Mining Incidents

Choctaw Mine Coal

Parrish, Walker County, AL  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0100347

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Fatalities
2
Total incidents
54
Years on record
2001–2022
Latest incident
Apr 2022
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
235
citations
75
significant & substantial
$43,615
proposed penalties
$43,615
paid to date
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 1,350 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 0 1 0
2025 Q1 1,500 1 0 666.7
2024 Q4 1,500 0 0 0.0
2024 Q3 0 0 0
2024 Q2 0 0 0
2024 Q1 0 0 0
2023 Q2 1,600 0 0 0.0
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.

Fatalities at this mine

2 recorded
December 14, 2012 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver Fatality · SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

Employee was climbing up ladder onto Rock Truck when his feet slipped out from under him causing him to fall to the ground.*** Note added Employee died 12/28/12 from complications related to this injury per fatal ruling/notification on 6/27/13 from MSHA.

Reportable incidents

52 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2022 · 1 incident

April 7, 2022 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Best Coal Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was watching as another employee was unloading drill steel off of the truck and placing them in a storage area. As the load shifted, the EE on the ground moved causing EE to fall back and hit head on the gravel lot and caused a cut to the back of head. The ground in the area where they were unloading was a slight grade which contributed to the fall.

2021 · 1 incident

September 2, 2021 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Best Coal Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was descending the stairs to the ground floor of the washer. As EE stepped to the bottom main floor, EE's ankle turned over causing a sprain to the right ankle. Nothing was on the steps or in the walkway.

2020 · 2 incidents

January 15, 2020 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking down the ramp to a low boy trailer when EE's feet slipped causing EE to fall onto the ramp

January 13, 2020 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The Employee was hooking up a fuel line to a bull dozer when EE twisted EE's body to turn around and felt pain in EE's lower back and leg.

2018 · 2 incidents

October 15, 2018 AL · Coal POWERED HAULAGE
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Accident type, without injuries

Employee was operating 988 loader, when one of the rock trucks was backing in to get loaded, got too close to the loader boom and caught it with the bed and turned the loader over. The loader operator radioed the rock truck driver, but no communication was received by the rock truck driver. Upon investigation, the external speaker in the rock truck had quit working.

September 29, 2018 AL · Coal FIRE
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Accident type, without injuries

Hitachi EX3600 excavator was loading trucks when the engine/hydraulic compartments on the rear of machine caught fire. Operator exited the machine safely and fire departments were called to help extinguish the fire.

2017 · 1 incident

December 5, 2017 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator FALL OF FACE/RIB/PILLAR/SIDE/HIGHWALL
Cedar Lake Mining, Inc. · Struck by falling object

Employee was operating front-end loader in coal pit area when a rock became dislodged from the high wall and fell. The rock came through the right-hand door glass and struck the employee on the right hand. The results of the fall were the employee has 2 broken bones and a laceration on the palm of right hand.

2014 · 1 incident

September 8, 2014 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE was moving a caustic line when the line fell over and splashed the chemical in his eyes.

2013 · 2 incidents

February 28, 2013 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against a moving object

While operating a loader, loose material dislodged striking the loader and jarring the operator's back. First aid treatment was rendered and employee returned to normal duties. The employee asked to visit a doctor the next day. The doctor did not give any specific medical treatment, but did authorize away from work for observation and rest with recheck scheduled.

2012 · 2 incidents

February 6, 2012 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Rock fell from high-wall and busted into several pieces and one piece struck employee in back side of right arm just above the elbow resulting in laceration and subsequent stitches.

2011 · 2 incidents

November 14, 2011 AL · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee exiting skid steer & lost balance, falling into equipment, resulting in two broken bones in right ankle/leg. Per Mis Mail 12/2/11 #1, two EE's were horseplaying and they described it as throwing rocks at each other resulting in injured EE falling down on his own and breaking his right leg. Both EE's were terminated from employment.

2010 · 1 incident

July 3, 2010 AL · Coal blaster, shooter, shotfirer, explosive worker, powder gang/monkey SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was ascending ladder on bulk truck when a bird attacked and startled him causing him to slip on the ladder and strain his lower back.

2009 · 3 incidents

December 9, 2009 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was checking oil in truck and slipped and fell backward caught right leg in bumper on the truck. EE fell backward had to have help on getting back upright.

2008 · 3 incidents

June 19, 2008 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck by falling object

Employee was removing the hyd. tank cover on the ex1800 Hitachi excavator. He dropped the cover on his left index finger. Fractured (small) to end of finger.

2007 · 5 incidents

September 29, 2007 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against stationary object

Employee was repairing the air conditioner on the PC1800 Komatsu excavator when his finger came in contact with the air conditioner fan blade.

March 6, 2007 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was removing a fuel pump on the service truck. The pump slipped and mashed/cut his thumb between tank and pump. (This was a Lincoln air pump located in one of the fuel tanks on the service truck bed).

January 24, 2007 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

Employee slipped and fell on the rear grating (walk) of the Mack service truck. Fell to the ground and bruised his back and the back of his head. Was fueling dozer #222. *Did not go to the doctor until 1/26/07.

2006 · 4 incidents

September 28, 2006 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was repairing the transmission on the 992-C loader. The cover slid and cut the top of his left index finger. (Required stitches).

February 19, 2006 AL · Coal pumper POWERED HAULAGE
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against stationary object

EE stopped on south entrance ramp to fuel pump generator. He shifted gear to neutral. Brakes wouldn't hold & truck rolled approx 100-125' down ramp toward highwall. He was afraid truck would hit wall & jumped from cab. Spoil material stopped truck as he jumped(temp was about 20 deg) When tested, brakes worked, however system was inspected, cleaned & 1 slack adjuster replaced.

January 30, 2006 AL · Coal greaser, grease man, oiler, lube man, dragline oiler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The 1300 BE Dragline had moved back six steps. The injured employee was moving the power cable back due to the move. He stepped in a hole and twisted his right knee.

2005 · 9 incidents

December 12, 2005 AL · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Fall onto or against objects

THE 1300 BE DRAGLINE WAS DOWN FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE, EMPLOYEE WAS PREPARING TO GREASE THE DRAG CABLE DEFLECTOR SHEAVE. HE SLIPPED & STRUCK HIS RIGHT KNEE AGAINST THE SHEAVE PEDISTAL. THE SHEAVE IS LOCATED INSIDE THE DRAG TROUGH.

November 30, 2005 AL · Coal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee were setting a new reel of drag cable dragline cable with a 992 c loader into the cable stand. As reel was lowered into stand employee got his left hand caught between the pipe holding the reel and the cable stand. Pinched palm of left hand.

November 29, 2005 AL · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving the power cable feeding the 1300 BE dragline in order for the machine to walk back on the bench. He bent over to hook the cable to the machine & strained his lower back. *Did not go to Dr. or loose time until 12/02/05.

November 22, 2005 AL · Coal FIRE
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Accident type, without injuries

Security guard discovered fire. No employees were at the site. Fire of unknown origin destroyed the control room. Control room was constructed of wood and tin. Control room was the point of electrical feed into plant.

November 4, 2005 AL · Coal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEES WERE REPLACING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR. INJURED EMPLOYEE WAS GUIDING THE MOTOR ONTO THE MOTOR STAND (FRAME) AND CAUGHT HIS RIGHT HAND BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND STAND. LACERATION REQUIRED 2 STITCHES. (EMPLOYEE WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WORK 11-5 AND 11-6).

July 31, 2005 AL · Coal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Over-exertion in lifting objects

During dragline repair, employee was lifting a metal house roller pin, strained abdomen. Later determined to be abdominal hernia. Did not loose time until 8/29/05 for hernia repair.

July 18, 2005 AL · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

EE WAS DISMOUNTING 777 ROCK TRUCK. SLIPPED AND FELL FROM FRONT STEP. MUD HAD ACCUMULATED ON STEP. BRUISE TO LEFT SIDE AND RIBS

May 11, 2005 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer POWERED HAULAGE
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against a moving object

Employee was riding in the GI 6x6 truck when the driver ran over a rock causing him to bounce in the seat. He suffered a jar (strain) to his lower back.

2004 · 5 incidents

December 8, 2004 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against stationary object

Employee was conducting pre-shift exam on loader. he was on the ground and turned around striking his left elbow against the side of loader.

June 12, 2004 AL · Coal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Fall onto or against objects

INJURED WAS HELPING SURVEY THE AMERICAN & NICKLE PLATE COAL SEAMS. HE WALKED UP THE RAMP TO THE NICKLE PLATE SEAM, TOOK ONE SPOT & MOVED UP THE PIT TO LOCATE THE NEXT SPOT. HE WAS HOLDING THE SURVEY ROD WHILE THE OTHER ENGINER POSITIONED THE CROSS HAIRS ON THE SURVEY INSTRUMENT. EE FELL BACKWARDS STRIKING THE BACK OF HIS HEAD.

January 10, 2004 AL · Coal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS AT THE SOUTH END OF PIT TO HELP MOVE A WATER PUMP. HE WAS WALKING NEAR THE REAR OF PUMP WHEN HE SLIPPED & FELL ON HIS RT. ARM, CONDITIONS WERE WET & MUDDY.

2003 · 2 incidents

February 17, 2003 AL · Coal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck by falling object

ROCK FELL FROM WALL BROKE SIDE GLASS AND STRUCK OPERATOR ON LEFT ELBOW (LACERATION REQUIRED 6 SUTURES). LACERATION WAS APPROXIMATED 1 1/2".

2002 · 5 incidents

July 10, 2002 AL · Coal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

STEPPED AWKWARDLY OFF LADDER- TWISTED. REPORTED TO SUPERVISOR NEXT DAY, KNEE SWOLLEN. WENT TO DOCTOR ON 7/12 - TOLD TO ICE KNEE FOR SWELLING. SEEN AGAIN ON 7/19- NO APPARENT CHANGE- SEEN AGAIN ON 8/2- CONTINUED TO WORK. ON 8/2 DETERMINED ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY NEEDED TO DETERMINE PROBLEM. ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY ON 8/7/02. NO MISSED WORK UNTIL 8/7/02.

June 10, 2002 AL · Coal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Taft Coal Sales & Associates Incorporated · Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING DOZER AND DURING BACK UP, TRACK STRUCK A ROCK CAUSING OPERATOR TO TWIST BODY CAUSING LOWER BACK STRAIN.

2001 · 1 incident