Mining Incidents

Mercer Deep Mine Coal

Cowen, Webster County, WV  ·  Abandoned and Sealed
MSHA Mine ID: 4608875

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Fatalities
1
Total incidents
34
Years on record
2003–2007
Latest incident
Apr 2007
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2003
242
citations
80
significant & substantial
$57,952
proposed penalties
$52,154
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
2007 Q3 612 1 0 1634.0
2007 Q2 13,216 2 0 151.3
2007 Q1 30,277 7 1 231.2
2006 Q4 522 4 1 7662.8
2006 Q3 24,173 7 1 289.6
2006 Q2 2,417 0 0 0.0
2006 Q1 37,515 10 7 266.6
2005 Q4 1,578 13 7 8238.3
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
April 3, 2004 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator Fatality · MACHINERY
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was pinned between the coal rib and the ripper head of the continuous miner as he was moving the miner from the 2 right crosscut to the 2 left crosscut by radio remote.

Reportable incidents

33 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2007 · 1 incident

April 10, 2007 WV · Coal bull gang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, section foreman, shift boss FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

Employee was retrieving center line laser from the roof bolter when he was struck by falling rock causing a laceration to the left ear. Rock fell between two (2) permanent supports.

2006 · 5 incidents

August 15, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall was discovered on the #4 entry (track) on the North Mains. The fall measured 40' long, 19' wide, and 4.5' thick and occurred due to laminated coal and shale streaks above the 48" full grouted roof bolts. Ventilation and the travel of men were not affected, no injuries or equipment damage occurred as a result of the fall. Fall was 3500' from the working section.

July 22, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall measuring 30'long, 19'wide, 6'thick was discovered in the #1 return entry of out bound mains 20' inby spad 56261. Fall occurred due to laminated shale and rock streaks above the 5' fully resin roof bolts. Ventilation and the passage of men were not affected. No injuries or equipment was affected by a result of a fall.

July 7, 2006 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A roof fall occurred in the # 4 entry outby the 001 section at spad 56254 in a 4 way intersection. The fall measured 33' long, 36' wide, and 6' to 7' thick. No equipment or people were affected. Ventilation and the the passage of men was not affected.

February 24, 2006 WV · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was making a belt splice. As he stepped backward without looking, he stumbled upon the 3" water line and twisted his left knee.

February 8, 2006 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck against stationary object

Driver had piece of coal hung in tailgate and tried to open it enough to get coal lump out. When he tried to open it, he pushed tailgate pin with his right hand breaking his right thumb.

2005 · 8 incidents

November 19, 2005 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) MACHINERY
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was setting a rib bolt when the steel stuck, his helper pulled on the steel and the steel came out and struck the small finger of the right hand causing a laceration. The laceration required sutures, employee returned to normal duties on his next shift.

October 23, 2005 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted left knee when he stepped from the boom platform to the main bolter platform on the walk thru bolter.

May 25, 2005 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee sought medical treatment on 06/16/05 on the following: Employee was walking from the face to the mantrip in the TRACK ENTRY when he slipped on wet mine floor and twisted his left knee. Employee is currently working in a light duty capacity.

April 22, 2005 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

STEPPED OFF OF A FLAT CAR, LEFT FOOT LANDED ON TRACK RAIL CAUSING HIM TO TWIST HIS LEFT ANKLE.

January 20, 2005 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE driving H10 coal truck, stopped at old 9A mines to tighten chains up on the truck. He slipped and fell while walking around his truck. He was transported to Brayton Hospital were he was diagnosed with a sprained knee. He will be off from work until 1/24/05.

2004 · 10 incidents

November 14, 2004 WV · Coal utility man, errand boy, service truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was struck by a shuttle car cable on the left knee. Employee was hanging cable back to the transformer when slack was taking up on the cable reel causing the cable to whip against the employee.

September 21, 2004 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Fall from machine

EE RAISED THE HOOD ON H11 UNIT TO CHECK HIS MOTOR OIL. WHILE LOWERING THE HOOD, EE CAUGHT HIS FOOT IN THE SPOT MIRROR BRACKET AND FELL OFF THE FENDER. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AND X-RAYED. HAD SMALL SPRAIN IN LOWER BACK.

August 8, 2004 WV · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

I was notified by the employee on 08/26/2004 that he sought medical treatment for the following: Employee was removing a bit from the continuous miner with a pick hammer when a sliver from the hammer chipped and imbedded into the index finger right hand. Employee missed NO days from work

July 15, 2004 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted right ankle when he stepped from the walk through bolter to the mine floor. Employee is working restiricted duty

June 18, 2004 WV · Coal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

PIECE OF METAL FLAKED OFF OF BRAKE SPIDER WHILE REPLACING BUSHINGS IN IT. THE METAL HIT THE EE IN THE FACE UNDER THE LEFT EYE.

April 28, 2004 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

A ROOF FALL WAS FOUND IN THE #2 ENTRY OF RETURN ON 2ND LEFT PANEL, APPRX 50' INBY SPAD #47050. THE FALL MEASURED APPROX 30' LONG, 24' WIDE AND 4 1/2'- 5' THICK. VENTILATION AND PASSAGE WAS NOT AFFECTED AND THERE WERE NO INJUREIES AS A RESULT OF THE FALL. THE PERIMETER OF THE FALL WAS TIMBERED AND DANGERED OFF.

March 12, 2004 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

a roof fall occurred on the 001 MMU on the above metioned date. the fall measured 86' long by 20' wide by 5' thick. The fall was located in the #3 entry 1st left off the 5th left panel in the #1 north mains. the fall occurred due to subnormal conditions immediately above the 4' fully grouted resin bolts. Ventilation and passage was not affected.

March 7, 2004 WV · Coal discontinued 1/31/2014. several other codes cover scoop car operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE reported that a piece of rock fell from between permanent supports and struck right hand, neck, and shoulders. Employee sought medical treatment. The area was supported with 5' resin bolts.

February 19, 2004 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion in lifting objects

ON FEBRUARY 23, 2004 EE REPORTED THAT ON 2/19/04 HE STRAINED HIS BACK WHILE LIFTING A BOX OF ROOF BOLT GLUE AND PLACING IT ON THE ROOF BOLTER. HE STARTED MISSING TIME ON 2/22/04.

January 26, 2004 WV · Coal truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Fall from machine

WE HAD A ICE STORM EARLY THIS MORNING AND DRIVER WAS GETTING OUT OF HIS TRUCK WHEN HE SLIPPED AND FELL TURNING HIS ANKLE. HE A SPRANG ANKLE. TOOK HIM TO BLASTON COUNTY HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS X RAYED NO BROKEN BONES JUST A LITTLE SPRAIN. WAS SENT HOME AND TOLD TO STAY OFF IT 3 OR 4 DAYS.

2003 · 9 incidents

December 16, 2003 WV · Coal shuttle car operator, mantrip operator, ramcar operator, rail runner, buggy operator NO VALUE FOUND
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · No Value Found

EMPLOYEE STATED THAT WHILE TRAMMING TO THE MINER THE SUTTLE CAR STRUCK A POTHOLE IN THE TRAVELWAY CAUSING HIM TO BE JARRED IN THE SEAT. LATER HE COMPLAINED OF TINGLING AND LOSS OF MOVEMENT IN THE RIGHT FOOT. EMPLOYEE IS WORKING IN A RESTRICTED DUTY CAPACITY.

November 18, 2003 WV · Coal FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Accident type, without injuries

AN UNINTENTIONAL ROOF FALL WAS DISCOVERED DURING AN EXAMINATION IN THE BLEEDER ENTRIES OF THE #4 ENTRY 2ND LEFT PANEL #1 NE MAINS. THE FALL MEASURED 18'LONG X 18'WIDE AND WAS 6'THICK. THE FALL OCCURRED DUE TO A SLIP ABOVE THE 4' FULLY GROUTED RESIN BOLTS. NO PERSONAL INJURIES RESULTED FROM FALL AND VENTILATION AND PASSAGE WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE AREA WILL BE RESUPPORTED & BARRICADED

September 23, 2003 WV · Coal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by flying object

EE RECEIVED A PUNCTURE WOUND TO THE RIGHT CHEEK AS HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A BIT INSERT WITH A BALL PIN HAMMER. A SMALL SLIVER OF THE HAMMER CHIPPED OFF AS HE WAS BEATING ON THE INSERT.

September 21, 2003 WV · Coal laborer, bull gang, faceman, parts runner, roustabout, roof trimmer/scaler FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS WALKING THROUGH CROSSCUT & A PIECE OF DRAW ROCK FELL STRIKING HIS HEAD, KNOCKING HIM TO THE GROUND, CUTTING HIS HEAD & INJURING HIS RIGHT THUMB & LEFT SHOULDER.

August 27, 2003 WV · Coal scoop car/scooptram operator, load/haul/dump (lhd) operator, teletram operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN A CORSSCUT BETWEEN 6&7 RETURN ENTRY 1ST LEFT PANEL 80' INBY SPAD 46522. EE AND TWO OTHER EE WERE ASSIGNED TO REMOVE KENNEDY STOPPINGS IN THE OLD 1ST LEFT PANEL. AS HE WA S REMOVING THE LAST PANELING FROM THE OLD INTAKE STOPPING A ROCK MEASURING 34" WIDE X 36" LONG X 0"-2" THICK FELL FROMT HE MINE ROOF STRIKING HIM IN THE BACK AREA. HE WAS DIAGNOISED AS HAVING

July 24, 2003 WV · Coal section foreman, bullgang foreman, labor foreman, leadman, shift boss SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE TWISTED HIS LEFT KNEE ON THE 3" FRESH WATER LINE INSTALLED ADJACENT TO THE BELT CONVEYOR. HE WAS WALKING TO THE MANTRIP AT THE TIME.

July 16, 2003 WV · Coal continuous miner operator, coal mole operator FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

THE EMPLOYEE WAS REMOVING SMALLER PIECES OF ROCK FROM THE TOP OF THE CONTINUOUS MINER WITH HIS LEFT HAND. WITHOUT WARNING A SMALL PIECE OF SLATE FELL FROM THE ROOF STRIKING THE LEFT HAND. THE ROCK INFLICTED A LACERATION TO THE LEFT THUMB WHICH REQUIRED SUTURES FOR CLOSURE.

July 9, 2003 WV · Coal roof bolter, rock bolter, pinner, mobile roof support operator (mrs) DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

ON THIS DATE EE AN EMPLOYEE REPORTED TO MINE MANAGEMENT THAT HE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS HAVING CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME. AN EMPLOYEE SINCE 09/12/2001 STATED THAT HE HAS HAD PAIN IN BOTH WRIST WITH LOSS OF GRIPPING STRENGTH. HE HAS WORKED 21 YEARS UNDERGROUND.

June 5, 2003 WV · Coal electrician, lineman FALL OF ROOF OR BACK
Brooks Run Mining Company LLC · Struck by falling object

EE'S LEFT HAND WAS STRUCK BY SHALE ROCK WHEN THEROCK FELL FROM BETWEEN TWO PERMANENT ROOF SUPPORTS. THE EMPLOYEE WAS GIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO ANOTHER EE TO TAKE THE SERVICE CAR TO THE MINER, THE EE HAD HIS HAND ON THE SERVICE CAR. AS A RESULT OF THE ROCK FALLING A DISTANCE OF 6-7 FT. & STRIKING HIS HAND, EE LOST THE SMALLER FINGER, RING FINGER TO 1ST PROXIMAL, MIDDLE TO DISTAL JOINT.