Mining Incidents

Walstrum QuarryMetal/Nonmetal

Idaho Springs, Clear Creek County, CO · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0503935
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
26
Years on record
2004–2025
Latest incident
May 2025

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A FATAL ACCIDENT OCCURED WHEN A MINER ATTEMPTING TO EXCAVATE MATERIAL IN A WA900 FRONT END LOADER WAS STRUCK BY A ROCK THAT ROLLED DOWN THE ANGLE REPOSE.

Reportable incidents

25 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2025 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE's left middle finger was smashed & lacerated between two parts of Komatsu 605 haul truck during removal of dampener.

2024 · 1 incident

Fall down stairs

On 9/12/2024 EE was walking down a set of stairs, slipped, and fell backwards, causing slight discomfort. EE received first aid care until 12/2/2024. On 12/2/2024 EE was prescribed physical therapy, making the incident recordable on 12/2/2024.

2023 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A technician was dismounting a 990k wheel loader. They lost their footing on the side ladder and caught themselves before falling causing a strained lower back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling under a conveyor and suffered lower back pain while bending.

Fall from machine

A miner was descending from the water truck and lost footing at the bottom resulting in a small fall.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Miner was setting up a temporary work platform when they slipped and fell to the conveyor below them.

2022 · 5 incidents

Struck against a moving object

A haul truck operator reported pain in EE's lower back after being loaded with shot rock. EE claims EE was shaken in the cab from the impact of the first bucket of material hitting the truck bed. The report was made during the next shift.

Struck by falling object

Employee was attempting to adjust the forks on a CAT TL-1255D telehandler and did not realize they had been previously adjusted to the release point. As EE attempted to adjust, the fork dropped out of position and landed on the employees right foot. The top of the Employee's right foot was broken.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was putting away new screen panels and walking across the pallet they were received on. Employee stepped between boards and suffered a back strain.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A maintenance mechanic employee was handling a pneumatic chisel when the threaded fitting on the tool came loose. The pressurized hose and fitting whipped back and struck EE on the left ankle through their boot.

Fall onto or against objects

Maintenance employee was inspecting a conveyor for a reported noise, as they made their way around the side of the conveyor they tripped and attempting to steady themselves made contact with the conveyor and idler. Hand was pulled between the conveyor and idler but they were able to free themselves shortly thereafter. The result was a laceration on right hand resulting in stitches.

2020 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

Maintenance Mechanic was staging steel bolt in wear plates for installation inside a chute. The first liner was set on loose dirt inside the chute, as the Mechanic placed the second liner inside the first fell over and struck the back of the Mechanic's right thumb. The result was a laceration and a broken bone just above the second knuckle.

2018 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Miner was attempting to adjust the flashing on a operating conveyor belt when right sleeve on their shirt was caught and pulled their right arm into the conveyor belt and rollers. Miner was able to shut the conveyor off and free their arm. The injury resulted in stiches required to the right wrist.

2017 · 2 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Driller was operating drill, stepped outside the door, wind caught the door, and slammed EE's pinky finger.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was carrying a removed idler from a conveyor head section on the shop. EE dropped the idler and EE's left index finger got caught in the idler. The miner broke the last digit bone and also required stitches.

2016 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

Welder was tasked to clean up empty drums located at the outside shop area per recommendation of Inspector on site the week before. The lids needed to be cut open to allow cleaning, crushing, and disposal. EE pierced a hole in a drum with a cutting torch. This caused the barrel to explode causing a cut and concussion.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The miner was installing a Handrail on the new Rip Rap Skid. While trying to align the holes, the Rail shifted and smashed the right thumb. The incident resulted in a partial traumatic amputation of the Right Thumb

2013 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator and Supervisor were conducting an examination of the work place. The operator was being task with a job. While walking the area, the Operator slipped and fell to the ground. The root cause of the accident was snowy conditions and the underfoot conditions. The diagnosis was back soreness and minimal bruising.

2009 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Contractor was removing Pin on tilt cylinder at the Bell Crank of a WA 900 wheel loader. When pin was removed the bell crank shifted and pinned the outside left foot below the ankle. He called other PMC mechanic to aid in the unpinning of his foot. Once he was stabilized and on the ground, EMS was called and he was transported to the nearest hospital.

2008 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

Employee lifting wear plate into reject belt chute. The plate sliped and hit the employee in the foot, just above his steel toe boot. Was able to walk off the job and drive himself to the hospitial. After he was triaged it was determened that he had a few broken bones in his foot.

2006 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The miner was picking up a 3/4"" chain by the tool crib and strained his back.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee climbed the two step ladder on the 35 ton grove crane and hit his knee on the ladder. The diagnosis was a small contusion of the knee.

2005 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climing off the ladder of the HD605 Haul truck, when he placed his feet on the ground and made a turning motion, he twisted his knee. The pain was very minor and was not reported immediately. The small pain continued and he reported his accident on 12/7/05. He was sent to the doctor and it was concluded that he had a sprained knee and was put on a ladder restriction.

Fall onto or against objects

The mechanic was performing maintenance on a wheel loader. He was walking in front of the loader with his hands full of tools and slipped. He hit his elbow on the way down to the ground. He was o.k. to work the rest of the day and weeks later. It slowly started to swell and he sought medical attention on Oct. 26. The doctor said it was a bruise that possibly needed drainage.

2004 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ON THE REJECT CONVEYOR ON THE PRIMARY PLANT. HE STEPPED AWAY AND SLIPPED ON A ROCK AND TORQUED HIS BACK. MINOR PAIN: CONTINUED WORK/FINISHED SHIFT. NEXT DAY EE WENT TO HIS PERSONAL DOCTOR. ACCIDENT NOT REPORTED TO SUPERVISOR UNTIL 7/16/04. POOR GROUND CONDITIONS LED TO ACCIDENT - SPILLAGE FROM THE CONVEYOR BELT IN EE'S WORK AREA.