was released to return to work performing his normal duties.

January 10, 2012 ND · Coal fireman - locomotive, railroad clam operator, timekeeper, yard engine operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck against stationary object

Employee banged his hand between the wire rope cable & cable hook as he was fastening the hook to a rail car. Employee's RT 4th finger was still swollen on 01/11/2012. X-ray's revealed a fracture between the fingernail & the 1st joint. The only medical treatment administered was taping the 3rd & 4th fingers together(one time taping & no prescriptions).

October 12, 2011 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employees were assigned to assist in making a 6x6 truck operational. Employee was walking around the disabled truck when he tripped on a rut & fell. Employee was examined at the local hospital where a hairline fracture of his ankle was revealed. Employee was released to return to work. A reexamination two days later revealed the hairline fracture had widen.

April 5, 2011 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall down raise, shaft or manway

Employees were using a port-a-power to hold steering tire at full turn position. Employee's did not have the proper length of ram so they were using a block to make up the difference. Ram snapped out of place and struck injured employee on his right chin area requiring five stitches. No Lost Time -Employee returned to work with a full released after the doctor visit.

June 12, 2010 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Gear was being lowered in the revolving frame to be installed by a crane. Gear was hanging approximately one inch off the floor and slowly rotating on it's own. Employees finger was pinched between gear and wall of a 1570 Dragline.

June 10, 2010 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Removing lower second gear on propel dragline gear that was stuck, the gear came free force, caused by realease of pressure on the gear and it created a pinch point.

August 14, 2009 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee (temporary welder) was removing wear plates from an old dragline bucket when a metal splinter flew off striking employee in the right index finger. Employee was using a 20 pound hammer to hit the wear plate. Employee taken to emergency room where three stitches and a tetanus shot were given.

August 14, 2009 ND · Coal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by flying object

Welder removing wear plates from an old dragline bucket when a metal splinter flew off striking the welder in the right thigh. Employee was using a 20 pound hammer to hit the wear plate. Employee taken to the emergency room where three stitches and a tetanus shot were given.

March 4, 2009 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech POWERED HAULAGE
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by falling object

A mechanic was operating the shop overhead crane placing a planetary gear on a haul truck. While attempting to lift a tool to be attached to the gears the employee activited the high speed lift button, causing the tool to slip & tip the gear onto the employee's left foot.

November 4, 2008 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing spacer plates from horizontal fairlead sheave. He was helping a welder break the bead off the plates. As he turned a plate the welder swung a hammer striking the employee on his right pinkie finger.

August 20, 2008 ND · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was climbing down off his Caterpillar track dozer, when he slipped and fell. Employee alleges he kept hold of the handhold but hit his lower back on the dozer's arm. Employee refused treatment on 08/20/08, but on 09/09/08 employee was seen by a chiropractor to relieve discomfort in his lower back that he attributes to the incident that occurred on 08/20/08.

April 23, 2008 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing a bolt from a reclamation chisel plow.EE put hand on the top of bolt to hold it down, then used a air wrench to remove bolt.When the air wrench spun the bolt a sharp edge cut the left palm of the employees hand.EE's hand required five stitches.EE was released to return to work and completed his shift.

April 12, 2008 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE had completed fueling his dozer. EE was attempting to reel the fuel hose back on the reel. It was dark so the EE was trying to feel the button. He reached passed the reel start button, when his arm hit the button. His right finger was pinched by the gear. EE received stichs in the fingertip and returned to work.

January 22, 2008 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was on a break sitting on a work bench. Another employee pulled on the employee's legs causing the the employee to slide to the edge of the work bench. The employee reached down with her hands to prevent her from falling to the floor causing her to strain her lower back and hip.

October 25, 2007 ND · Coal FIRE
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A BN train delivering limestone to the Coyote Station power plant started 4 spot fires along the railroad tracks. One spot fire was determined to be on the mine permitted area. This fire burned native grasses, but did not threaten any mine structures or equipment. No one was injured fighting the fire. The fire was extinguished in approx. 1 1/2 hours.

October 9, 2007 ND · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported to Dakota Westmoreland that he had been seen by a physician on Oct. 9, 2007 because he alleges that he was experiencing numbness in his left hand.

June 21, 2006 ND · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler MACHINERY
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employees were removing a bull gear from the house of a BE480 walking dragline. Employees were using an overhead crane to manuever the gear out of a side door. The gear was attached to the overhead crane and the lift started when the gear shifted striking the employee's lower legs. The employee suffer from bruises to the legs and a puncture wound requiring stitches.

September 11, 2005 ND · Coal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS SETTING A TRAILER-MOUNTED WATER PUMP IN A WATER HOLE IN THE "C" PIT. THE WATER PUMP OVER BALANCED TO THE HITCH & THE STABILIZING DROP JACK FELL OUT OF THE FRAME. USING HIS BODY WEIGHT, EE REBALANCED THE PUMP WHILE TRYING TO REINSERT THE JACK. EE'S LITTLE FINGER ON HIS RIGHT HAND GOT CAUGHT BETWEEN THE JACK & THE FRAME. BRUISE/LACERATION - 2 STITCHES.

February 22, 2005 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck by flying object

EE was moving a 55 gallon drum of coal from the bed of a pickup to the bucket of a front end loader. the barrel fell toward the ee and twisted ee anke. medical treatment was sought and ee was examined and release to return to work. on 2-28-05 ee sought additional treatment. as of 3-3-05 no lost days have occurred.

October 8, 2004 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS INSTALLING A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ON A CAT SCRAPER IN OUR MAINTENANCE SHOP. HE ALLEGES THAT A PRY BAR HE WAS USING TO INSTALL THE CYLINDER SLIPPED CAUSING A STRAIN ON HIS LEFT SHOULDER. THE INCIDENT WAS NOT REPORTED TILL 10/11/04. hE WAS RELEASED TO WORK WITH NO RESTRICTIONS. EE HAD SURGERY ON 2/15/05 MAKING THIS INJURY REPORTABLE.

August 11, 2004 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had been working in the lower area of the BE1570 dragline. After climbing out of this area employee alleges he stepped on the edge of a manhole cover rolling & twisting his ankle.

May 9, 2004 ND · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE ALLEGES THAT WHILE SHUTTING THE DOOR TO THE OPERATORS CAB OF THE DRAGLINE, EE CAUGHT HIS FINGER BETWEEN THE DOOR & THE DOOR JAM FRAME. EE'S FINGER WAS CRUSHED & THE END (TIP) OF THE FINGER SEVERED.

February 24, 2004 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

EE WAS POWER WASHING SCRAPER WHEN HE RECIEVED 1ST & 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO THE TOP OF HIS LEFT FOOT. WHILE WASHING THE GOOSENECK, THE HOSE GOT HUNG-UP, EE PULLED ON THE HOSE IN DOING SO, THE TIP OF THE WAND CAME ACROSS HIS FOOT, CUTTING THRU HIS RUBBER BOOTS, POKING A HOLE IN HIS LEATHER SAFETY BOOT, AND FILLING THE BOOT WITH HOT WATER.

January 5, 2004 ND · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING A CAT 651 SCRAPER, WHEN HE ALLEGES THE REAR OF THE SCAPER STARTED SLIDING SIDEWAYS DOWN THE SLOPE HE WAS WORKING ON. THE TOP OF THE SLOPE OF THE PIT AREA WAS ICY CAUSING THE S CRAPER TO SLIDE UNTI IT HIT A SOFT SPOT IN THE SLOPE CAUSING THE SCRAPER TO ROLL LAND 1/2 TIMES.

June 27, 2003 ND · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

WHILE WALKING TOWARDS AN EMPLOYEE TO ASK A QUESTION, THE EMPLOYEE SLIPPED & FELL TO THE GROUND, SPRAINING HIS RIGHT ANKLE. THE ACCIDENT WAS NEAR A WATER TRUCK FILLING AREA. THE GROUND WAS WET, LOOSE SCORIA WAS PRESENT BUT THE WALKWAY WAS RELATIVELY SMOOTH.

February 28, 2003 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE ALLEDGES THAT WHILE INSTALLING A CYLINDER ON A LOADER, HE WAS HITTING A PIN WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER WHILE IN AN AWKWARD POSITION CAUSING HIM TO STRAIN HIS LOWER BACK. EE DID NOT INDICATE TO THE MINE THERE WAS AN INJURY UNTIL 3/9/03. EE DID NOT FILL OUT AN ACCIDENT REPORT UNTIL 3/14/03.

March 21, 2002 ND · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Westmoreland Beulah Mining LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE ALLEGES THAT HE & A WITNESS WERE PUTTING A MAIN BEARING CAP BACK ON A CATERPILLAR D-11 DOZER. EE ALLEGES THAT THEY TRIED TO LIFT THE BEARING BY HAND, BUT IT WAS TOO HEAVY TO HOLD, WHILE TRY ING TO GET THE BOLTS STARTED. EE STATED ON HIS ACCIDENT REPORT, THAT HE WAS LIFTING TOO MUCH WEIGHT OVER HIS HEAD.

Showing 50 of 54