Mining Incidents

North Fork #6Coal

Controlled by Keri Findley
Appalachia, Wise County, VA · NonProducing
MSHA Mine ID: 4407087
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
101
Years on record
2004–2022
Latest incident
Sep 2022

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Struck by rolling or sliding object

The individual was struck by a rib roll measuring approximately 20' long X 2' thick X 4 1/2' wide causing crushing injuries.

Reportable incidents

100 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2022 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

The employee stopped to fill the water truck. The employee got out of the truck and was standing on the ground. The employee started to step back upon the running board of the truck. As the employee pulled self upon the running board, EE hit the left side of head on the bottom of the metal bracket supporting the mirror, causing laceration to EE's head requiring staples.

2021 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was putting belt rails and structure back up over a take-up when EE slipped off the take-up between the take-up ropes, and got feet tangled up with the grease hoses, resulting in twisting EE's right knee.

2020 · 1 incident

Accident type, without injuries

A Roof Fall measuring approximately 15 feet in length, 12 feet in width, and 5 feet thick was discovered during a weekly examination on the #2 Northeast Mains at crosscut #51 in the #6 entry. The roof fall area has been dangered off and timbered. No equipment was involved and no ventilation was disrupted.

2019 · 1 incident

Accident type, without injuries

Roof Fall on the 2 West Intake Roadway.

2018 · 3 incidents

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While taking down water line in old works, employee's right knee gave out. Was taken off work pending follow up with orthopedic specialist.

Struck by flying object

Employee was bolting top in #1 entry. Insert wrench broke, small fragment struck employee above eye. Cut was about one half inch long. Took employee to ER, cleaned cut. Later went to local hospital, they removed the small fragment.

Struck by flying object

while bolting top, drill steel hung, bumped rotation, steel flew out & struck left cheek. Employee had stitches & returned to work on the next regular scheduled shift.

2016 · 3 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Had lost power went to see why, found roof fall located on 2 North East at Break 47 in the #5 Entry. Was reported, no injuries, did NOT impede passage ways.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was getting bolts to load tray, bolts were upside down & was turning bolts over, hit left knuckle on hand on the corner strap.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee is a roof bolter on 3rd shift and was helping on a belt move at the time of injury. EE was dropping the feeder cable, which was hung with double hook rope hangars. As EE went to drop the last hangar the weight dropped suddenly catching EE's left thumb in the hangar.

2015 · 8 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bates contractor pulled into power center to trade out rides. When applying the park brake, his belt knife was open on his belt puncturing the bone of his right thumb resulting in 2 inside sutures & one heavier outside suture.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee picked up 2 bundles of glue off of a scoop and turned to load on the roof bolter straining his back. Doctor took him off work on 7/23/2015.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was pulling a shuttle car tire up into a trailer when he felt pain in his upper right arm. Doctor took him off work on 7/14/15.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped in a hole which was covered by water and mud, twisting his left knee. He continued to work up until surgery on 5/28/2015.

Struck by flying object

Employee attempted to knock out brattice for belt move, used scoop to push the brattice out and piece of block flew back striking employee in the mouth. Employee received cut to lower lip which required sutures.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis for ee on 1/27/2015. He was termed on 9/21/2012 due to reduction in force.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was riding in on 002 section man trip when the man trip got stuck on a rock. The 001 section man trip was behind the 002 man trip. The 001 man trip pulled up to the 002 man trip and then pushed the 002 man trip off the rock. Employee stated when the man trips bumped together, the jarring hurt his back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cumulative Trauma repeated work activities

2014 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was finishing stacking a brattice. He lifted 2 blocks (6"") and turned and felt pain in his lower middle back extending down through left leg. He has continued to work and started physical therapy on 12/11/14.

Struck by flying object

Employee was putting miner chain back together; put connector in, co-worker was knocking pin into chain. Co-worker hit the pin causing something to break loose hitting employee in right eye under safety glasses. A piece of metal was discovered by a doctor on 7/30/14 and procedure to remove it was done on 7/31/14. Employee continued to work up until 7/16/2015.

Fall from machine

Outside employee was dismounting forklift, when he tripped and fell on his right shoulder.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis for employee on 3/18/2014.

Accident type, without injuries

A non-injury roof fall was discovered at SS#3950 on the 2-West Mains by EE at 5:30am.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was bending a 5' roof bolt when his hand slipped causing him to extend forward straining his lower back.

2013 · 16 incidents

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis for.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

loud noise

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cumulative trauma over several years

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Coal dust

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

On July 23, 2013, employee filed a black lung claim with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. ****THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CLAIM.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

On July 23, 2013, employee filed a hearing loss claim with the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. According to the report by Stone Mountain Health Serviced, employee has 35% hearing loss in his left ear and 39% hearing loss in his right ear. ****THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS CLAIM.

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

A roof bolter operator was injured while preparing to install a roof bolt in the crosscut between the No6&No7 entries. operator started to position the roof bolter machine to install the roof bolt, the offside operator started around the back of machine. Offside operator was pinched between the coal rib and roof bolting machine. (MSHA immediately notified of accident)

Accident type, without injuries

On 6/20/13, a surface security guard heard a noise outside.The guard observed a highwall failure at the No. 2 KY portal. The guard notified management. Mgnt. arrived at the mine site, observed the highwall failure and notified MSHA. Upon investigation by MSHA it was determined this event was a highwall failure and also a roof fall at the entrance of the portal.

Struck by falling object

While installing 20' long panels on an overcast 4-breaks outby #9 drive, all five crew members were picking up panels and sliding them over the overcast walls. Two contractors were pushing a panel into place and employee could not get out of the way. The panel caught his left hand and middle finger. This resulted in ee left middle finger being amputated just below the knuckle.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a piece of structure that was stuck to another piece. This resulted in a strain to his lower back. He continued to work. His first missed shift was on July 24, 2013.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While doing a mine exam, employee went through an air lock door. He slipped and fell and the door swung back and caught his left leg. This resulted in a fracture. EE did not miss work until April 9, 2013

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE filed a claim for worker's comp. with the Virginia Worker's compensation Commission dated 3/14/13. There is not an accident associated with this.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hearing Loss

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Black Lung, coal dust

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cumulative Trauma claim Back, Neck and Elbow

Accident type, without injuries

at 3:50 p.m. a roof fall was found. The fall was found at spad #2781, 3 breaks outby #3 belt drive in #2 entry measuring 20' x 20' x 20'. This fall was reported outside at 4:00 p.m. This fall will not be cleaned up according to Superintendent. This area will be timbered and dangered off from all four sides. No injuries are associated with this fall.

2012 · 6 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Found a fall in the West Mains travel way 1 crosscut outby survey station 67 in the #3 entry, the fall was about 6' high 20' wide by 20' in length due to deteriorating roof conditions.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stopped at shuttle car anchor, when he restarted shuttle car the anchor struck his head causing a laceration requiring four stitches. Location of accident was 001 MMU 35' outby SS #4690.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Bottom conditions

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee and two others were hanging continuous miner cable and his back went out. Employee did not seek medical attention until 12/12/2012 at which time he was placed on restricted duty.

Accident type, without injuries

Roof fall was found on 4 West Mains Cut Out. Fall is located 20ft. inby SS#3171 in entry. Fall measured 40 ft. X 20 ft. X 8 ft. Fall did not go into intersection.

Struck against a moving object

Concussion and Bruises esp. on leg.

2011 · 9 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The roof bolt operator was bending a bolt which was positioned in the drilled hole when the bolt slipped, striking the operator in the mouth causing him to bite thru his lower lip. The cut in the mouth resulted in 4 stitches.

Struck by falling object

Roof bolting operator was putting up the outside bolt in the first pattern row. The coal rib rolled out due to the canopy resting against the rib while operating. The rib roll struck the operator against his left side of his back causing lacerations. (Entry Width 17'11"") (Rib Roll 8"" thick - 15"" wide - 20"" long) (Hole being Drilled 26"" from the rib)

Accident type, without injuries

On the 31st day of August, a roof fall was found in the intake of the #4 Northeast mains. The fall happened at spad #3346 located in the intersection of the #6 entry. The fall measured 20' x 20'. Currently the height is unknown.

Accident type, without injuries

Three breaks outby spad #2766 in the #6 entry, there was a roof fall in the primary escapeway. The roof fall was located in the portion of the mines that was mined over three years ago. The investigating inspector acknowledged that the mine needed to start doing a more thorough weekly examination. Example: Checking test holes

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered in the #8 entry of 3 right off #4 N.E. (1 break inby spad # 3578)The fall measured approx. 20' W X 30' L. X 8' H. There was no Eq. or injuries involved and the fall will not be cleaned up.

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered in No. 1 Entry of 3-Right off 4 Northeast Mains and was one (1) break inby survey station No. 3654. The fall was approximately 20' wide x 20'+ long x 12' high and was in the last open crosscut. There were no injuries or equipment involved.

Accident type, without injuries

At 12:20 PM on 2/8/11, a roof fall was found in an intersection in 4 west mains at survey station 3138. The fall was 25' long by 20' wide by 8' high. No injuries or equipment damage resulted and the fall did not affect ventilation or travel. The fall will not be cleaned up.

Flash burns (welding)

The individual was welding on a personnel carrier and received a flash burn to his eyes.

2010 · 9 incidents

Struck against a moving object

The truck got out of gear & turned over in a curve.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While riding on the mine haulway, the individual heard a noise from the right rear tire. He got off to check the tire and when he bent over the tire blew out and blew foreign material in his eyes. A doctor had to remove the material from his eye. Medication only report.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Received a CWP diagnosis on 6/2/2014. Employee was termed on 10/5/2010 and is no longer employed with the company. Accident date of 10/5/2010 is to accommodate online reporting per MSHA (Denver) instructions.

Struck against a moving object

The EE was pushing a shuttle car that was stuck using the scoop. When the shuttle car started moving the scoop raised up and then fell when the bucket slid off the car. When the scoop fell the EE struck his head on the canopy.

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occurred in the #3 heading of No. 4 Northeast of the MMU 002-0. The fall was in the last open cross cut at survey station No 3302 and measured approximately 20' wide by 25' long by 6' plus high. There were no injuries.

Accident type, without injuries

A fall was discovered in return area of west mains at spad 67, 1500' from portal and 10,000' from active workings. Fall measured 20'X 20'X 8'. Fall discovered on 8/18/10 and reported. No injuries or equipment were involved.

Accident type, without injuries

A fall was discovered at intake entry at 11:00 a.m.and was reported on same day. Fall was 20' X 20' X 8' and there were no injuries or equipment involved. Fall was 2500' from surface and 8500' from face.

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

While running the roof bolter, the individual reached down to pick up a piece of drill steel and at the same time he engaged the stab pack catching his left index finger between the stab pack and the mine floor. He received medical treatment and returned to restricted duty.

Struck by falling object

The individual was drilling a hole for an 8 ft super bolt. The drill steel stuck in the hole and while trying to dislodge the steel it suddenly broke loose and fell out of the hole striking his left hand. This is a medical only report with no lost or restricted work days.

2009 · 7 incidents

Struck against stationary object

The ee was walking in the #4 entry at the fly curtain and stepped on a piece of rock twisting his left ankle.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee had cut off the No2 and No3 belts and was in the process of crossing the belt when he fell. His left side in the rib area striking top belt structure.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The individual was working on a continuous miner machine conveyor chain. He struck the chain with a ball-pen hammer and a piece of metal from the hammer entered his right index finger. A physician removed the metal and sutured the wound.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

The employee was working on a miner and was using a 3/4"" ratchet wrench and bar to break loose bolts. When the bolt broke loose suddenly, he fell and strained his neck and shoulder. He worked his regular job and did not miss any work until 4/13/09.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured was getting off a rubber tired personnel carrier. When he turned to get off, he felt pain in his right knee. The injured did not miss any work until July 26, 2009 when he underwent arthroscopic surgery to correct condition.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was attempting to move a pallet with 4 bags of rock dust on it and strained his back. The injury received physical therapy. He did not miss work and returned to his regular job.

Accident type, without injuries

A fall was discovered in a return entry of No. 1 mains, 1 break inby survey station No. 1926. The fall measured approx 20' wide X 20' long X 7' plus in height. There were no injuries or equipment involved. Passage of men and ventilation was not affected.

2008 · 8 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was making a pre-shift examination of the belts, EE was moving a rock from the travelway and strained his left shoulder when he lifted the rock. The injury required therapy.

Struck by falling object

The injured was shoveling loose coal along the right rib of the no. 4 face of the section when a small piece of coal rolled from the rib and struck him on the left ear. This resulted in a laceration which required sutures.

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was disovered in the #7 intake entry of #1 N. at survey station #814.Fall measured approx. 80' long, 20' wide and 6'+ high and was 4800ft outby the active working section. There were no injuries or equipment involded. The fall did not affect ventiliation or the passage of men.

Struck by falling object

During the roof bolting cycle, the injured was installing a rib bracket, when a piece of the rib rolled and struck the injured. This resulted in a bruise to his back and left shoulder.

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

The injured was using a floor jack to lower an electric motor and differential from battery powered personnel carrier. The motor slipped and caught his finger against the frame of the machine. This resulted in a laceration which required 2 sutures.

Struck against stationary object

The employee stated that he was walking by the roof bolting machine and struck the back of his hand against the cover of the machine's drill steel tray resulting in a bruise to his left hand.

Struck by falling object

The employee was operating a roof bolting machine and was installing roof bolts in the face of the right. A small piece of draw rock fell and struck his right forearm causing a laceration which required sutures.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

The injured was performing his duties as foreman on the MMU001-0, which was retreat mining. He was in the No. 4 entry of the section, when a piece of coal fell from the rib and struck him on the right side of his face. This resulted in bruise's above both eyes, his nose and his right hand.

2007 · 4 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

Fall was discovered in the No. 6 intake entry of No. 1 North at survey station No. 563. The fall measured approximately 20' long x 20' wide x 6' high and will not be cleaned up. Ventilation was not affected. Passage of men was not affected. There are no injuries or equipment involved.

Struck against stationary object

The injured was riding a rubber tired mantrip. As the mantrip traveled through a set of doors, one side of the door began to close. The injured raised up to close the door and struck the framework of the door. This resulted in a laceration to his forehead which required one (1) suture.

Struck against a moving object

EE was tramming a battery powered scoop & ran over a rock which bounced him in the deck of the scoop & bruised his back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was helping install belt conveyor structure after a belt move. He was helping lift belt structure in place when he strained his back.

2006 · 4 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured was using a knocker-type splice connecting tool. He was using a hammer to strike the knocker, when he missed the knocker and struck his left thumb. This resulted in a fracture to his left thumb.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The injured was pulling a shuttle car cable in muddy conditions when he felt a sharp pain in his right testicle and stomach area.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was replaceing a pot on the continious mineing machine. He strained his neck while lifting to position pot.

Struck by falling object

THE EMPLOYEE WAS HANGING CABLES FOR THE MOBILE ROOF SUPPORTS. A PIECE OF DRAW ROCK DISLODGED FROM BETWEEN ROOF BOLTS AND STRUCK HIM ON HIS RIGHT LEG JUST ABOVE HIS KNEE. THIS RESULTED IN A LACERATION WHICH REQUIRED SUTURES.

2005 · 3 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The crew was installing conveyer belt structure. The injured was putting a top belt cradle in place when it slipped and caught his right wrist against the ridged structure.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

The injured was helping set up a mobile roof support for retreat mining. He stepped over a pile of loose material to get a cable hanger. He stepped back to turn and tripped thus causing him to fall backwards resulting in a fracture to his left lower leg.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

THE EMPLOYEE WAS HANGING THE CABLE FOR THE ROOF BOLTING MACHINE SO THAT HE COULD USE THE SCOOP TO DELIVER SUPPLIES TO THE ROOF BOLTING MACHINE. WHEN HE LIFTED THE CABLE, HE FELT A PAIN IN HIS BACK

2004 · 10 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

THE INJURED WAS WALKING ACROSS A SHUTTLE CAR CABLE. WHEN THE CABLE REEL ON SHUTTLE CAR WAS ENGAGED, THE CABLE FLEW UP AND STRUCK THE INJURED KNOCKING HIM TO THE MINE FLOOR.

Accident type, without injuries

A 2-CUT PARTIAL PILLAR RECOVERY PLAN (RIGHT TO LEFT SEQUENCE) WAS BEING USED ON THE 1-EAST PANEL. THE 2ND CUT ON THE OUTBY END OF THE PILLAR WAS BEING MINED FROM THE NO. 5 ENTRY (1 BK. INBY 55 142) WHEN A ROCK MEASURING ABOUT 5' THICK FELL ACROSS THE RIPPER DRUM OF THE CONINUOUS MINER MACHINE FOULING SUCH MACHINE IN THE PLACE. A RETRIEVER WAS USED TO PULL THE MACHINE OUT.

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

Employee was helping roll belt with scoop & belt winder. he asked scoop operator to slew over and when operator did so the bucket struck ee on steel toe area of right foot.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

INJURED LEANED AGAINST THE RIB TO REST WHEN THE RIB ROLLED OFF & STRUCK HIM.

Struck by falling object

Employee had been unloading timbers he parked the ram card and was walking to the intersection when he heard a popping and cracking sound. he turned around and saw the rib moving. employee tried to get out of the way of the rib role but was hit on the right leg and calf.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Emp was installing a super bolt in #1 entry when his steel ""stuck"" in the hole. He attempted to pull the steel out of hole and felt a sharp burning pain in left shoulder.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

EE WAS INSTALLING ROOF BOLTS IN #6 ENTRY WHEN A PORTION OF THE INTAKE SIDE RIB ROLLED OFF, STRIKING HIM IN THE LEFT FOREARM.

Struck by flying object

Ee was making repairs on Joy Miner on floor jack. He was driving a keeper pin out of jack with a ball pin hammer. A piece of the hammer broke off and entered the left hand of ee. Ee did not start missing time until 7/20/04.

Struck by falling object

Ee was bolting top when a piece of drill steel fell out of top hitting pointer finger on left hand.

Struck by falling object

EE WAS TROUBLSHOOTING THE #3 SHUTTLE CAR WHICH HAD LOST ELECTRICAL POWER BEHIND THE CONTINUOUS MINER IN #6 ENTRY. EE WAS FACING THE SHUTTLE CAR WITH HIS BACK TOWARD THE RIB BEHIND THE REPAIRMAN ""WORKING"" AND TRIED TO GIVE A VERBAL WARNING. THE UPPER HALF OF RIB COLLAPSED AND FELL, KNOCKING HIM ON HIS LOWER BACK AND STRIKING HIS RIGHT FOOT.