Mining Incidents

WORLAND PLANT Metal/Non-Metal

Worland, Washakie County, WY  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800987

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
42
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
Feb 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
124
citations
29
significant & substantial
$32,389
proposed penalties
$31,451
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 Q1 5,416 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 6,127 2 0 326.4
2023 Q4 6,920 0 0 0.0
2023 Q2 6,727 2 0 297.3
2022 Q4 8,133 4 0 491.8
2022 Q3 7,216 0 0 0.0
2022 Q2 6,992 6 3 858.1
2022 Q1 6,454 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

42 on file

2025 · 1 incident

February 24, 2025 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was trying to clear an elevator bucket from a screw. Another EE was twisting the drive belt when first EE pulled the bucket out, causing the screw to rotate. The screw hit the first EE's left hand. First EE suffered a broken hand and laceration.

2024 · 2 incidents

January 11, 2024 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

Employee was removing a broken plastic bucket from an elevator, when their hand slipped and the left thumb was cut.

2023 · 3 incidents

November 7, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was attempting to move a large pipe, when they felt a pain in their back running down their leg. Went home and symptoms didn't improve. Employee went to seek medical help on the 8th.

July 21, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver OTHER
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee of contractor (truck Driver) suffered a medical emergency (heart attack) while waiting to have EE's truck loaded with bentonite. 911 was called and a ambulance was dispatched to the office of the plant site and the truck driver was taken to the hospital in Worland Wyoming.

March 21, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning railcars, and when they mounted the stairs to climb onto the car, they felt a pop in their left knee and could not put any weight on it.

2022 · 1 incident

November 28, 2022 WY · Metal/Non-Metal dry screening plant operator, screen house operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

employee was chipping material buildup inside a dryer hopper when the bar slipped and their left ring finger was broken during the impact between the bar and the side of the hopper.

2021 · 1 incident

January 11, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that they coughed and felt a sharp pain in their groin area, but didn't leave work and stated they felt improvement the next day. Employee ended up filing workers comp paperwork that was accepted on March 3rd 2021.

2019 · 3 incidents

December 13, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall onto or against objects

employee was cleaning out dirt from the bottom of the rail car, when the dirt shifted and the employees leg fell against the lip of the car injuring the right knee

November 11, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall onto or against objects

The Employee was opening a lower compartment door which had ice built up around it. When the door was pulled free the employee lost their balance and fell backwards onto the train tracks. The employee finished their shift, then went to the hospital at 10:00pm that night.

August 15, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck by falling object

Employee was using a grinder on a handrail, when the grinder caught and was jerked out of the employee's hand. The grinder fell and struck the employee's left boot where it cut through the boot and into the foot.

2017 · 1 incident

November 29, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator STEPPING OR KNEELING ON OBJECT
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

The miner was climbing down the steps of the loader towards the ground, and upon their right foot making contact with the ground, the miner had stepped on a rock and sprained the right ankle.

2016 · 1 incident

2014 · 1 incident

January 2, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal assayer, geologist, metallurgist, engineer, engineer management SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE stepped out of truck, took a few steps toward the shop when he slipped on snow/ice which caused his left leg to buckle beneath him. He sustained a torn patella tendon which required surgery on 1/3/2014.

2013 · 2 incidents

July 5, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The plant was shut down when EE went to install B58 belt on classifier fan. He pulled on belt and assistant pushed, causing his right pinky finger to run between belt and sheave. Finger was broken and bleeding due torn tissue. He was taken to specialist in Powell, Wyoming for successful surgery. Though serious, this injury was not life threatening.

March 20, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was moving a wheelbarrow when it fell to the left, causing him to strain his lower central part of back. He has missed a couple of days of work and will see Chiropractor soon.

2011 · 2 incidents

October 25, 2011 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall onto or against objects

EE received laceration on inside of forearm (3 stitches), laceration on outside of forearm (7 stitches) and 3 stitches to sew up laceration on elbow when a come-along slipped while tightening it on the pin-mill shaft. He fell back against metal framework that is welded to pin-mill, causing the injuries. He was taken to the hospital ER and returned to work the next shift.

June 2, 2011 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE attempted to dislodge and remove a rock from a slicer screw by entering the housing from the top. As the screw continued to rotate toward his hand, he pulled it back but was not quick enough to avoid having his left index finger caught between the blade and the rock. The finger had 3/4 of an inch amputated. No lockout was in effect at the time.

2010 · 3 incidents

October 20, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech STRIKING OR BUMPING
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

EE ducked under a manlift arm, struck his head on top left side and sustained a 1 1/2 inch cut that required 5 staples to close. This accident did not result in lost time.

March 10, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE slipped in mud while pushing wheel-barrow full of product outside to dump. He strained his lower back. He has Doctor's slip releasing him from work 03/11 to 3/18/2010.

January 12, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall onto or against objects

EE was tied off and walking along top of railcar when he slipped and fell on top of car. His lower back was strained around L4 & L5 vertebrae. X-rays reveal nothing was broken. Return to work is slated for 01/21/2010.

2009 · 3 incidents

June 29, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

EE was doing maintenance on a screw when EE tripped on a small propane canister and fell approximately 5 feet into a hole in the decking, causing bruising and trauma to the left rib cage.

June 2, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was entering building, stepped down and slipped on wet bentonite, twisting left knee. EE continued to work and had no lost days of time until EE's surgery on 08/04/2009.

April 14, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was filling bulk bags and twisted lower back while moving a pallet. No days lost time but had a Chiropractic treatment.

2008 · 2 incidents

May 14, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cleaning a chute. EE slipped when EE stepped down, fully extending EE's leg with all EE's weight on it. EE felt a popping EE's knee when walking.

January 28, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing a lid from dust collector, slipped on pipes below his feet and twisted lower back.

2007 · 1 incident

February 1, 2007 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE failed to do a proper lockout procedure, reached in and attempted to change a dust collector belt while the operator was manipulating the control button. This was due to miscommunication between the two and caused the EE having EE's middle finger tip pulled through the pulley, which required two stitches.

2006 · 2 incidents

December 23, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON

EE went up on deck to check carbon proportioner and clean the area. Coming back down the ladder EE let go of it a few feet from the bottom thinking EE was at the bottom and fell backwards onto concrete floor and on left arm, causing it to break above the elbow. Transport to hospital was via ambulance and corrective surgery will be performed on 12/29/2006.

January 18, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall to the walkway or working surface

The Pin Mixer water-line broke and employee was squeegeeing the water out the back door when EE slipped and fell on left hip, bruising it.

2005 · 2 incidents

July 2, 2005 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee unplugged a screen feed sock then stepped back and fell into a hole in decking. He caught himself with left arm and subsequently felt pain and discomfort afterwards. No MRI was done. It is believed to be a muscle pull in the triceps and back of elbow. Eight days of work missed thus far.

March 6, 2005 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

Employee cut right thumb tip on utility knife with exposed blade while rummaging through a tool box. Two stitches were required. No lost time was involved.

2004 · 2 incidents

March 3, 2004 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CLEANING MATERIAL OUT FROM UNDER DRYER BELT IN THE SLICER PIT WHEN HE FELT A PULLING IN HIS LEFT SHOULDER. A TRIP TO SEE A DR INDICATED IT WAS NOT SERIOUS. HE WILL TAKE ONE DAY OFF FOR RECUPERATION.

February 9, 2004 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PRY SHEAR PIN OUT OF ROLLER-MILL WITH A PRY BAR WHEN IT SLIPPED, STRIKING LEFT HAND AND WRIST. HE DROVE HIMSELF TO THE HOSPITAL FOR CARE, THE RESULTS WERE NOTHING BUT SOM E BRUISING.

2003 · 1 incident

February 19, 2003 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck against stationary object

EE WAS CLEANING MUD OUT OF THE FINES SCREW WHILE STANDING ON A LADDER. WHEN THE MUD BROKE FREE, HE FELL FORWARD AND STRUCK HIS LEFT ELBOW ON THE SCREW. THE ELBOW SWELLED UP, THOUGH THE SKIN WA S NOT TORN, AND HE WAS ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL THE FOLLOWING EVEING FOR OBSERVATION OF A POSSIBLE INFECTION. HE IS STILL HOSPITALIZED AS OF 2-28-03.

2002 · 1 incident

July 24, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE WAS CLEANING PRODUCT FROM BENEATH THE PIN MIXER BELT BY PULLING IT WITH A BROOM WHEN HE FELT HIS BACK POP. LOWER BACK DISCOMFORT CAUSED HIM TO MISS 2 DAYS OF WORK.

2001 · 3 incidents

June 6, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal gathering arm loader operator, loading machine operator, joy loader operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS CLEANING A RAILCAR FROM INSIDE WHEN HE SLIPPED AND FELT A POP IN HIS RIGHT ANKLE. THE PLANT MANAGER TOOK HIM TO THE HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION. THE DR. FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND THERE WAS NO SWELLING. HE TOLD EMPLOYEE TO TAKE IT EASY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS.

February 8, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE BARRING OUT A PLUGGED SOCK, EE PUT THE BAR DOWN AND DROPPED IT THROUGH THE MESH ON THE WALKWAY TO A LOWER DECK. HE WENT DOWN STAIRS TO RETRIEVE IT AND STEPPED IN A PILE OF SPILLAGE ON TH E LOWER DECK AND TWISTED HIS KNEE.

February 8, 2001 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EE WAS TRYING TO BAR OVER A HAMMER MILL DRUM TO FREE IT AFTER HE HAD CLEANED IT OUT. ONCE FREE, HE GOT DOWN ON HIS KNEES TO PULL ON THE BAR, LOST HIS BALANCE AND FELL BACKWARDS OFF THE THREE F OOT HIGH PLATFORM ONTO A CONVEYOR BELT ROLLER AND BROKE TWO RIBS AS PER X-RAYS AT THE LOCAL HOSPITAL.

2000 · 4 incidents

December 23, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE PLACING COVER ON THE HAMMER MILL EE TWISTED HIS UPPER BACK CAUSING A SPRAIN & SUBSEQUENTLYA SPASM

July 7, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PRYING ON A RAILCAR GATE WITH A PRY BAR, THE BAR SLIPPED, ALLOWING HIS HAND TO BE STRUCK BY A SLEDGEHAMMER BEING SWUNG BY A COWORKER. EE DID REPORT THIS INJURY UNTIL AFTER A RECENT XRAY REVEALED HE HAD BROKEN BONES IN HIS HAND THAT WERE ALREADY HEALING. HE HAS RECEIVED NO TREATMENT, JUST PAIN MEDICINE.

June 16, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

HE WAS WORKING ON A PERSONAL PROJECT AT PLANT ONHIS DAY OFF WHEN HE SMASHED HIS FINGER BETWEEN 2PIECES OF METAL, REQUIRING A COUPLE OF STITCHES TO REPAIR. THE INJURY WASN'T SERIOUS & HE DID NOT MISS ANY WORK AS A RESULT.

May 3, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite-A Limited Liability Co · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EE WAS CLOSING RAILCAR HOPPER BOTTOM DOOR WITH AN IRON ROD. THE DOOR WAS BENT, REQUIRING ADDITIONAL FORCE, WHICH CAUSED THE BAR TO SLIP OUT OF THE GEAR DRIVE, ALLOWING IT TO SPRING BACK AN D STRIKE THE WRIST. HE WAITED TWO DAYS BEFORE HAVING IT XRAYED, WHICH REVEALED THE WRIST WAS BROKEN. ESTIMATED TIME OF RECOVERY IS 6 WEEKS.