EE was working outside prep plant on disassembly of vibrating screen. Removed screen from prep plant was on ground, while foreman was checking area, sideboard of screen began to fall. EE tried to avoid injury by moving out of the way but was pinned by sideboard against smaller screen which had been removed from prep plant. EE suffered fatal injuries. Under investigation by MSHA.
Bear Run MineCoal
- Fatalities
- 2
- Total incidents
- 109
- Years on record
- 2010–2026
- Latest incident
- Feb 2026
Fatalities at this mine
2 recordedThe IE was hauling overburden in a Cat 793 end dump to a fill area. The front area on the end dump caught fire. The IE parked the truck on the fill and exited the end dump. The IE sustained multiple burn injuries as a result of the exit. IE passed away on 09/12/18. Ultimate cause of death is pending the coroner's report.
Reportable incidents
107 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 1 incident
The mobile equipment operator began experiencing nighttime shoulder pain, attributed to years of repetitive work and movements required to mount, dismount, and operate equipment. After consultation, diagnostics revealed degenerative changes in the shoulder, which required surgery on 02/06/26
2025 · 9 incidents
IE was holding a bolt w/pliers while another person used a grinder w/cutting wheel. The grinder kicked back and cut IE between thumb & finger requiring 6 stitches to close wound.
CMW in personal vehicle was pulling up and turning to the left preparing to stop and back in to a parking spot. Before EE came to a stop, EE's truck struck another person walking across the lot that EE did not see. IE was taken to local ER and kept overnight for observation.
IE was using soft face sledge hammer and wearing face shield & puncture resistant coat while striking a bucket tooth to remove it. A small piece of metal struck IE's chin which required removal in ER and 2 stitches to close cut
IE was greasing components on screen bowl. While pulling on drive belt to turn components, EE's pinky finger was pinched between belt and pulley requiring 5 stitches to close cut.
CHPP employee reported on 3/12/25 that EE was experiencing right shoulder discomfort while performing routine motions and tasks, void of any stressors. During initial consult it was learned that IE had a previous R shoulder surgical repair for similar complaints. Diagnostics revealed degenerative changes to that same shoulder with no new acute damage. Surgical repair on 4/25/25.
IE was climbing out of cable truck and fell after IE's foot became stuck on the step. IE fell onto right wrist which caused a hairline fracture.
IE went under parked haul truck to check it out & got hydraulic oil into both eyes. IE received Rx eye drops and was not released to return to work
IE was using an electric grinder that became entangled w/IE's welding coat sleeve. Before the grinder stopped it cut IE's wrist which needed a few stitches to close.
Mobile maintenance greaser/oiler reported on 01/13/25 that they noticed a noise in their shoulder, void of any pain or discomfort. During consultation it was learned the the EE had a previous right shoulder surgical repair. Diagnostics revealed degenerative changes to the same shoulder from years of repetitive motion and overhead work. Surgical repair was performed on 07/11/2025.
2024 · 6 incidents
IE caught fingertip between brass bushing and shovel saddle block while setting the bushing in place. Fingertip was avulsed and required medical treatment.
IE was lancing out front end loader center pin. Hot slag fell into their boot and burned their ankle and bottom of foot causing 2nd & 3rd degree burns.
Installing bearing in a hoist cylinder. While tapping the bearing, a piece of the bearing chipped off and lodged into the bend of EE's left arm.
IE was removing a line boring bar by pulling it with right hand. While pulling, the far end of the bar slipped off what was holding it. This caused near end to fall and strike right thumb. The thumb was fractured and was set in a cast at the ER.
Injured had been using a hot water pressure washer and decided to change out the wand for a tip with a wider spray pattern. While changing the wand, injured accidentally pulled the trigger and shot high pressure water thru boot and into the top of foot.
On 1/18/24 EE was lying on the ground under a service truck checking for an air leak. The air system had reached capacity which caused the pop-off valve to dump some air. This sudden, loud noise startled EE & caused EE to bump left shoulder on the underneath side of the truck. EE reported this to the supervisor later in the shift. EE was given x-rays & MRI.
2023 · 4 incidents
IE was on the track of a D11 dozer climbing up to the cab. IE was stepping up to the fender platform with left foot when IE lost balance and fell backwards onto the track, hitting mid left back on a grouser. Was taken to ER and diagnosed with 2 broken ribs and small laceration to spleen. No surgery required but will need time off to heal.
IE was pulling a piece of .125"" sheet metal to get into position to weld. The metal hit a bolt head and immediately stopped while IE was still pulling. IE felt a pop in arm. IE was eventually diagnosed with a minor biceps tendon tear and began physical therapy on 12/19.
IE wiped a metal table off with gloves in preparation to use a magnetic drill. IE's eye began itching so IE removed the gloves and safety glasses and rubbed it. IE's eye was immediately irritated; IE flushed it with eye wash but it persisted. IE went to an eye doctor where a small particle was removed and IE was prescribed antibiotic eye drops.
Fuel truck developed an exhaust leak that allowed some fumes to enter the cab. After fueling in between shifts and taking the truck to get more fuel, fueler began to have a headache and became dizzy. Fueler was taken to ER to be checked and truck was shutdown and repaired.
2022 · 4 incidents
IE was preparing a shot pattern. As EE was walking to hook the next hole, EE stepped on some uneven ground and felt something pop in EE's right calf. EE finished the shift. It was still bothering EE the next morning and the IE asked for medical attention.
IE was removing jam nuts from the cable boat for electric shovel. The truck crane holding the wire rope was moved without IE knowing. The wire rope struck the IE's left pinky finger. IE had a laceration which required 5 stitches to close.
End dump driver was leaving the fill area and needed to pull up EE's pants. EE leaned forward to do so and ran over a bump at the same time. This caused EE's head to go forward and EE struck EE's left upper central incisor on the steering wheel knob which chipped and cracked the tooth.
Mechanic has cumulative left shoulder trauma following 5 shoulder dislocations initially beginning with a high school football injury which caused a Hills-Sachs deformity. EE was turning a ratchet with the left hand and EE's shoulder slipped out of socket.
2021 · 5 incidents
IE was checking the dumping solenoid inside the frame of an end dump. EE needed to move and was crawling out from under the truck on hands and knees. EE placed right hand near the base of a dump cylinder, unaware that the solenoid began working and the bed was coming down. EE had 3 fingertips crushed between the middle stage and the base of the cylinder.
IE was climbing on dozer to shut off for a service. When the IE got to the top platform IE felt a popping noise in the left foot. The IE shut the dozer off and climbed to the ground. IE was taken to the ER for treatment. IE was diagnosed with a sprain and was restricted to non-weight bearing activity until follow up appointment.
IE stepped over a feed pipe in the plant to access a start up diverter valve. They had stepped over with left leg already and when they brought their right leg over their knee struck the pipe flange and bolts and created a cut that required stitches to close.
IE was air arcing a frame crack on an end dump. IE was wearing leather welding gloves, leather welding jacket, and leather welding apron. A hot piece of slag bounced off something and landed on IE's pants just about the boots. It burned through the jeans and fell into IE's boot, giving IE a 2nd degree burn on the ankle.
IE was repairing cracks in shovel bucket with another welder. They began welding at 8am and took turns until 3. They were both wearing 3M auto-darkening air-hoods. Later that night EE was diagnosed with arc flash from the intermittent welding
2020 · 4 incidents
Injured employee lifted the welding hood and a small piece of metal entered EE's eye. A doctor was able to remove the fragment and the injured employee was prescribed an antibiotic.
Employee was removing a clamp ring from an empty black 55 gallon barrel that had been sitting outside in the sun. When loosening the bolt on the clamp ring, the lid popped up striking the employee in the forehead. The impact resulted in the cut that required 5 sutures to close up.
Oiler was dismounting from the dozer, grabbed the hand rail and stepped on to the push arm. Employee then slipped off the push arm but tried to hold with right hand on the grab bar. Lost balance and grip and fell 2ft. to the ground. The jerk of the arm while holding on to the grab bar resulted in an injured bicep.
While in a moment of horse play, IE was transitioning from walking to running and tripped on own feet. Employee fell and struck shoulder on the concrete floor.
2019 · 7 incidents
IE was climbing down a D11 dozer with dinner bucket in hand when they fell to the ground and fractured the distal end of right radius in wrist.
While climbing onto a D11 the IE tripped on a track grouser and fell forward and struck the stowed boarding ladder, which then caused hard hat to fall off and they then fell backwards off the track to the ground. IE had 4.5cm scalp laceration on rear of head that took 9 staples to close.
The drill operator had descended down the staircase and was turning around to face the vertical ladder before stepping off the machine. As they turned around, they lost footing and fell into the track. As they tried to catch themselves, left forearm struck a grouser on the track and caused a laceration; it required 6 staples to close the cut.
IE was attaching an end dump bed retaining cable to the differential housing. The cable slipped out of the eyelets on the differential housing and the shackle on the end of the cable struck the IE in the nose causing a nasal fracture.
IE was descending ladder and missed the last rung at the bottom. IE fell to the ground and landed on right shoulder. IE had surgery on 10/24/19 for full thickness tear of rotator cuff.
The IE was air arcing in the main shop when IE's clothing caught fire and caused burns to IE's skin.
Attempting to free stuck boarding stairway employee decided to remove the front sheave to see why counterweight was stuck. Injured employee was going to catch the sheave while other employee removed pin. The counterweight dropped while removing sheave, smashing employees fingers between sheave and cable.
2018 · 7 incidents
IE was assisting with changing drag ropes on BE 2570 Dragline. IE was positioned behind and below the drag drum. As the IE attempted to step over the deck winch to relocate to the opposite side they tripped, falling onto their extended arm. X-ray evaluation revealed a hairline fracture in the left wrist.
IE was preparing to weld a steel liner onto the plant feed flop gate. The plate was lowered part of the way into place. As the IE was lowering the plate into place, left ring finger was lacerated and required 7 sutures to close.
IE was performing a pre-trip inspection on the end dump IE was assigned to operate. As IE was walking around the end dump IE slipped in mud and broke fall with left arm. IE's left arm was immobilized by a doctor and IE was subsequently unable to return to work.
They were replacing a couple of grates in the dry crush crusher. The IE was moving a breaker bar so that they could install the new grates. A small metal sliver contacted the IE's leg on the right, inner knee and caused a laceration. IE received 7 sutures to close the cut and returned to work.
EE has worked in lube/fuel group at this mine for nearly 8 yrs. EE's regular job duties require EE to push/pull various tools, perform overhead work, & make other repetitive motions. On 5/21/18 EE was changing fuel filters on a Cat 793 end dump & began experiencing some pain & tingling in left hand. Conservative treatment didn't work & EE was diagnosed w/Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
EE working in maintenance over 20 yrs and has been a mechanic for 16 yrs. Duties require to push/pull wrenches, overhead work and various other repetitive motions. 4/26/18 noticed pain in L shoulder but did not report it. EE was using a tracked elevating device to lift and hold dozer belly pan while aligning holes. Diagnosed w/rotator cuff tendinopathy, shoulder surgery 2/28/19.
While performing a pre-trip inspection of a mantrip IE fell to the ground and hit knee. IE was seen by a physician on 01/25/2018 and continued working with a full release. IE was diagnosed with a torn meniscus on 02/09/2018 and was restricted from returning to work until after surgery.
2017 · 9 incidents
Employee was in the shoe of a dragline holding wedges for back up when they turned the nut with the impact the wedges fell out. In turn the nut spun and cotter pin came too cutting employee's right index finger. Injury needed seven stitches for repair.
Mechanic was standing 16 feet away from the area where a shovel track pin was being driven into place. A fragment of metal from the pin struck the mechanic in the nose which lacerated the nose. Sutures were required to close the wound.
IE was working on dragline bucket rigging equipment in the shop. IE took a step backwards without looking and stepped onto a lower spot on the floor. IE felt a pop in the left knee. IE worked without restrictions and was referred to an orthopedic specialist who ordered an MRI. The results of which indicated a torn medial meniscus which was repaired on 03/02/2018.
Employee had completed repairs on haul truck. EE was in the process of removing a 150 ton rated jack and cribbing out from under the truck. In the process EE lost control of the jack and pinched finger. This resulted in a laceration that required sutures.
Employee was being transported out of the pit at the end of shift via a man trip. The man trip bounced which caused the restrained employee to strike head on the seat in front of self. This impact caused a laceration to the top of head. The employee received sutures at the hospital and was released without restriction.
Employee was inspecting a dozer when EE slipped on the dozer track. EE caught self via the handrail and experienced pain in right shoulder. EE was evaluated by a physician and released without restriction on 06/23/2017. On 12/22/2017 a rotator cuff tear was found and repaired surgically.
Employee was operating a D-11 when the employee reported there was a fire. Employee initiated the fire suppression and dismounted the machine. Employee later stated had pain in shoulder. Employee was examined by a physician and no evidence of injury was found. Bear Run Mining LLC disputes this case and is completing this 7000.1 to terminate citation #9102775.
Wet/muddy grinding wheel exploded resulting in loss of control of grinder
Employee was coming a 789 upside down bed by the way of a 6ft ladder. Ladder slipped to the left. Employee fell to the ground. Ground conditions approx 42 degrees, wet an muddy, rotator cuff x 2, an fractured thumb.
2016 · 5 incidents
Employee dismounted from service truck and felt pain in left knee. Employee was taken to a physician for evaluation and diagnosed with a sprained knee. Fluid was drained from the knee to speed up the healing process.
Employee was standing next to an electrical junction box during a cable move. When the skidder was pulling the electrical cable up, it bumped the junction box. The box struck the employee in the knee. The employee was taken for evaluation by a physician and was not released to return to work.
IE was performing a lift of a drag clevis with an overhead crane. The load began to shift which caused the table that it was resting on to suddenly shift. This table struck the IE in the right knee. The IE began to miss work on 04/14/2016.
Knuckle boom truck operator was removing the bullet from D11 roller frame. The bullet rolled off the track toward the truck as the operator was walking to the back of the truck. Operator jumped the bullet. Bullet hit the steer tire on boom truck and rolled back toward D11 hitting the left leg of operator. Operator was knocked under boom truck.
2015 · 4 incidents
On 8/11 IE was running a D-10 on the plant coal pile when the dozer lurched. This lurch caused the IE to have neck and back pain. The IE was evaluated by a physician the same day and was released to return to work. The IE has continued to work over the past month, but at his appointment on 09/11 he was not released to return to work due to pain in his neck and back.
IE was removing a pin from a dragline drag rope assembly with a sledge hammer. The IE struck the bushing, missing the pin, and a fragment of metal broke off and struck the IE in the nose. This resulted in a laceration that required sutures.
EE has been a mechanic for 40 years & has been exposed to repeated push/pull activities for his job during those years. He experienced pain in his left shoulder without an event. He was evaluated on 5/11/15. On 6/1/15 he was re-evaluated & an MRI was ordered. A tendon tear was diagnosed and will require surgery on 6/23/15. To date, EE has no restrictions or lost work days.
IE was dismounting powder truck by climbing down facing away from the truck. IE stepped into a 9"" rut and twisted his knee. There was significant swelling; the doctor removed some fluid from the knee and immobilized it. IE is scheduled to consult with surgeon on 2/19 for diagnosis and treatment options.
2014 · 6 incidents
Service truck was parked inside shop when air compressor battery line shorted and started fire. No one was in the building at the time, or was injured.
EE was descending the staircase leading from the cab to the deck of a shovel. When he stepped down and put his weight on his rt. leg, he felt a crushing type feeling and pain in his knee. He did no slip, trip or fall and was not carrying anything. He has had other knee problems in the past and stated that he has had knee problems for along time and felt it would be ok in the past.
EE was injured when sprayed with Freon while working on a D11T Dozer. The employee drained the system of Freon and while unhooking the air conditioning line when some residual pressurized R134 Freon escaped and sprayed on to his right arm and chest area causing frostbite. The location of the line also makes it difficult to get out of the way in such occurrence.
Employee was servicing a front-end loader. While climbing the vertical mounting ladder, employees hands slipped off the handrails and he fell backwards to the ground, landing on his rear end and hands. Employee's gloves were oily and he was carrying a half inch breaker bar in his right hand.
On 7/30/13 EE was working on a D-11 dozer. He was in the process of lowering the belly pan. The pan sprung sideways and hit the EE on top of the shoulder. Initial med treatment and x-rays showed a contusion. The EE continued to work for over 5 months and saw a dr on 1/13/14. MRI showed significant inflammation of AC joint. Surgery 1/30/14. Fraying not one time incident per dr.
Employee was using slide sledge to remove bogie pins from D-11 track frame. As he pushed in the sledge, he felt pain in his arm/shoulder. Initial eval. was a sprain and possible tendon tear. Employee continued to work. On 1/24/14 an MRI showed a biceps tendon tear. He continued to work until 1/31/14, when he was taken off work and scheduled for surgery on 2/19/14.
2013 · 6 incidents
Tire technician was inflating a multi piece truck wheel inside the safety cage when he reached to check the pressure and tire blew. The air chuck struck him in his right hand causing him to need three stitches.
Maintainer was installing a pin in the field. A sliver of metal broke away from the pin and penetrated the left lower leg. Once the accident/injury occurred mine safety was notified. The injury was sustained as non-threatening. The maintainer and his helper closed out their job and went to Collins Medical and was treated for minor laceration and received stitches.
Employee was in the process of dismounting from Shovel. As he was lowering the dismount ladder, he was pushing it down with his foot and grabbed a step with his hand to assist. While pushing downward, employee's Rt. forearm struck against the top of the U channel the ladder slides inside causing the laceration.
Employee working at mine site bent over to lift a tire causing a hernia.
Employee was stepping into the cab of the dozer when he slipped and fell onto his knee.
employee was assigned to help reinstall a bucket cylinder onto a Hitachi shovel. They used the mine employees crane that had a bad swing gear to set the pin and begin pushing it in. The crane popped off the pin and hit his hand. The employee was airlifted to St Vincent's in Indianapolis and a couple days later lost his pointer and middle fingers
2012 · 6 incidents
Fire Service Technician was disabling the Fire Suppression System. Ansul check valve was installed improperly, arrow pointing improper direction not allowing pressure to release. He loosened the top actuator nut causing the pressure to release thru the plastic on the Pro Activating Devise actuator which fragmented causing laceration to the technician's nose.
Employee was troubleshooting a boarding ladder that was leaking off. The cover that was lifted to access the hydraulic pump area fell closed, smashing 2 fingers. The cover was 24""x24"" and weighed about 20lbs.
Employee was working on ladder. While reaching around shaker to remove bolts from flange, employee twisted his body. Strained muscles in groin.
Individual complained he did not feel good after eating and drinking and began to throw up. The mine emergency team was called and because it was warm, treated him as possible heat related condition. Individual was transported to hospital where he was given fluids and diagnosed as heat exhaustion--he was discharged and returned to work the next day.
Employee was lowering a dragline roller weighing 800 lbs. onto tub with a come-a-long and nylon strap. The roller and strap slipping pinning his left pinky finger between the roller and strap.
Employee got into passenger seat of a lowboy truck. He put his right hand on the door jam and reached across with his left hand to pull the door closed. As he pulled the door closed, his rt. finger slipped into the pinch point and he closed the door on it.
2011 · 11 incidents
Employee was hooking up a come-a-long in the revolving frame and came into contact with energized fuse clips.
Employee was cleaning the windows and cab lights on a rubber tire dozer. While cleaning the light, he misstep and fell to the ground.
Employee was removing upper rail pads on a dragline, which is overhead work. While lowering the rail pad debris (dust & metal particles) fell into employees face. Metal particle became embedded into the left eye.
Employee was pulling wire into a new electrical cabinet. The plastic bushing where the wire entered into the cabinet needed to be cut wider. As the employee was pulling on the bushing to remove it, his left forearm came into contact with the extended blade on a safety utility knife he was holding in his right hand.
Employee was installing a pin (7""x20"", 210 lbs) into a 2570 drag chain clevice.The pin was installed thru the top hole and came to rest against the flange of the bottom hole. Employee removed the hoist strap and tried to turn the pin by hand. The pin slipped into the bottom hole, pinching his finger between the pin top and side of clevice.
Employee was changing out a drill bit with an allen wrench when the wrench slipped puncturing between the 3rd & 4th digit on his right hand.
Employee was using a defective welding hood and received flash burns to both eyes.
Putting engine in bulk truck - Hand got smashed between engine and transmission. Left hand smashed - going to hand specialist 8-18-2011 2:30 pm.
Employee was knocking out a U-joint with hammer and a piece came off the hammer and struck him in the chest. Small piece had to be removed from under the skin
Employee was welding and metal slag burnt through his pants leg resulting in a 2nd degree burn to his calf.
During dragline repair job, EE was walking alongside a truck. His pants caught on a piece of frayed cable laying on the ground causing him to trip and fall. He caught himself with his rt. arm. EE was taken to a dr-X rays were negative-diagnosis was a shoulder sprain and EE was released with no restrictions. EE seen by surgeon on 1/13/12, torn rotator cuff. Will have surgery.
2010 · 13 incidents
Employee was boarding a D-10 tractor. As he grabbed and put weight on the handhold on the hard nose, the handhold bent downward,causing employee to go forward and down, causing his foot that was still on the bladearm step to be bent in an awkward position.
Injured and another employee had set a pump and strung the hose over a berm in the pit.The injured climbed on top of the berm to watch for water flow. When the pump was started, the hose moved and knocked employee down, causing him to hit his chin.
Temp. employee complained of chest pain and dizziness. He was examined by mine EMT's--BP very high. Temp employee said that his blood pressure medication had just been changed. Because of chest pains, he was transported by ambulance to the hospital. This is being filed to abate a citation which we do not agree with.
Employee states he slipped and fell on an incline striking the bottom of his chin on a screen panel. The laceration required medical treatment and stitches/sutures were administered close the wound.
Getting down from cable tray under E-house (the cable tray was approx 3' from ground). Slipped while getting down and fell the approx 3' and landed on left hip.
EE states he was pulling 6X6 angle with a choker and the choker slid, smashing EE's right ankle between grating and angle, causing severe muscle sprain. EE received medical treatment and was taken off work.
EE states he was installing handrail on spiral floor and the wind blew particles in his eye. EE recieved medical treatment and embedded particle was removed.
The injured party was standing on the jaw deck pulling pipe and preparing to drop a section of the pipe to the ground. The section of the pipe that was to be dropped rolled and crushed the ankle against the mast.
EE states he was hit in the back with a wooden form board, stumbled and fell over a generator, striking his back and falling to the floor. EE received medical treatment and returned 3/23/10, worked 3/24/10 and was taken off work 4/7/10.
2 men were installing 6"" PVC, 1 man was using a 10 lb sledge hammer; another had a board. The man using the hammer hit the board driving PVC conduit together. When he struck the board it sprang loose from the other's hand hitting the first in the lower lip. Resulted in stitches to lip.
Employee was walking and slipped on ice.