Mining Incidents

Little Six Corp. dba Short Mtn Silica Metal/Non-Metal

Controlled by J Eric Tillirson
Mooresburg, Hawkins County, TN  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4002964

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Email me when a new MSHA incident is filed at Little Six Corp. dba Short Mtn Silica.

Fatalities
0
Total incidents
57
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Jan 2026
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
411
citations
117
significant & substantial
$140,214
proposed penalties
$124,881
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 53,981 8 2 148.2
2025 Q3 49,610 15 2 302.4
2025 Q2 40,142 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 43,485 8 4 184.0
2024 Q4 10,751 0 0 0.0
2024 Q2 6,808 1 0 146.9
2024 Q1 36,382 5 0 137.4
2023 Q4 5,137 0 0 0.0
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

57 on file

2026 · 2 incidents

January 19, 2026 TN · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking along inclined catwalk during freezing temperatures. Ice had accumulated on catwalk causing slick conditions. EE slipped and fell resulting in injury to knee.

January 16, 2026 TN · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Short Mountain Silica Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE showed hearing loss after annual audiogram. EE was referred to an ENT specialist for follow up hearing test. EE showed similar hearing loss on follow up test as well. EE worked at mine sites previous to current employment and has history of shooting/loud hobby's outside of work.

2025 · 3 incidents

July 24, 2025 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Fall onto or against objects

When working on mill chute EE turned to pick up tool, slipped and fell resulting in bruises and soreness. EE was seen by Dr., released w/ no restrictions on 7/24. Fllw up w/ 2nd Dr. on 7/29 released w/ restricted duty for lifting & tugging.EE has fllw up Dr. week of 8/4. EE has history of back problems prior to employment.

June 4, 2025 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was pulling with pry bar and thought they had aggravated a previous back injury. EE later found out that it was a new injury right above existing one requiring surgery. EE reported surgery on 11/5/25. EE had surgery on 11/12/25 resulting in lost time incident. Employer was not aware of new injury until 11/5/25.

January 13, 2025 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting 10 pound pipe when EE felt a pull and pop in right wrist on 1/13/25. At the time it required no medical attention. The company was made aware on 8/5/25 that EE requires surgery for injury.

2024 · 2 incidents

July 22, 2024 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was returning to the Wash Plant from the Press Plant. Exiting the building, EE slipped in mud created by rain. EE informed management 2 days later. EE went to the Dr. and received a shot of Cortisone and returned to work. There were no lost days of work resulting from this incident. EE has a prior history of back problems unrelated to EE's employment here.

January 17, 2024 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While removing a length of frozen pipe. The pipe slipped and pinched EE's left thumb between the pipe and a block wall. X-Rays were taken and a hairline fracture was seen next to the knuckle. The miner was given a splint to wear to reduce movement.

2023 · 1 incident

January 9, 2023 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

EE was replacing a pneumatic actuator that controls a knife gate. EE had trouble inserting a pin that links the actuator arm to the knife. The pin became stuck when inserted about halfway. EE tried to rotate the connecting arm to align the pin. When EE rotated the arm, it activated trapping EE's left thumb between the pin and the knife. EE received a cut that required stitches.

2022 · 1 incident

May 18, 2022 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

Employee was cutting the race of a bearing off of a pump shaft. Part of the race was stuck to the shaft and EE was attempting to remove it with a hammer and chisel. A sliver of metal broke free and became lodged in left arm. EE was unaware that this had even happened at the time. EE was wearing all required PPE at the time of the incident.

2021 · 3 incidents

June 11, 2021 TN · Metal/Non-Metal washer operator, sizing operator OTHER
Short Mountain Silica Company · Unclassified, insufficient data

Miner got a piece of debris in right eye. Was unable to determine how it got in there. Went to ER on 6/13/21 to clean it out. Went to Eye center on 6/14/21 to have debris removed. No missed days or light duty.

June 9, 2021 TN · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was grinding on a roller bracket in control room. Grinder kicked back and cut the top of hand under the thumb. Miner is back at work with restrictions, no days missed. EE will have outpatient surgery on 6/15/21.

April 29, 2021 TN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was climbing down a ladder and pulled a muscle in EE's back. Continued to work throughout the year. Decided to have a procedure on EE's back on 11/10/21

2020 · 1 incident

October 25, 2020 TN · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was doing general maintenance at the crusher, employee strained back installing flashing at cone crusher. Sought medical attention on own. Continued to work normal shifts. Was not reported until 12/29/20. Visited Dr. on 12/28/20. Could return to work on 12/30/20.

2019 · 1 incident

January 7, 2019 TN · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee was welding in the shop. When employee squatted down employee's right leg hit an open welding rod can. The can cut employee's leg. Employee was taken to ER and received 6 stitches and is back at work with no restrictions.

2017 · 2 incidents

September 27, 2017 TN · Metal/Non-Metal ball/rod/pebble/hand/limestone/dry mill operator, roller operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had grease on the bottom of boot and slipped getting off a forklift. Employee reached around with employee's right arm to catch self with the forklift and sprained employee's right shoulder.

March 28, 2017 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

Miner was grinding on metal at the Wash Plant. A piece of metal got in employee's eye. Employee was wearing safety glasses at the time.

2014 · 1 incident

October 15, 2014 TN · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee was splicing a belt at dryer plant. Turned and hit left elbow on the belt guard, cutting elbow. Needed 5 stitches. All power was off at the plant during time of repair.

2013 · 1 incident

April 24, 2013 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Flywheel struck employee in the chest causing him to strain his abdomen muscle. First ER visit showed no injuries from accident. A second visit to a Dr. showed a pulled muscles in the abdomen.

2012 · 1 incident

September 16, 2012 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

In shop fabricating a step. Moving a piece of expanded metal with hands cut left pointer finger.

2011 · 4 incidents

February 23, 2011 TN · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking down stairs. He buckled his left knee.

January 17, 2011 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE stepped down out of a hauler onto a 2X4 on the ground hurting his left foot.

2010 · 3 incidents

November 9, 2010 TN · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was changing a screen in the plant. The crowbar he was using slipped, smashing the end of his right pinky finger.

January 25, 2010 TN · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE tripped while climbing into mill at washplant other EE caught him by his left arm. This put a strain on his shoulder.

2009 · 1 incident

2008 · 3 incidents

October 10, 2008 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a propane tank to put in the back of a truck. He injured his lower back when lifting the tank.

May 13, 2008 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

Grinding on a pole, rust flew into right eye.

February 11, 2008 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

Employee was working in Ball Mill #1, removing Mill liner with a hammer. A piece of the liner struck him in the left eye, was wearing safety glasses.

2007 · 7 incidents

November 8, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was unbolting at the crusher plant, the bolt head had become sharp over time. While unbolting the bolt head spun and cut middle left finger of employee. Required 5 stitches.

November 2, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using utility knife to open a box, knife slipped and lacerated left wrist/arm of employee.

September 5, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was helping replace a mill liner at the washplant. He was using a prybar to loosen a bolt when the bar slipped and struck him in the head causing a cut to his forehead that required 7 stitches.

July 17, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was on top of sand silo doing electrical work. He slipped, grabbed a bar above his head, trying not to fall, injured right shoulder.

July 13, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee was climbing down ladder of 988G loader and a sliver of metal from ladder rail entered his hand.

April 19, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning under Rod Mill and slipped on a pipe injuring lower left leg by pulling muscles.

March 17, 2007 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Short Mountain Silica Company · Fall from ladders

Employee fell 7 feet while climbing down ladder at the ball mill (#4). He landed on both of his feet injuring his heels.

2006 · 6 incidents

September 26, 2006 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

Ee was using air hose to blew off a pallet of breaks. A piece of debris hit his in the eye. He was wearing protective glasses. The debris want under glasses.

September 14, 2006 TN · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by falling object

Employee mashed left foot on bag machine palletizer. A machine part fell on his foot (left).

September 9, 2006 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

Employee injured left hand while pushing rods into rod mill.

April 28, 2006 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was washing the floor, pulling a hose around. He hurt his back in the process.

March 27, 2006 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS LEAVING TUNNEL, HE STEPPED ON A HOSE THAT WAS ON THE GROUND. HE TURNED HIS RIGHT ANKLE OVER.

2005 · 2 incidents

September 14, 2005 TN · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by falling object

Employee was putting a liner in the mill. A pin that holds the liner broke and liner fell on his left hand's ring finger. Weight of liner mashed his finger.

February 11, 2005 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by falling object

EE WAS PUTTING LINERS IN THE ROD MILL AND GOT SAND INTO EYES. INJURY WAS NOT REPORTED BY EE UNTIL 02/16/05. EE DID NOT START MISSING TIME UNTIL 03/01/05. EE WENT TO DOCTOR AND DOCTOR FOUND OBJECT IN EYE

2004 · 3 incidents

September 29, 2004 TN · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE EMPLOYEE WAS USING DINGY TO REMOVE SPILLAGE OF SAND AT THE SILOS AND SHOVELING SAND, HE MOVED A WATER HOSE AND INJURED HIS LOWER BACK.

March 30, 2004 TN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS SHOVELING SAND AND PULLED HIP. EE NOTIFIED COMPANY OF ACCIDENT ON 4/01/04.

February 2, 2004 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS BUSTING LINER OUT OF BALL MILL WITH A SLEDGE HAMMER & PART OF LINER CAME LOOSE AND FELL ON HIM.

2003 · 1 incident

January 4, 2003 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE INSTALLING AN ELBOW, PULLED MUSCLE IN GROIN AREA.

2002 · 3 incidents

December 5, 2002 TN · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE CRAWLED UNDER SCALPING SCREEN TO TIGHTEN BELTWHEN HE DID THIS HE FELT A STING IN HIS BACK

March 4, 2002 TN · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Short Mountain Silica Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

THE EE BENT OVER, PICKING UP BOXES FILLED WITH BAGS THAT HAD TURNED OVER. INJURED BACK WHILE BENT OVER PICKING UP THE BOXES.

2001 · 2 incidents

December 28, 2001 TN · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

FIXING A BELT FOR BELT LINE WITH A HAMMER AND HIT SECONDE DIGIT ON LEFT HAND.

2000 · 3 incidents

October 2, 2000 TN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

WHILE OPERATING A CUT OFF MACHINE AT THE SHOP A PIECE OF METAL FLEW INTO EYE.

February 24, 2000 TN · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman MACHINERY
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by flying object

HE WAS GRINDING A PIECE OF METAL WITH GRINDING MACHINE. A PIECE OF METAL FEW UP UNDER SAFETY GLASSES INTO LEFT EYE.

February 3, 2000 TN · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Short Mountain Silica Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

HE WAS HOLDING AN IMPACT WRENCH WHILE ANOTHER EE WAS HITTING A PIECE OF METAL. THEY WERE TRYING TO GET A BEARING BACK INTO PLACE. THE SLEDGE HAMMER TOP FELL OFF & HIT HIM IN THE HAND.