Usibelli Coal Mine Marks 1,000 Days Without a Lost-Time Incident
The Caterpillar 785G 150-ton haul truck is one of the newest additions to the UCM vehicle fleet.
Usibelli Coal Mine & Judy Patrick Photography
The last time an accident resulted in lost work time at Alaska’s only active coal mine was more than a thousand days ago. Usibelli Coal Mine (UCM) announced the milestone of nearly three years of consistently safe operations.
Everyday Safety
“We are proud to celebrate 1,000 days without a lost time accident,” says UCM President Joe Usibelli Jr. “This achievement reflects our commitment to safety as a core value and the foundation of our company culture. Every team member is accountable for their safety and the safety of their fellow coal miners.”
UCM is one of eleven mines nationwide to have received CORESafety certification from the National Mining Association in 2020. By implementing CORESafety and the mine’s internal “Everyday Safety – At Work. At Home. At Play.” campaign, employees are empowered to be safety leaders, fostering a collaborative approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
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September 2026
Usibelli states, “I also want to thank the families of our employees who support and encourage a commitment to Everyday Safety and for supporting their loved ones to maintain a safety-first mindset.”
Extending the clean streak into December would set an all-time record for UCM.
“Beyond our commitment to safety, we also recognize our responsibility to the environment and the communities we serve,” Usibelli adds. “We strive to leave a positive legacy for future generations.”
What happens when a city with fewer than 300 residents becomes a major freight and tourism hub, despite being accessible only by boat, plane, or a one-lane highway/railroad tunnel managed on a strict schedule?
If you’re in the City of Whittier, you get busy. The city has two separate transportation planning efforts underway, including a safety action plan under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All initiative, which focuses on improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and emergency responders. The second is Whittier Moves, the city’s transportation master plan, which serves as the long-term roadmap for growth.