Mining Incidents

Pocahontas MineCoal

Controlled by Haghler LLC
Rupert, Greenbrier County, WV · Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 4609154
Fatalities
2
Total incidents
91
Years on record
2006–2015
Latest incident
Sep 2015

Fatalities at this mine

2 recorded
Struck by powered moving object

At Approx. 1:20 am EE, a certified electrician, was fatally injured when he was struck by a maintenance scoop in an intersection of #7 entry on #2 unit during the third shift. Present information suggests that the scoop operator did not observe EE in the intersection prior to the incident due to miscommunication.

Struck by powered moving object

EE was walking from one crosscut outby the face in the #2 entry toward the face of the #2 entry when he was struck by the #1 shuttle car.

Reportable incidents

89 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2015 · 12 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was assisting putting a rail car back on the track when the chain connected from the scoop to the rail car broke. The chain struck EE on his side and he fell and hit his head on the mine floor, temporarily losing consciousness.

Struck by falling object

While bolting #9 Cross Cut a piece of rock fell out between the rib and first installed bolt and struck EE in the neck. EE finished shift and sought treatment on 9/21/15. He was placed off work and became reportable at this time.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was making a splice in the section conveyor belt. While cutting the belt with utility knife, the knife slipped and cut EE's left pinky finger. Required 5 stitches to close wound. EE returned to work on next scheduled shift, but a follow up visit with surgeon on 9/15/2015 revealed tendons were cut and required surgery to correct.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was assisting changing a water line at the mine fresh water pump located on the surface. EE was using a chain ratchet to pull water line back together to clamp it when he felt pain in his back. EE continued to work and worked all scheduled shifts until 9/21/15, when he sought medical treatment and was placed off work and at that time became reportable.

Accident type, without injuries

While examining airways, examiner discovered a roof fall in the Primary Escapeway one break inby survey station 1481 (13 break on #5 belt). Fall impeded passage. Men were withdrawn outby the fall area and MSHA notified.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting reel cover for shuttle car and felt pain in lower back. Accident was not reported to company until 6/22/15 and became reportable on 6/23/15 when EE sought medical treatment.

Struck by falling object

EE was on knees bolting mine roof when a rock became dislodged from the roof and hit EE on back of lower leg.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was kneeling down on both knees. When he tried to stand up he felt a pop in his left knee and could not straighten his leg out.

Struck by falling object

EE was tightening screw jack on Heinzman beam when a rock fell, striking EE in face, causing lacerations to his face. Required multiple stitches to close wounds.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking along #2 Conveyor Belt and stepped on un-even mine floor and rolled right ankle. EE finished shift. X-rays Negative. EE sustained sprained right ankle.

Accident type, without injuries

At approximate 6:20 pm, an unintentional roof fall occurred on mmu 005-0 in No. 2 Entry. A piece of sandstone broke into 2 pieces and fell in front of and blocked MRS. No injuries, ventilation not disrupted, escapeways not blocked. A roof control plan to prevent re-occurrence was submitted and approved by MSHA and MHST.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was carrying timber to set/install in scoop/haulroad entry towards 2-Unit and he tripped over rock, fell and cut his right knee. EE finished shift, drove himself to ER received 6 sutures and RTW on 1/27/2015.

2014 · 3 incidents

Struck against stationary object

While walking in #3 Face EE hit his head off mine roof / brow and hurt his neck and shoulders.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was picking up trash and putting trash in scoop bucket and felt pain in lower back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was bending roof bolt to be installed in No. 6 face when the roof bolt slipped allowing his right arm and right shoulder to jerk and he felt a pop with pain in right shoulder. EE is scheduled for MRI for possible tear in rotator-cuff in right shoulder.

2013 · 12 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall above the anchorage zone of the installed roof bolts has occurred in the No. 7 return entry at the No.8 crosscut survey station spad no. 1533, along the No. 12 conveyor belt haulage way- on the No. 1 unit.

Accident type, without injuries

Unintentional roof fall just inby spad #1057.

Accident type, without injuries

An unintentional roof fall Rt. Return off #1 Section near spad #1561...Break 9 on 12 belt.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The operator was notified on June 10, 2013 that the employee had developed carpal tunnel syndrome due to repeated trauma over an extended period of time.

Struck by falling object

Removing center section from scoop and top pin in center section fell out hitting the left pointer finger, smashing it. He was taken to Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and received 6 sutures. He was given full release.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The operator was notified on June 5, 2013 that the employee has developed Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was hanging MRS cable and slipped causing him to cut his finger on the corner of a roof strap. He was transported to Summersville Memorial Hospital where he received 6 sutures. He received a full release.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

The operator was notified on June 3, 2013 that the employee has developed coal worker's pneumoconiosis.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pushing drill steel into hole and while lining up the steel with the chuck he inadvertently struck the rotation control with his elbow. The steel spun in his hand and cut his palm. He received first aid on the section and went to the emergency room where he received 11 stitches in his palm.

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

Operator said he was filling in hole with rock from the shuttle car and got too close to the rib. As he steered away from the rib, the deck of the shuttle car contacted the rib. The operator's arm was outside of the deck at this time. He received some bruising and abrasions. He was transported outside and taken to the hospital.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was cleaning rock off of the Continuous Miner. He stepped back away from the miner onto the slack pile and twisted his knee. He worked an hour and a half longer then told his supervisor about the injury and went outside. An ambulance took him to the hospital where they gave him an immobilizing splint.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was installing a fish plate to rails and was located behind co-worker, who was using a pole axe to turn the tabs on a track tie. The axe slipped from his hand and struck EE above the eye. He was given first aid and chose to work the remainder of his shift. EE went to his physician and received four sutures and a head scan. He was released back to work. No days were lost.

2012 · 5 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee using a razor knife while making a repair, knife slipped and cut employee in left palm and on the index finger. Employee went to Greenbreir Valley Med center. Received 3 stitches in palm and 5 stitches in index finger

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

Employee helping put a shaft in SC, shaft slipped and smashed right index finger. Employee was administered first aid by EMT on section, came to surface signed a waiver and drove himself to ER where he received 5 stitches in right index finger.

Accident type, without injuries

unintentional roof fall inby spad #1622 - does not effect travelway or ventilation

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was installing the side plate on a shuttle car. When he felt a sharp pain in his back.

Struck by falling object

EE was bolting with the Right bolter on the off side in #7 right. He was setting the outside bolt; when a piece of rock came down, hit the canopy, then rolled off striking his R ankle. This report is to abate citation 8154347.

2011 · 24 incidents

Struck by falling object

rock fell between bolts and struck employee on the back, transported to SRH, contusions only

Struck against a moving object

Employee was a passenger in mantrip heading to section, his mantrip was going through a swag and slid back down hill where it was struck by another mantrip, employee was transfered to Greenbrier Med Center with neck pain, he was released the same day but was given 3 days off by ER doctor.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was sitting in front of mantrip when another mantrip slid back down a hill and struck the mantrip he was riding in, he was transported to Greenbrier Med Center with knee pain, he was released later that evening, given 3 days off by ER dr

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Hanging a roof bolt cable and felt a pull in his back. Taken by ambulance to Summersville Memorial Hospital.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was knocking track ties on track rail. Rail was blocked up. Employee stuck rail with hammer causing rail to fall on top of right foot. Employee was transported to SMH by ambulance. X-rays reveled no fracture

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was cutting a tail shaft on shuttle car, a piece of hot metal fell into his left ear. First Aid was administered at mine site and employee was taken by ambulance to Greenbrier Med. Center and refereed to a specialist. Ear drum may be damaged.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking beltline when he twisted his ankle due to muddy conditions. He was transported to surface and transported by ambulance to Greenbrier Med. Center. x-rays reveled a fracture to left ankle

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The EE alleged that while he was putting a ripper jack on the LCM; he received a strain to his shoulder. An investigation was conducted and the operator determined that a workplace injury did not occur. This report is to abate citation 8154333. The operator does wish to contest this citation.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking through #4 entry at brk 21 when he stepped in sloppy muddy conditions and fell down. He stated his ankle ""popped"" when he fell. He was transported to surface and taken by ambulance to Summersville Hospital. X-Rays were negative, released with instructions to keep right foot elevated until swelling went away.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was holding miner cable with left hand making cut with right hand away from body, razor knife slipped cutting employee on left hand, received stitches at Rainelle Med. Center

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was hanging miner cable along with co-EE. This EE was lifting & hanging the cable when he complained of back pain. He went to a chiropractor for treatment. This report is to abate ciation 8154329, which the operator intents to contest.

Accident type, without injuries

report of unintentional roof fall LT. Return off #2 Section near Spad # 1344

Accident type, without injuries

report of unintentional roof fall return #4 belt , 2 breaks inby spad #1345

Struck by falling object

Employee was checking offside of CM to check bottom, rock fell from between bolts striking CM and then landing on employee. The rock struck employee on shoulder and leg area. Employee was taken outside and transported to Greenbrier Med. Center and later transferred to CAMC. Treated for contusions and released next morning

Struck against stationary object

Employee stepped on a miner bit which caused him to twist his left knee, went to MedExpress at Lewisburg and was diagnosed with an Internal Derangement of Knee, will be sent to a specialist and have an MRI.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was opening a bucket of plaster and some of the plaster splashed into his left eye. Employee says he was wearing safety goggles, management does not agree. Employee was transported to Summersville Regional Hospital and given time off from work.

Accident type, without injuries

unintentional roof fall above anchorage Left return #4 belt , #10 break inby spad #1336. This is an extension of an old reported fall

Struck by falling object

EE was hanging strap on bolts to hang cable; the cable bent the strap; a rock fell striking him on the neck and shoulders. This report is to abate citation 8154323.

Struck by falling object

Laying track, had steel jacked up and then the steel fell off jack landing on right ring finger, received 4 stitches and a fracture to tip of right ring finger.

Struck by falling object

Roof bolting, changing bits when a piece of rock fell hit drill pot then hit employee on top of left foot behind metatarsal. The rock measured 33""x22""x18"" thick. He was transported by ambulance to Summersville Regional Hospital where x-rays determined a broken bone in the left foot.

Struck against a moving object

Employee's cap light cord was caught on a roof bolt and pulled his head against the top hitting his head on the canopy. This is to abate violation number 8154317

Accident type, without injuries

One crosscut inby spad 1833 in the #1 entry adjacent to #5 head intersection fell 20' X 20' X 6'. Doesn't block travel way, timbered off contacted MSHA & State.

Struck by falling object

EE was out of his S/C checking to see if it had dumped off. He laid his hand on the canopy. A rock fell from the top and struck his left hand causing injury. This report is the abate citation 8154315.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was bolting in #9 entry; getting ready to set a bolt. While spinning the bolt, it came back and struck his Right wrist. This report is to abate citation 8154313.

2010 · 13 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Two co-workers jumped on employees back pushing him to the ground, (horseplay) resulting in 3 broken ribs for the employee.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was squatted down with a slate bar in his hand and felt a sharp pain in his back. The pain became more intense. EE was transported to Greenbrier Med. Center. This report is to abate citation 8154309.

Struck by falling object

EE stated that while operating the roof bolter in #5L entry a piece of draw rock fell striking him in the left shoulder.

Struck by falling object

EE stated that he was installing additional roof support (steel straps) when a rock fell out between the outside bolt and the rib.

Accident type, without injuries

The unintentional roof fall was 40' long x 18'3"" wide and 8' high. It occurred in the #7 entry at spad # 1507.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stated that he was removing a rock that was behind the scoop battery and cut his finger between the rock and the battery.

Fall onto or against objects

EE stated that he was getting into the shuttle car when his foot got stuck in the mud, he lost his balance and fell into the shuttle car. EE hit his head on the canopy which caused a laceration.

Struck by flying object

EE stated that he was hitting a metal bar with a sledge hammer while putting a bushing into the cutter on miner and a metal chip hit his forehead. EE went to the doctor on 4/29/10 and he removed a small piece of metal and the EE received 7 stitches.

Struck by falling object

Employee stated that he was setting drill steel onto drill head and rock fell mashing hand against drill steel.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stated that he was changing a shaft on belt roller and it fell off causing hand to be pinched against roller frame.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was laying track and caught finger between rails.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that he was unstopping a piece of drill steel. When he hit it on the drill head trying to unstop the steel, it flew up and hit him under the eye.

Accident type, without injuries

The roof fall occurred 70' inby spad #1255. Fall was 20' wide 20' long 0"" to 8' high.

2009 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stated that he was walking from power center to the face area, stepped on the ledge of a hole. His foot slipped in the hole suddenly causing him to jerk around side ways, hurting his back.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE had bent over to move a miner cable out of the way and felt a pain in his lower back.

Struck against stationary object

Injured was walking from the mantrip station to the section and hit his head on the corner of a fly board.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was installing 72"" roof bolt where the mining height was 60"", he had bent the bolt to get it into the drill hole. The bolt head was in the drill pot and when he started up with the bolt it spring out of the drill pot striking EE forearm.

2008 · 7 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

During normal mine travel a roof fall was discovered at spad #382. The fall measured app. 19' wide X 25' long X 5' high. 4 foot fully grouted bolts were used during mining on 4/16/07. The fall is in the intake app. 5000' from the face. The mine is non-producing. All sides of the fall have been timbered off. Will not be cleaned.

Accident type, without injuries

During a weekly examination of the airways a roof fall was observed inby spad #407 (No.1 entry return) approximately 4,800 feet outby the face. The fall measured 35' long, 18' wide and 3'high. The fall is dangered-off and all sides timbered. The fall will not be cleaned up. No injuries and no equipment involved. Did not affect travel or ventilation.

Accident type, without injuries

A slab of roof rock fell between spad #889 & #888 in No.6 entry (return) and was detected during a weekly examination on 5/7/08. The rock measured 12 feet long, 4 feet wide and 3' to 4' thick. The area was dangered off and mine posts installed in the area. The area is outby the face.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Cut left ring finger while making a belt splice. Four stitches to close the wound.

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occurred in the face of No. 6 entry inby crosscut No. 860. The fall measured approximately 19 feet wide, 6 feet high and 30 feet long. No injuries, no one trapped, and no disruption of ventilation. Agencies were notified as required.

Accident type, without injuries

Roof Fall just outby spad No. 448 in No. 4 entry. Fall is 20'X20' approximately 4.5' to 5' high. Located in a neutral entry approximately 50 cross-cuts outby the face in a previous fall area.

Accident type, without injuries

Roof Fall outby working section in return aircourse; # 8 entry 1X inby spad No. 696 & No. 9 entry 1X to the right of spad No. 696. Fall was 4.5 to 5 feet high, 19 feet wide and 29 feet long. Using 4 & 5 foot tension rebar bolts. Approaches to fall supported and dangered off. Did not block passage of air or men. Will not be cleaned up.

2007 · 8 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was pushing on a two-seated rubber tire golf cart stuck in the mud. The golf cart started rolling and his glove/hand was caught and pulled his ring finger out of place. No lost work days but the doctor put a metal splint on the finger.

Struck by falling object

Employee installed the outside roof bolt in the face of No.7 entry and was in the process of installing the inside roof bolt when a piece of rock fell on his hand and cut his finger. The finger required stitches.

Struck by falling object

The employee installed the outside roof bolt, rib side, and was in the process of swinging the head in to install the inside roof bolt, when a piece of mine roof feel, stricking him on the left calf of his leg. The roof material was sharp and punchered the leg. X-Rays indicated that the leg was fractured.

Accident type, without injuries

While traveling the No.7 entry, a horse back type roof fall was discovered, approximately 50 feet outby spad No. 399. The fall was approximately 5 feet hight, 10 feet wide and 20 feet long. 48"" fully grouted bolts were used. The area is cribbed off and will not be cleaned up.

Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was observed approximately 17 X outby the working section in #6 entry at survey station 434. The fall measured approximately 35 feet long, 20 feet wide and approximately 1 foot to 5 feet high. Four foot fully grouted bolts were used in the area. Additional supports (cribs & timber) were being set in the entries to the left prior to the fall.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While lifting a drill pot from the mine floor onto a golf cart the injuried felt a pain in his neck and shoulder. CONTINUED TO WORK UNTIL 8/21/07. STARTED MISSING WORK ON 8/21/07. OPERATOR INFORMED THAT HE WAS OFF DUE TO INJURY ON 8/23/07.

Accident type, without injuries

Fall of roof 9 crosscuts outby the face just inby spad No. 437 in No. 3 entry. Material fell in the intersection at a dia. 25' long and 12' wide. No injuries, no disruption of ventilation. All approaches supported with cribs and will not be cleaned up.

Struck by falling object

Installing the first roof bolt in the last row of bolts in No.7 entry and a piece of rock fell between the rib and bolt hitting him on the right upper leg. Records indicate that this may have been a three day lost time injury. We will continue to investigate and update if necessary.

2006 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

Employee was cleaning scrubber on CM when rib material fell on left leg and foot. Employee continued shift and alleged that his ankle swelled and he could not wear his boot.