Mining Incidents

Tunnel City Metal/Non-Metal

Iron Oak Sand LLC · Surface
Tunnel City, Monroe County, WI  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4703699

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
44
Years on record
2014–2025
Latest incident
Oct 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2014
165
citations
28
significant & substantial
$41,441
proposed penalties
$39,884
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 37,700 2 0 53.1
2025 Q3 39,771 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 44,109 3 0 68.0
2025 Q1 520 1 1 1923.1
2024 Q2 520 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 520 0 0 0.0
2023 Q4 520 0 0 0.0
2023 Q3 43,597 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

44 on file

2025 · 3 incidents

October 29, 2025 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking on slightly uneven ground and felt a slight pop in left knee. Physical therapy on 11/20/25 made it become a reportable incident.

September 7, 2025 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was trimming belt edges on BC-1004, they had another employee switch out the blade on their utility knife because it was getting dull. Once they resumed cutting, the new blade cut better than anticipated resulting in contact with their other hand, which resulted in 12 stitches. Employee was wearing gloves while performing this task.

January 3, 2025 WI · Metal/Non-Metal scraper-loader operator MACHINERY
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck against a moving object

Scope of the job was to utilize scrapers to transport overburden soil to fill in washouts along a slope within the mine with assistance from a dozer. In this process a scraper operator was braking then started to lose traction and began to slide sideways until the left front tire of the scraper dropped into a washout, thus jackknifing the scraper, causing the cab to overturn.

2024 · 3 incidents

September 1, 2024 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee reported feeling pains in abdomen on 9/2/24 after replacing two (2) 40x48 diester screens on VS1001. Employee believed it was from the work the employee did on 9/1/2024.

August 2, 2024 WI · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck against a moving object

Employee stated that had tweaked back while operating the loader during the shift. There was no specific incident that caused the back pain, just normal operation.

June 19, 2024 WI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Two employees were moving a tote of coag using a pallet jack. One employee was pulling on the pallet jack handle while the other was pushing the tote. The employee pushing on the tote felt a pop in their left calf muscle.

2023 · 4 incidents

December 21, 2023 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was cleaning up a trench with a hose and their left foot slipped into the trench while the right foot stayed on the surface and strained their lower back.

July 18, 2023 WI · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Fall to the walkway or working surface

While walking into the warehouse prior to start of shift, employee had hands full with employee's personal items and didn't see a rock on the ground. Employee tripped and fell, twisting left ankle and right knee. Employee then landed on right knee, wrist and shoulder.

April 13, 2023 WI · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck by flying object

Employee got out of EE's haul truck in Tailings loadout to clean off EE's camera and something got into EE's eye. Unsure if it was sand or clay.

January 24, 2023 WI · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management OTHER
Iron Oak Sand LLC · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Maint Supervisor noticed the S & H /Env Supervisor face down on the ground next to MCC E5. 911 was called immediately.  CPR was administered to the employee until emergency personnel arrived on the scene and took over all lifesaving measures.  The employee was transferred to hospital. It was confirmed that the cause of EE's medical event was a heart attack.

2022 · 7 incidents

December 22, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Fall from machine

At the end of the shift the Employee parked the end loader and descended down the steps, using three points of contact, and missed the last step. This caused the employee to fall and roll ankle.

December 19, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While adjusting position on a welding job, employee stated EE felt a pop and EE's back immediately tightened up.

November 11, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to loosen an adjuster on a bearing and felt a minor strain in right forearm. This resulted in a cramping sensation and minor swelling.

September 1, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Fall from machine

Loadout employee was loading railcars. While stepping between two railcars, EE's retractable fall protection device locked causing EE to lose balance and fall. While falling employee attempted to catch self and injured EE's left hand.

June 30, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Contact with hot objects or substances

Wet Plant Operator noticed an issue with PU-2203 and called Maintenance. Maintenance employee was walking by the pump, smelled it overheating, radioed to shut down. After employee called, melted rubber sprayed out of pump casing coming in contact with employee's left thumb and right forearm causing a burn.

March 9, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck by flying object

Employees were tasked to replace a bearing. The outer housing was removed and the race was scored, but not enough to release it from the shaft. Employee 1 went to get a wedge to help remove the race. Employee 2 began hitting the inner race with a hammer. A piece of the hammer head broke off and lodged in EE's chest, requiring stitches when removed.

February 24, 2022 WI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Struck against a moving object

2 Haul trucks were traveling in opposite directions down and up a ramp in the dump. As they met on the ramp the driver immediately pulled off to the side to avoid contact. One truck started to slide when the brakes were applied causing a collision. Employees were wearing seat belts, however, driver of truck #2 received a laceration above the eye requiring three stitches.

2021 · 1 incident

January 28, 2021 WI · Metal/Non-Metal janitor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Iron Oak Sand LLC · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was taking a pallet of culligan water jugs to the main plant using a forklift. EE pulled up to the overhead door, climbed off the forklift to open the door. As EE walked back to the forklift, EE tripped over the corner of the pallet falling into the forklift mast. EE used their hands to brace the fall but jammed the right ring finger in the process.

2019 · 3 incidents

October 17, 2019 WI · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped over a water hose EE was using and fell on same level. Employee was taken to the hospital where it was determined EE sustained a concussion. EE was treated and released the same day.

May 3, 2019 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee was working from the filter press maintenance platform when ee fell. The employee was taken to hospital, where it was determined ee sustained a lower leg and back injury. The employee was treated and released the same day.

February 15, 2019 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing a guard on the tail pulley of a belt conveyor. The last bolt on the guard became wedged so the employee tried to free the bolt using a maul and another bolt as a punch. When EE swung the maul to free the bolt, EE missed and struck finger resulting in a fracture.

2018 · 4 incidents

August 28, 2018 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall from machine

The last 2 sections of the dryer bed were being removed when they became wedged in the framework during the hoisting process. The employee entered the dryer using the ladder on the inside wall to try and use foot to free the piece. As EE was using foot to try and free the plate it moved and ee struck ee, ee lost balance and fell to the dryer floor.

July 3, 2018 WI · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pounding a wooden stake into a hay bale and struck hand with a hammer. The employee received a cut on right index finger which required six stitches.

April 16, 2018 WI · Metal/Non-Metal motorman, motor person, swamper, switchman, locomotive operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall from machine

Non-Employee, Non-Contractor, Railroad Employee Injury Canadian Pacific Employee tripped and fell when deboarding the engine of the train as it entered the rail yard. Employee suffered back injuries and was taken to local hospital for examination.

April 16, 2018 WI · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger POWERED HAULAGE
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Employee was driving scraper in overburden cut and when front left tire spun out on a large rock it resulted in jarring the machine and employee strained neck. Employee reported incident to supervisor at end of shift but refused medical treatment at that time. Employee sought medical attention (chiropractor) on 5/22/18 at which time ee was given restrictions.

2017 · 7 incidents

December 6, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking alongside the conveyor beltline and stepped on uneven ground/rock that was frozen and rolled an ankle resulting in pain, swelling and bruising. Employee was taken to the Emergency Room for further examination where an X ray determined that they had suffered a fracture to the lower tibia (ankle). Employee will need surgery to repair the broken bone.

October 28, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck by flying object

Employee was performing quality control sampling and noticed something irritating employee's right eye. Employee was taken to the local clinic to irrigate employee's eye and nothing was found to be in employee's eye. Physician prescribed eye drops as a preventative measure for possible infection.

September 26, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator POWERED HAULAGE
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Employee had a previous injury and is now exhibiting the same symptoms as before.

April 26, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal crane operator, mobile equipment operator (meo), dragline operator, dropball operator, rigger POWERED HAULAGE
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Employee strained neck when the haul truck ee was operating slid into a rut on the road.

April 8, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer MACHINERY
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating the scraper when ee hit a pot hole and felt a sharp pain in back. Employee called the supervisor and notified ee of the incident. The employee was taken to the clinic where ee was diagnosed with acute lower back pain. Employee was given prescription medication and restrictions.

March 4, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against stationary object

Employee was working on the brakes of a company pickup and while EE had head under the fender, some ice and mud came loose from the wheel well striking EE in the back of the head. EE's mouth hit the brake caliper causing EE to chip tooth.

February 2, 2017 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall onto or against objects

After performing cleaning operations the employee slipped on and fell onto a horizontal pipe striking mid-section on the pipe. Employee reported the injury to management on the 10th of February. Employee was taken to clinic and diagnosed with bruised ribs. Employee was placed on light duty for a week and given prescription medication to aid in the recovery.

2016 · 1 incident

October 28, 2016 WI · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was climbing into the cab of a haul truck and hyper extended knee when the bottom rung of the cable step ladder swung forward. Employee reported the incident immediately and refused medical treatment. After no improvement in condition employee was taken to clinic on November 7th where EE was diagnosed with a knee sprain and referred to therapy for the injury.

2015 · 6 incidents

June 30, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was on the load out spout platform changing and rebuilding a motor for the spout chain and when he attempted to lift a motor and shaft out of its mounting bracket he felt a pain in his back. Employee went to see a chiropractor on 7/8/15.

June 11, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal car trimmer, car loader, bin puller, truck loader HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While cooping rail cars employee felt a slight strain their back causing a sharp pain. Follow up was conducted on 6-12-15 with employee to determine if follow up care was needed and at that time employee stated they would be fine. On the night of 6-15 employee stated that they felt tightness in thier back again. Employee was referred to a chiropractor for care on 6-22-15.

April 1, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall down stairs

Employee was carrying a floor jack down the stairs of screen house, as he was coming to the last landing the heel of his boot caught on the last step causing him to twist awkwardly and he fell on his left knee which struck the grating. Employee reported that he felt a pull in the left knee. Employee had MRI on 4/27/15 and surgery on 5/15/15 to remove loose cartilage from knee.

March 7, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling cloth off of filter press plate and sand got into employee's eye. Employee was wearing safety glasses but still managed to get sand in his left eye. Employee was taken to emergency room for examination to assure there was no other material in his eye. Employee was diagnosed with a corneal abrasion and given a prescription for his eye.

February 17, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was going to perform housekeeping in the area and as he was walking the employee stated he turned around to pick up a piece of trash and slipped, during which he attempted to break the fall using his left hand resulting in the injury to his wrist. Soft Splint applied to wrist.

January 14, 2015 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Fall from machine

Employee while fueling Dozer was climbing off the piece of equipment when hand grab rail failed causing him to fall to the ground.

2014 · 5 incidents

December 14, 2014 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was in an awkward position leaning over a pump to loosen a seal and strained his back.

November 15, 2014 WI · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Covia Holdings Corporation · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE initially reported shoulder pain after slipping while exiting skid steer loader on 11/15/14. The pain was attributed to a mild shoulder strain. Due to persistent pain, EE was taken for further medical review which included MRI revealing a Class 1 shoulder separation. The injury resulted in application of physical therapy and modified duty days.

May 15, 2014 WI · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer OTHER
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck by flying object

EE had sand blown into his eye at some point in his shift, without his knowledge. Sand got under his contact lens and continued to scratch the employee's eye through the course of his shift until contact lens was removed.

April 11, 2014 WI · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Covia Holdings Corporation · Struck against a moving object

Haul Truck driver was parked at tailings area waiting to be loaded with material. Loader operator did not see the haul truck and backed into the side of the haul truck. The haul truck driver sustained whiplash from resulting collision.

March 19, 2014 WI · Metal/Non-Metal steel worker, iron metal worker, iron worker HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Covia Holdings Corporation · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was carrying an impeller to his maintenance truck. As he was placing it onto the truck it slipped out of his hand when he tried to catch it his right thumb was caught between the impeller and the truck tailgate causing a laceration to the right thumb.