Mining Incidents

Boron OperationsMetal/Nonmetal

U S Borax Inc · Surface
Controlled by Rio Tinto Group
Boron, Kern County, CA · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0400743
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
200
Years on record
2003–2026
Latest incident
Feb 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

200 on file

2026 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

A mechanic was entering the cab of 9107 drill from the mast side. At which time the door slammed shut for unknown reasons, pinching the mechanic's pinky finger between the door jam and the door.

2025 · 12 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator was in the process of clearing the OLD 101 Belt under the Secondary crusher area from a product plug. As EE was walking around the area next to the Old 101 Belt EE slipped fell in Mud due to previous rain, landing wrong on EE's right ankle

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was chasing threads on an impeller when the employee's shirt sleeve was caught in the vane of the impeller. At contact employee pulled away thus dislodging impeller which caused it to hit employees left side rm and the left side of their face.

Struck by flying object

While using an Iron Worker to punch out a metal plate. The Iron Worker dye broke and struck the employee in the chest.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Hearing loss

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee has suffered a shift in their hearing baseline.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

An employee was attempting to clear a blockage in the dust collector chute. While reaching in to free a pole that was being used, the employee's glove became entangled in a rotating component of the equipment. This resulted in the amputation of three fingers.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee suffered hearing loss

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was using a crowbar to adjust a metal screen when the screen slipped down and pincered the employee's finger between the screen and the housing frame. Employee suffered a Broken thumb

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Drill crew was tripping in Tremie pipe and a driller assistant was attempting to remove the lifter with a pipe wrench when the pipe slipped downward causing the injured employee to get a finger pinched between the pipe wrench and the foot clamp. The injured employee sustained a laceration and possible fracture to employees right ring fingertip.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Lifter on the drill that suspends the pipe down hole slipped and smashed the driller helper's finger between the pipe holder (or clamp) and the lifter.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Drill helper was helping to remove a sub adapter from the roughneck by holding the elevated sub adapter prior to release. Once it was released, the weight of the adapter caused the sub to drop slightly causing the drill helper to pinch their middle finger between the threads of the sub adapter and drill rod; causing a laceration and fracture of the finger tip.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The millwright reached down to pick up a 2"" high-pressure steam valve, but it got hung up on another valve that was wrapped in plastic. EE then felt a slight pain in EE's shoulder.

2024 · 9 incidents

Struck by falling object

While moving a 5-foot piece of 8-inch pipe to make repairs, an employee's foot was hit. The pipe slipped and landed on top of the employee's foot.

Contact with heat

An employee was working on closing the end caps on 207 heater doors. Employee was on the way to get some water when suddenly employee fell to the floor and became unresponsive.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

At approximately 7:25 AM, an analyst slipped and fell after getting wrapped up in a plastic tie used to secure clean towels used to keep the lab countertops clean and equipment dried. The employee suffered a fractured left patella.

Fall from ladders

EE was climbing down a 5-foot ladder to gain access to a guard. Their right foot slipped off the second rung from the top, causing EE to fall and slip off the ladder, landing on the right ankle. This caused a smell fracture to their heel.

Struck by falling object

While loading a truck, a rock fell from the loader bucket striking the handrail. The rock bounced off the handrail and went into the door window causing the glass to break.

Contact with heat

Employee stated they were dizzy and had hand cramps. After evaluation by onsite medical staff, EE was transported to a local hospital, but EE was not admitted.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee advised they were removing a filter housing on a rubber tire dozer in the truck shop when the incident occurred. In the process of removing the filter, a finger was pinched on a piece of metal causing an injury to the left finger.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing a jaw block into the slide table of a sonic rig & felt a strain in left bicep. Seen at a clinic & was released to Full Duty with no treatment or diagnosis. MRI was done on 1/24 & results were reviewed at F/U visit on 1/29. 1/29 diagnosis of torn bicep received. EE remains Full Duty with no treatment to date & has an Ortho eval on 2/05/24.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

""While drilling a hole to complete a cable run to upgrade the Plant 5 process room, the person's finger got entangled in the trigger guard after the drill kicked back. This resulted in a fracture to their right hand.""

2023 · 8 incidents

Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee was found deceased in their office. Initial conversion with the coroner stated that the cause of death was not work related and most likely a personal medical issue.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was using a chipping hammer with a 6 ft. bit attachment to loosen hardened build up from inside the compartment. In the process of using the chipping hammer a large chunk of product came free, pushing the chipping hammer down and pinching the employee's finger between the chipping hammer grip and the lip of the access door.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Craftsmen were working on rebuilding a hammer mill. While in the process of rotating the mill, the craftsmen inserted a small bar into a hole in the counterweight to help rotate the mill to check for clearances. When the mill began to spin the craftsmen lost control of the counterweight pinching EE's finger between the bearing and pry bar.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While working on TK-1A overflow pump valve, the employee was loosening bolts when employee caught thumb between the wrench and the valve body.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was lifting an empty pallet that was caked with product residue. The pallet was heavier than originally thought. EE dropped the pallet hitting their fingers.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Punctured a leaking can of brake clean, can ruptured causing a laceration to the right index finger.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was exiting an 80 ton crane while holding onto the provided handrails. The employee planted their right foot on the top platform just outside the cab and started to bring the left leg to the step when the right foot slipped causing them to lose their footing. The employee maintained a grip on the left cab handrail which prevented them from further falling to the ground

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was setting up to perform a vacuum job. The area had a slip hazard from flocculant, so the employees were attempting to clear the area. Employee slipped and attempted to brace self, injuring EE's right wrist. After being examined at via x-ray, employee suffered a fracture.

2022 · 10 incidents

Struck against stationary object

While positioning an IBC bag in the doorway pic #1 the top of the forklift mast made contact with the top of the box car doorway and damaged the hard piped hydraulic line on the forklift. The employee elected to try and straighten the line by self and cut the end of EE's left index finger.

Fall onto or against objects

The employee slipped while performing cleanup and sustained a laceration to the right shin, the wound needed stitches.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee's index finger was caught between the impact gun and the rotating equipment. The employee lost the tip of their finger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Working the conduit threader; when the threader stopped. Upon inspecting the threads operator looped my finger on the end of the thread to remove the piece of metal in order to remove from pipe and it sliced right index finger through the glove.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Operator pinched index finger in between dust collector lid and frame.

Struck by flying object

A metal fragment blew into millwrights eye

Struck by flying object

Contractor states they were attempting to remove the ERT stretcher. Part of the stretcher was balancing on top of the gurney and as the gurney was gradually being removed from the trailer, the balancing stretcher came with it and when the employee's let go of the stretcher it flicked up and made direct contact with the contractor's mouth, chipping two front teeth.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

While trying to move a table EE slipped and fell backwards twisting left ankle when falling to the ground. Employee suffered a fractured ankle.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Technician was stripping cable sheathing utilizing safety cutter to cut it to expose the internal wires. During the operation technician's hand slipped causing a laceration to the top of the right index finger. The injury required 6 stitches

Fall down stairs

Employee was descending a set of stairs outside the mudbird control room when left foot slipped on ice causing it to slip out from under the employee. The employee's right foot twisted when falling forward. The employee suffered fracture to right leg.

2021 · 5 incidents

Fall from machine

Operator was utilizing a bob cat walk behind for clean up. Operator was dumping product of mud in the sump when the walk behind became unstable bucking the operator off the back of the machine landing on their back.

Struck against stationary object

Employee tripped over a rock while walking backwards dragging a fuel hose. This caused them to roll their ankle.

Struck by falling object

Employee was replacing cutting edge (approx. 8ft x 10inches x 2inches) on a 834 rubber tire CAT dozer drag box in the truck shop. When lifting the final cutting edge after the others had been installed, the load became unstable and fell. The uncontrolled movement of the cutting edge pinched/crushed the employees right thumb.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was turning a drum with hands. Had proper PPE - gloves. Hand slipped , struck a piece of metal. Both glove and hand were cut.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking to truck and tripped on a section of raised sidewalk. As a result, they fell forward, landing on knees and hands.

2020 · 7 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a pneumatic torque gun to tighten lug nuts on a haul truck when the torque gun came into contact with middle finger causing laceration.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was checking instrumentation when they tripped over a wire cable that is holding the temporary pump lines to the pond's leakage containment (LCRS) system. The EE fell forward onto the concrete with their hands out in front of them.

Struck by flying object

Employee used wire wheel to clean pipe for purpose of UT of pipe. Employee was wearing task appropriate PPE. Employee didn't notify supervisor @ this time that EE had gotten something in the eye. Employee went home for weekend. Employee called supervisor on Tues, 4 days later, to report that EE had got something in eye. Employee had already gone to private doctor to get removed.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

An Operator was hooking up a hot soft water hose to the discharge line of the Gribben Sump to verify if line was clear or plugged. The Operator went to step up on the grating about 8 inches high and 36 inches wide and caught the toe of their boot on the overhang of the grating causing the Operator to trip and land on their right knee resulting in injury.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee fell from a standing position to a sitting position. Employee was removing bolts from the transition off the radiator cover of a front-end loader and the side employee was standing on fell approximately 8 inches, knocking employee down causing pain in the tailbone area.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was standing at EE's desk while making a phone call and fainted, falling and striking the right side of EE's head. Employee explained after that EE had recently been experiencing migraines.

Fall from ladders

Two operators were at the east side of the cold crystallizer to drain it. Operator climbed the ladder to put a water line on the draw off. Operator climbed down the ladder and lost grip from the ladder and fell backwards hitting the ground.

2019 · 5 incidents

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A production supervisor was walking up a flight of stairs and felt a pop in the calf muscle

Fall onto or against objects

A millwright was working on a linkage. While using a ""tug-it"" the millwright was applying pressure when the handle gave way. The momentum carried EE into the piece of the equipment which caused a minor laceration that required 3 stitches

Accident type, without injuries

A 777 water truck was travelling up a ramp when a haul truck driver noticed flames on the water truck. The Water truck driver got the truck into a berm and dismounted without injury. The Water truck was engulfed in flames shortly after.

Fall down stairs

Employee was walking down stairs. The boot caught a stair and injured the knee as the fall took place. 3 pts of contact was inplace

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A trespasser gained access to the mine pit area. The trespasser was running around the pit, Emergency services contacted. Trespasser threw self off of two 50ft highwalls

2018 · 6 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An Operator was installing a bag/bladder in a trailer for dry bulk loading. The employee was hooking the bungee cord to the top of the trailer when it recoiled, striking the employee and causing a laceration that required stitches on the right eye brow.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

An Operator was bringing up a plant after shut down. The operator was walking near a slurry pump when ee slipped on ground and impacted the ground causing a laceration the required 6 stitches

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

A Plant Service Operator (Cranes, Skips, and other) was boarding a crane when EE felt discomfort on shoulder. EE was taken to Occupational Health and put on 3 day restriction that stated EE could not board a crane.

Struck by falling object

A group of millwrights were changing a conveyor belt. The millwrights vulcanized the belt and were replacing the scraper. One of Two millwrights carrying the 25lb scraper slipped causing it to fall on the foot causing a fracture

Fall to the walkway or working surface

A Quality Lab analyst was running samples of product. The employee was walking back to the workstation. Employee slipped on the floor. Employee went to brace the fall and fractured the left wrist

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanic was removing a haul truck rim assembly utilizing a port-a-power tool that was being held by a sling. The port-a-power tool slid out of position, twisted and hit the mechanic just below the brow area. The worker was wearing safety glasses. The impact force of the port-a-power tool was deemed low energy.

2017 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee rolled ankle. Did not report incident and was reportedly walking fine. Reports to Occ Health clinic the next day with a swollen ankle that turned out to be fractured.

Struck against stationary object

A Mechanic was using a pry bar to free a binded part prior to using a crane. The pry bar slipped causing the mechanic to impact the hand on the frame of a grader

2016 · 7 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee was in the process of raising the unistrut back to its normal height when the unistrut slipped thru the clamps and impacted the employee's finger between the transmitter bracket and the handrail. Employee sustained an injury to left index finger

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee reported that they were standing on the second from bottom rung of a 6' step ladder inside the office near the entry door. A helper was in the room assisting. The electrician was using a headlamp for illumination. The electrician stated that their foot slipped and they lost their balance and fell. The desktop tilted and struck forehead.

Struck against a moving object

Employee hit a bump on forklift and jammed neck.

Struck against stationary object

Employee scraped knee. Employee was referred to out Occ Health clinic to which EE did not follow direction. EE went to the Emergency room where EE was given antibiotics for an infection. This was denied by Rio Tinto as there was no signs of infection by our onsite medical staff.

Struck against stationary object

An Operator was clearing jammed product from a locked out screw. The Operator was using a ball peen hammer. The Operator came into contact with the screw flight and sustained a laceration that required stitches

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was descending a ladder, the employee mistook the second to last for the last rung and stepped down. As a result strained the knee area

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Millwright was assigned to re-bag and service a dust collector. The Millwright was lifting the lid to access the compartment and lost their grib of the lid, pinching their finger between the lid and housing.

2015 · 5 incidents

Accident type, without injuries

An employee was inspecting a hose reel on a service truck when it was noticed the reel was loose. The employee shook the reel and heard a loose nut inside the reel. When the employee shook the reel again a small amount of residual gas (Acetylene) was ignited and propelled the hose reel off of its mount. The Oxygen and Acetylene bottle were off

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped over caution tape and fell, aggravating a pre-existing shoulder as a result.

Contact with hot objects or substances

A millwright was removing a steam valve from a steam line. The system was locked out, but the millwright was sprayed with residual hot water (~170F). The injuries are non-life threatening. He is being treated for 1st and 2nd degree burns.

Struck against a moving object

Employee complained of a sore back. First aid was administered employee had another incident with a reported fall from a grader, once again first aid administered. Later on the employee was prescribed medication that our system failed to catch when it went into a medical treatment case

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A technician was emptying a hopper. The technician was helping another employee by shifting a larger hopper to dump into. When the technician shifted the hopper it moved impacting the left little finger causing a fracture.

2014 · 6 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

An operator was dismounting a dozer. Operator's hand slipped from a handrail. The operator fell back into a fuel truck and impacted the axle bolts with the hand causing a laceration that required 17 stitches

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

An Employee was walking on an elevated platform with handrails. The employee opened a spring loaded gate of a fixed ladder opening and stepped in the opening falling approximately 7ft.

Accident type, without injuries

A SCE pole and transformer were discovered to be the fire, the site ERT and Kern County Fire responded and extinguished to fire, along with SCE. It was believed the fire started from a bird's nest on the pole.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee received a laceration to the right hand when a pump fell that the employee was moving

Fall onto or against objects

Upper front teeth impacted a water pipe while attempting to tighten a bolt.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

On January 3rd, at 4:36 pm, a contract security employee was working at the guard station for the visitors center (VC). When the employee approached the vehicle, the employee fell while stepping off the curb. The employee sustained minor injuries to the right shoulder. First Aid was provided at the onsite OH and later transported to an offsite clinic for additional evaluation.

2013 · 16 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

An employee was attempting to remove a plug from an 8 inch (203mm) slurry line using a 48 inch aluminium pipe wrench when he felt/heard a ""pop"" in his lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a pipe clamp and brushed a dust particle into his eye. At the end of shift he reported the incident and his eye was flushed. He reported continued discomfort on his next shift, a small dust particle was removed from his eye and he received prescription eye drops.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Millwright was attempting to close a product elevator access door while standing on a ladder. The Millwright lost balance and grabbed the elevator door to steady himself. The bottom of the elevator lacerated his left little finger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A Mechanic was using a push stick to push a board into a table saw. The push stick contacted the spinning blade and kicked back. The force of impact lacerated the Mechanic's right palm.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee was injured while attempting to catch a light pole that was being re-established. The employee's right hand (thumb tip) was pinched between the light pole and the handrail causing the pad of the right thumb to be disconnected from the right thumb.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was adjusting a new 'Self-Closing' door mechanism using a ladder. While the employee's helper opened the door to assist with the adjustment, a gust of wind forced the door open quickly, causing the tracking arm to slide out from the control arm and strike the employee.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Finger was fractured when a metal door was closed on a Millwright's hand.

Fall from machine

Employee stepped off an elevated platform of a D-10 dozer and fell approximately 4 feet to the dozer tracks.

Fall from machine

Employee was descending the ladder on a mobile loader, tripped, and fell approximately 4 feet to the ground. One of the steps on the ladder had broken and caught the employees foot when he stepped on it.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking down an inclined sidewalk, tripped and fell. Occupational Health Clinic nurse gave employee ridged wrist brace to wear.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was moving a metal screen by hand. The screen was heavy and difficult to move.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Picking up a lock for a door. Bending and standing back up, twisted the wrong way and locking back up.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Two employees were involved. One employee was driving forward in a forklift, second employee was placing straps on a bag for a rail car when a bag was moved forward by the forklift and caught injured (2nd) employee's ankle between two pallets.

Fall onto or against objects

An operator fell and hit the dock plate fracturing the left upper femur near the hip socket.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee attempted to step over a drainage ditch while entering the work area and his foot slipped when he stepped down causing his knee to twist. Treatment plan included hinged knee brace, weight-bearing as tolerated and home exercises.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee lacerated his little finger on his left hand while attempting to cut through a heater hose with a razor blade.

2012 · 9 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Employee traveling to Wilmington, CA - while making a u-turn at intersection of 5th Street and Pine Street in Longbeach, CA, another vehicle on employee's right side collided on the front/right passenger side of her vehicle. Soreness to neck and left shoulder.

Struck by flying object

Employee was washing a beaker over the sink when it slipped out of the analyst's hands and broke inside the sink. A glass shard made contact and cut the right ring finger.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

An employee received a slight cornea burn from sodium hydroxide to the right eye while inspecting a pump.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee complaining of soreness in right elbow.

Struck against a moving object

At approx 3:30 am an MT4400 empty haul truck was found rolled over onto passenger side of the vehicle at the dump. Employee sustained slight fracture to T-1, and some abrasions to arms/face. Employee was transported to Barstow Community Hospital, treated and released.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping up into Yard Tractor and felt a pop on Achilles behind his ankle.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee cut his left hand with a box cutter trying to repair a belt.

Contact with heat

While working with demolition crew EE suddenly became ill and fatigued to where he could no longer perform his duties.

Struck against stationary object

While sweeping floor, employee's hand contacted a metal plate mounted to wall causing laceration to right pinky finger.

2011 · 8 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The worker was cutting a piece of stainless steel plate with a metabo grinder. The grinder became bound up and kicked back, cutting the workers thumb.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While shoveling material around a rotex, employee picked up a shovel, twisted and immediately felt his back ""pop"". He felt pain in lower back and down both legs.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was exiting passenger side of a pickup truck. As he stepped out of the pickup truck - placed his right foot on the ground and stepped onto powdery material that was covering some smaller rocks, resulting in right knee injury.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Driver, of Dry Lake Trucking, was transferring trailer box into truck box for dumping, when he reached into a known pinch point between truck and trailer hooks to reposition tailgate hook that was not in the right position. With the trailer box in forward motion, he failed to stop the box thus smashing 3 fingers on his left hand (middle, ring and pinkie).

Fall down stairs

Employee was descending stairs at secondary crusher. Investigation and witness statements indicate that the injured employee experienced an episode of a personal medical condition, and fell down the final set of stairs from app. the 9th step up from the bottom. Facial injuries resulted from fall. Letter dated 4-20-11 being submitted to provide more information to this report.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 4-14-11 an employee received Rx antibiotics for an infection of a cut to left thumb. Original injury occurred on 4-8-11. At that time medical treatment was not administered. On 4-8-11 the employee was unloading a pipe from a storage rack. While employee tried to move the pipe, left thumb was pinched between the 2 bars.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was closing the doors on a container above his head and felt a sharp pain in his lower abdomen. After visiting the doctor, it was determined that he aggravated a hernia that was not properly repaired. Employee had surgery to repair the hernia on 3/01/2011 and is scheduled to return 4/01/2011.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While utilizing overhead shop crane to assist hoisting of cutting edges of a blade, the lifting strap became tight, the weld on the nut failed and the strap recoiled under tension and the hardware struck the palm of his left hand which was holding the strap. Mechanic received a laceration to palm of left hand.

2010 · 8 incidents

Struck by powered moving object

Employee was stowing personal effects into the trunk of his personal vehicle in the employee parking lot after he had completed his shift. Another employee (who had also just completed his shift) started his personal vehicle, and his foot slipped off the clutch and his truck lurched forward hitting the injured employee.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee passed away on site at 11:34 a.m. on 06/13/2010. Cause of death appears to be due to a personal medical problem.

Accident type, without injuries

Craftsmen were sent to add oil to #6 compressor at the air barn. Upon completion of service craftmen removed their locks and put the compressor back on line. Craftsmen were outside of the building when they heard a loud bang and then saw smoke coming from the air barn building. Supervisor and main gate guards notified and dispatched internal and external emergency services.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a 3/4 inch impact wrench with a swivel to break bolts loose. The socket came off of the bolt and the universal swivel hit the tip of his left little finger.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

While lifting a bag-lift table onto a floor mat the lifting table opened up resulting in a pinched right index finger. The employee was sent to a hand surgeon for medical treatment.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Employee working on a portable Perry scaffold, steppped off the side of the platform between the platform and the wall resulting in a 4 foot 5 inch fall to the concrete floor. He landed on his right side dislocating his right shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS GOING UP THE STAIRS AT 23& 4 ELECTRIC SHOP, WHEN HIS RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED CAUSING HIS LEFT FOOT & KNEE TO TWIST. THE EMPLOYEE WAS TAKEN TO THE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH FOR EVALUATION AND WAS TRANSFERED TO HIGH DESSERT MEDICAL FACILITY FOR FURTHER EVALUATION.

Fall onto or against objects

Contractor employee was descending 3 stairs of a converter filter area and stepped on a hose he was using causing him to trip and fall forward and hit his face on the handrail, resulting in a laceration to his lower lip that required stitches.

2009 · 9 incidents

Fall down stairs

An operator slipped when descending stairs, and as his right foot slipped it caused his left leg to enter the handrail. After his left leg went through the handrail, it caused him to spin around and fall the remaining 3 steps hitting the ground, landing on his back. Operator got up and felt a strain in his left knee.

Struck against a moving object

Employee alleges while he was driving his haul truck, he leaned forward to adjust his seat and the truck hit a pot hole causing truck to ""buck"" causing him to strike his mouth on the steering wheel chipping his front tooth.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was filling 25 kg bags via a spout and then stackig those bags on a pallet and felt strained muscle in left arm.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee carrying a filter in right hand. Using his left hand he grabbed the frame of the emergency exit door to close it. Failing to remove his hand quick enough, he caught his finger between the door frame and the fam causing a laceration that needed off-site treatment.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was drilling hole on corrugated steel wall at the Pilot Plant while on a ladder. A hole saw bit was being used on a battery drill (cordless). It must have caught the edge of the corrugated steel and kicked back cutting his finger with the saw blade.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee hammering on the 625 crusher segment which knocked loose a piece of chipped segment and struck employees hand. The piece struck his glove. Blood then came out of his glove. He took off his glove and noticed a gash on his hand.

Fall down stairs

At approximately 7 p.m. employee was descending stairs at plant 1 screen deck on his way to the elevator. Employee slipped while descending stairs and fell on his backside. Employee was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Under further investigation.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was taking sample. Sample point was plugged. Employee used sledge hammer to rap at sample point to unplug but was unsuccessful. Employee turned hammer over and used handle to push through the plug, handle went through into screw flight. Employees left index finger became pinched between hammer handle and sample housing.

Fall down stairs

Employee reporting for duty collasped and fell down 7 stairs bumping head on grating. Employee was unconscious for 5-10 minutes. Medical assistance was administered and employee transported to medical facility. Cause of incident was determined to be personal medical condition and not a factor of the workplace.

2008 · 8 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

At about 2 pm on August 21st, 1st Class Mechanic reported a loss of strength in his right bicep as he was lowering a ~40lb air filter access panel while working on a loader in the Truck Shop.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Opening elevator door and his left hand was caught between the door and frame.

Fall down stairs

Employee was carrying lunch and handbag up stairs when her soda dropped and she turned resulting in her losing balance and falling.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee experienced a hearing threshold shift of 25dB.

Struck against stationary object

An employee grabbed the edge of a screw conveyor to turn it during re-assembly and cut his hand.

Struck by falling object

According to employee statement: while conducting repair work a piece of angle iron suspended between two I-beams fell. The come-along handle struck the employee first followed by the angle iron. The angle iron struck the employee in the neck shoulder region.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Following fitting a motor the individual was lowering the motor onto a pallet, when the eyebolt securing the motor to the lift, pinched the employees finger. The employees finger was in the position to be pinched, because he was moving the motor wiring out of the way to prevent it from being damaged.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee diagnosed with bi-lateral hearing loss greater than or equal to 25 decibels of audiometric zero.

2007 · 10 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An auger tube was plugged, the individual was in the act of trying to unplug the tube with a stick. He used his left index finger to attempt to remove the material, when the motor was activated. This resulted in an cut avulsion to the left index finger requiring 3 stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Crusher operator was walking around the 988 loader to look at changing cable reeler and bucket when his ankle popped.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was diagnosed with a hearing loss 25 db at 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 hz from baseline in right ear.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE diagnosed with hearing loss>25DB at 2.000 and 3000 &4000 hz from base line in right ear.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanic was attempting to remove a keeper pin on the bucket of a backhoe. He was holding a punch with his left hand, and hit his hand with a 2 lb sledge hammer on the knuckle of his index finger resulting in a laceration. The wound required sutures.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was sharpening the tip of a 12"" section of TIG welding rod on a bench grinder. He had bent the trailing end of the rod into a loop. As he advanced the rod across the tool rest the tip was caught by the wheel. The employee jerked his hand back and lacerated his finger on the trailing end of the rod.

Struck by falling object

Employee was assisting in the removal of a 3'x12' screw conveyor housing. The housing was placed on a 4'x4' wheeled dolley. As the housing was removed from the work area it rolled off of the dolly and struck the employee's right foot.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss. >25 db at 2000, 3000 & 4000 from baseline.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

2 Millwrights were tasked with changing a v-belt connection between a hydraulic trolley and a sluicing rod on a strong liquor polishing filter. While dismantling the hardware, the sluicing rod dislodged from the polishing filter striking the millwright in the face. The employee was knocked to the ground.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was accessing valve at plant 1 acid storage containment area when he slipped in mud resulting in a twisted ankle. The employee was diagnosed with a fracture to the right fibula.

2006 · 11 incidents

Fall down stairs

There is a single step outside the Safety department building. When employee exited the building she lost her footing on step, twisting ankle and fell to ground. Fracture right fibula.

Struck by flying object

Employee states that he was tapping a 5/16"" hole when to his left another employee's drill bit broke and a piece hit him in the tooth.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee complaints of pain and numbness to both shoulders and hands from opening and closing tight valves. Coninuous trauma illness to l & r shoulder resulting in rotator cuff terars-Surgical repairs.

Struck against stationary object

Employee states while testing air conditioning unit on water truck be removed the control unit venting cover and his hand slipped onto the blower motor when he was replacing the cover. Open fracture right ring finger.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee states that while cleaning out day bins in BAP he slipped on the cement causing him to fall. Also states borax on top of cement made it slippery. Medication, scheduled for surgical repair.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee states while cutting suspension bolts under a truck with a torch, he then slid from underneath the truck and the torch accidently slipped underneath his welders glove burning his arm. (left forearm) 2nd deg burns.Medications used.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hammer and chisel punch to remove a bolt. While hitting the chisel punch it slipped and he got his finger caught between chisel and bolt. Stitches to right index finger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE states that he was drilling a hole to hang 2 cabinets when the drill got caught up and spun around hitting his right index finger. This resulted in a laceration to his finger. Stitches to R Index finger .

Struck by falling object

The employee had placed his right hand on the bed of a hydro-crane, while pulling a sling out from under a 4"" stainless steel pipe with his left hand. When he pulled the sling loose, a piece of pipe that was stacked on the lower one came loose, falling about 4"" onto the employee's right hand. The tip of the employee's right ring finger was smashed with minor bone loss.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states he was attempting to close intake valve when his hand slipped and metal valve came back and hit him in mouth. Gloves were wet at the time.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states while striking a wheel stud with a tire hammer, the head of the hammer came off and hit him in the mouth.

2005 · 17 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee states he was opening and closing a block valve when he felt a pop in his right shoulder.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS TURNING TO COME DOWN FROM UPPER LANDING WHEN HE PARTIALLY MISSED EDGE OF PLATFORM WITH LEFT FOOT AND THEN TWISTED ANKLE. FOLLOW-UP MD EVALUATION SHOWED LATERAL SPRAIN TO LEFT ANKLE REQURING PHYSIOTHERAPY.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS CUTTING OFF A FITTING ON A GUZZLER HOSE WITH HIS KNIFE WHEN HE LEANED ON THE LOCKING MECHANISM & THE KNIFE FOLDED DOWN CUTTING HIS THUMB. STITCHES TO HIS RT. THUMB.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee with noise induced hearing loss.

Contact with hot objects or substances

BAP OPERATOR CONTACTED HOT LIQUOR WHEN THE SUMP PUMP GRATING HE STEPPED ON FAILED. HE SUSTAINED BURNS 2ND/3RD DEGREE TO LEGS, FEET, ARMS AND BACK

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was torch cutting grating at ground level. The during the operation the grating swung and struck the employee on the right forearm causing a laceration. The depth of the laceration affected the tendons and had to be repaired via surgery.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS SLIDING TWO 8' STRUTS BETWEEN ROOF AND I-BEAM. WHEN STRUTS CAME OFF WALL HIS FINGER WAS SMASHED BETWEEN TWO STRUTS. REQUIRED STITCHES.

Struck by flying object

Millwright states he was using an impact wrench when the socket flew off hitting him in the mouth causing broken tooth. Reportable - fx tooth.

Contact with hot objects or substances

WATER FROM THE STORAGE TANK OVERFLOWED SPILLING ONTO THE UPPER BACK OF EMPLOYEE. OVERFLOW WAS CAUSED BY THE BACK PRESSURE FROM THE HOSE USED TO FILL THE UNIT HEATER. AIR IN THE LINE ALONG WITH WATER PUSHED BACK CAUSING THE TANK TO BUBBLE OVER

Contact with heat

Employee felt weak, dizzy, nausea and vomiting. Transported to ER, treated for heat exhaustion and told to stay off work for 2 days.

Rubbed or abraded

Ee states that while operating dozer. he felt his right eye become irrirated and began rubbering it follow up evalication by MD-corneal abrasion-required prescription pain mediciation.

Accident type, without injuries

The fire occurred at the remote scrap metal salvage yard and involved two reels of oil impregnated wire rope that were being cut up for scrap by FMK (ID H142). The incident occurred after the shift ended. The fire was extinguished by the local FD ~45 minutes after notification. The salvage yard is remote from the operating site, structures and operator work stations.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using a speed wrench to line holes up to put in bolts when wrench slipped hitting employee in the lip.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE STATES HE WAS USING A RETRACTABLE KNIFE WHEN THE BLADE BECAME STUCK. EE WAS PUSHING THE BLADE TO TRY TO RELEASE IT WHEN HE PUSHED HIS FINGER INTO THE BLADE.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A field service tech, was adjusting the wood cribbing thus placing his left thumb in a pinch point. Injured's thumb recieved several stiches as medical treatment. Injured returned to his work duties. Crew conducted safety standdown. Incident was investigated by SWPC corporate EHS. Root cause analysis will be reported to SWPC management.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee states he was closing doors on Plant 9 elevator when his hand got caught between the doors crushing his hand.

Flash burns (electric)

Employee was working on shovel 7 when 480 volt line became energized causing burns.

2004 · 20 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states that while working on flanges in tireshop he bumped the edge of one flange, causing fingers to become pinched.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported by telephone call on 9/21/04 that he had low back pain from changing roll on packers in shipping dept. Alleged injury - under investigation, late reporting.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee pushed a line gasket with his R-foot when hot water spilled onto top of boot causing burn to foot.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Ee was removing a pin from a rig when the chain attached to the pin caused the pin to swing down and strike the ee in the mouth.

Fall from machine

Employee states he was climbing ladder of skip loader when his foot slipped on the top step causing him to fall to the ground.

Struck by flying object

EE STATES HE FELT A FOREIGN OBJECT IN HIS LEFT EYE WHILE WALKING IN BORIC ACID PLANT. PARTICLE REMOVED (WITH Q-TIP) FROM UPPER LID BY PHYSICIAN. USE OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE STATES THAT WHEN STEPPING DOWN FROM S-1 (SAFETY ONE) TRUCK SHE STEPPED ONTO UNEVEN GROUND, CAUSING RIGHT KNEE TO TWIST.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE STATES HE SAT IN A CHAIR IN THE MINE LUNCHROOM THAT HE DIDN'T REALIZE WAS BROKEN AND FELL OVER BACKWARDS HURTING HIS BACK.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE CLAIM OF GANGLION CYST CAUSED FROM REPETITIVE MOTION AT WORK.

Struck against a moving object

HAUL TRK DRIVER-BACK HAUL TRK TO SHOVEL FOR STAGING-TOO CLOSE--CAUSING CONTACT WITH SHOVEL. EE ALLEGED BACK PAIN- ONSET NEXT DAY FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY ACTION. INCIDENT UNDER INVESTIGATION PLEASE SEE ATTACHED.

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE BOX OF TOILET SEAT COVERS IN DISPENSER WHEN SHARP METAL EDGE OF DISPENSER CUT HER FINGER.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS GRINDING METAL WITH GRINDER WHEN IT KICKED BACK AND HIT THE BACK OF HIS RIGHT HAND CAUSING LACERATION.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was breaking up clumps of product on conveyer belt with pry bar when pry bar hit EE in the chin.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS UNLOADING CHAINLINK FENCE FROM GROUND LEVEL AND PULLING FENCE TOWARDS HIM OFF TRUCK BED. WHEN FENCE CAME OFF TRUCK IT STRUCK HIM IN CHEST, LEAVING CUTS. EE REQUIRED FOUR STITCHES. EE TOOK ONE DAY OFF DUE TO SORENESS.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE REACHED INTO DUST COLLECTOR THAT WAS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY WHEN HIS FINGER GOT CAUGHT.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE CLAIM OF BILATERAL CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME RELATED TO REPETITIVE MOTION AT WORK.

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE MISSED HIS FOOTING STEPPING DOWN ONTO GRATING CAUSING FALL.

Contact with hot objects or substances

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS ARC WELDING WHEN A PIECE OF HOT SLAG FLEW ONTO HIS NECK CAUSING 2ND DEGREE BURNS.

Contact with hot objects or substances

CONTACT WAS MADE WITH R FOREARM AGAINST HOT STEAM VALVE.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE STATES HE WAS MOVING CART WITH PIPE THREADING MACHINE ON IT WHEN HIS R-PINKIE FINGER GOT SMASHED BETWEEN CART HANDLE AND A POLE.

2003 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

EMPLOYEE WAS ASSISTING ANOTHER MECHANIC TO INSTALL ""BUSHING"" WHEN BUSHING FELL ONTO HIS R-PINKY FINGER CAUSING SMALL LACERATION THAT REQUIRED STITCHES.