Mining Incidents

Imerys Lompoc PlantMetal/Nonmetal

Controlled by Imerys S A
Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0402848
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
200
Years on record
2004–2026
Latest incident
Jan 2026
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

200 on file

2026 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

Were replacing a bad sprocket following troubleshooting of a gearbox. Removed the 4 bolts from the mounting plate, chain slipped and motor & gearbox fell. The falling equipment impacted the IW left pinky finger, requiring stitches, antibiotics and light duty.

2024 · 3 incidents

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Lab technician was sitting, entering data at a computer in the lab, when they received a spider bite to their lower right back. Bite developed a bad skin reaction consisting or redness, blistering, itching & pain.

Struck against a moving object

Vacuum Truck was being driven around a corner when the truck tipped over, landing on its passenger side in & against a berm. Resulted in a broken tibia and fibula in left leg.

Fall from machine

Miner was completing pre-start inspection and as miner climbed up to the cab miner's hand slipped off of the hand hold and miner fell approximately 2' to the ground.

2023 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning a screw as part of janitor cleaning task they tried to clean it thoroughly and used their hand to clean further and they cut the tip of their middle finger, left hand they then went to foreman and they provided first aid and as bleeding continued, employee was then taken to emergency room.

2022 · 4 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

employee was sealing a product bag with the a heat seal when their right finger tip made contact with the heated surface, burning their right finger tip.

Flash burns (electric)

Worker was turning on a VFD. When the electrician engaged the switch EE saw a flash and heard a loud bang. The breaker worked and arc was inside cabinet. Previously during a maintenance work a panel was installed with a self taping screw that punctured a cord. When the system was energized it went to ground and caused and arc inside the cabinet.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

On 4/12/2022 an employee was walking around the corner of a bench in the lab and they didn't see a rug that was on the ground. The employee tripped and fell, and landed on their arm. on 4/15/2022 the employee wanted to be examined by a PLHCP and the employee was placed on restricted duty.

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

employee got their finger caught between a wheel and a wheel chock causing a laceration on the middle finger of the right hand.

2021 · 3 incidents

Fall from machine

Condensation on driver side step

Struck against a moving object

Employee was riding as a passenger in a Polaris Ranger UTV. The UTV tipped over onto it's right side hitting the ground; jarring the passenger which caused a right shoulder dislocation. On May 21st employee was seen by a physician and modified work duties were prescribed. Employee remains on modified work duties.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Contracted employee tripped on a piece of metal in the fabrication shop as they were stepping away from a push cart, where they were inspecting some test/instructional welds. When the individual fell they landed on their hip resulting in a fracture of the hip.

2020 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While employee was handling 33lb bags of product, employee felt soreness/pain in back from repetitive handling of bags.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The injured EE was adjusting the width of the forks on the fork truck. EE reported feeling discomfort in EE's lower back. After self-care didn't improve the situation EE was advised to restrict EE's movements and weight bearing capacity.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was climbing off of the electrical bucket truck when they made the transition from the access ladder to the ground the employee reported that they twisted their ankle. The employee received care at our local clinic and we were able to accommodate the work restrictions

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While employee was picking up the 50 lbs bags off the floor to stack them on the pallet the employee complained of pain at the back of shoulder. The employee was diagnosed with a muscle strain and have a restriction of a 20 lbs lifting capacity.

2019 · 4 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Operator was moving a load of D.E. when they slid on a haulroad and the truck impacted a berm. The operator was jostled in the cab and received first aid injuries. The operator was re-seen by the PLHCP and upon the operator request the PLHCP placed restrictions on them (date seen by PLHCP: 11/12/2019). Operator is on restricted work currently.

Fall onto or against objects

I.W. sat down on the Rippers of the Case Loader during EE's conversation with another emp. The loader rippers hydraulic pressure was suddenly released and the rippers dropped to the floor while the I.W. was sitting on them. This caused the I.W. to fall backwards into the scraper box. The I.W.'s lower back hit against the scraper box resulting in fracture to the L1 & L2 vertebrae.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting bags of off spec material into a dumpster and felt a pop in the neck. EE's neck started to get stiff and the pain started to increase. EE contacted the supervisor, went to the clinic, and was diagnosed with a cervical strain. EE was placed on restricted duty for 10 days with a potential to be released to full duty after a follow-up visit.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee complained of having pain in elbow due to repetitive motion while performing the task of shoveling material into a kiln feed hopper. This was counted as a first aid until June 5th when the employee reported that the pain didn't decrease. The PLHCP placed the worker on restricted duty, gave the employee a sling to wear to restrict movement.

2018 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was entering an overseas container to prepare to load with product. The loading dock plate did not extend properly. EE lifted the loading plate flap with hand to reposition the load plate and sustained a sprain to the right wrist.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Kinyon employee performing work on 5th level deck of the 7 system stepped backwards falling through the Humphrey Manlift deck opening, falling approx. 11ft to the deck below.

Struck by falling object

EE was removing damaged bags of finished product from the 2AP conveyor. EE stepped backward while holding a 50# in hands. EE tripped and fell to the floor and the bag landed on right shoulder. Note - EE shift started at 6P on 12/31/2017.

2017 · 3 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

The lime slurry system plugged up. Employee shut the system down and performed lock out procedure. When employee opened the slurry line, hot slurry came in contact with both wrists above the glove cuff.

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

EE was using the SteelWeld Shear to cut metal pieces to make a machine guard. When EE activated the foot pedal on the machine, EE's hand was in position under the clamp to hold the metal. EE's right middle finger was caught between the hydraulic piston that holds the metal being cut on the SteelWeld Shear work table.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking to the office and tripped on the steps leading to the main office entry. EE fell and landed on left knee. The case became reportable on Monday, January 30, 2017 when EE was assigned modified work duties.

2016 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE felt knee pop after operating the front end loader and walking around.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hammer and chisel to drive a counter weight off a motor shaft. When striking the chisel with the hammer, the hammer slipped off the chisel and struck employee's left thumb.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE adjusted an out of position 50# bag of finished product on the 2AP slip plate area. When stepping down from the slip plates, approximately 30"" to the floor, EE twisted left knee.

Accident type, without injuries

EE was moving Caterpillar Dozer #8177 heading South near F4 South Pond when EE heard a pop. EE exited the cabin and noticed smoke coming from the battery compartment. EE called for assistance and attempted to extinguish the fire. The local fire department was called and the fire was out when they arrived on scene. MSHA hotline was called at 3:17 pm.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was packing 50# bags of finished product at the Haver system. The bags were filled with light density material so EE pushed on the bags to help them convey to the palletizer. EE felt right shoulder soreness at the end of EE's shift. EE was seen by a doctor on 03/19/16 and placed on modified duties.

Struck against stationary object

EE was removing 50# bags of finished product that had become jammed on the belt conveyor line of 4AP. The equipment was locked out. EE reached over the incline to clear bags when EE caught EE's right forearm on a piece of expanded metal. The contact resulted in a laceration that required sutures.

2015 · 3 incidents

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a fork lift and turned to look behind when he moved the truck in reverse. While still seated in the lift truck, he turned around to look forward when he felt a sharp pain in the low back.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating Guzzler truck #8757. EE was driving on a recently watered road surface. When the truck travelled from the wet road to a dry road, the truck fish tailed. EE lost control and the truck fell onto it's side. EE initially refused medical care. The case became reportable when EE requested medical care and was seen by a doctor on 5/7/15.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was clearing fifty pound bags of product from the conveyor line. The bags had become 'jammed' on the #2 AP packer conveyor line. When moving a bag, employee fell forward and struck his head on an I Beam support. The force of the contact caused a neck sprain.

2014 · 9 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing an eleven inch diameter rotary seal valve. While pushing on the valve to position it into place, employee felt a pop and pull in his right ankle. Employee was seen by a physician and diagnosed with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee complained of low back pain. Employee felt the back pain was due to repeated bending and lifting of bulk hoses during the previous day of work as a Bulk Operator.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

After dismounting an A-Frame ladder, employee stepped back and tripped on a pallet of empty production bags. Employee fell backwards and his right elbow struck the concrete floor.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

EE was climbing a portable platform to access the Haver packing deck (approx. 40"" high) when he lost grip, slipped and fell backward. The fall caused sprains and strains to ee hands and left leg and foot.

Struck against a moving object

EE was riding #6 dry man lift (vertical belt conveyor) to 6PL sample port when the man lift jerked due to a vacuum hose temporarily caught between a man lift platform and the floor opening. The injury became reportable on July 17, 2014 when EE was placed on modified work duties by the treating physician.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking out of the Powder Mill lunch room. When he stepped down from the porch, he felt a sharp pain in his left lower back.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was removing a flexible conduit connection to make a repair. While using a pipe wrench to turn a fitting, the wrench slipped and his right little finger struck the conveyor frame next to the electrical fitting. The tip end of the right little finger was fractured.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

After shoveling spillage at the ground of the crushing and screening plant, employee was walking up to his front end loader when he felt back pain.

Accident type, without injuries

At approximately 1:45 pm on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 a brush fire was reported at the Lompoc Mine. The brush fire occurred in a vegetated part of the property, but not in an active working area of the mine. The origin of the fire is still under investigation. The facility was evacuated safely and no persons were injured and no structures damaged as a result of the fire.

2013 · 10 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was checking the hose connection for location PP113. EE stepped onto a five inch diameter bulk hose and twisted his ankle.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was attempting to connect a short section of flexible four inch bulk hose to a rail car. The hose section was short which made it less flexible. When ee attempted to bend the hose into the connecting fitting, the hose recoiled causing ee to fall to the same level (ground).

Accident type, without injuries

The Hitachi Excavator (EX1100) Operator observed a fire in the engine compartment. The operator climbed out of the vehicle, maintaining a safe distance from the fire. A 9-1-1 call was made and MSHA was notified by phone. The County and City Fire Engines arrived and extinguished the fire within approximately fifty minutes from when it started.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Lift Truck Operator, EE, was loading a truck with pallets of finished product. Seven foot by two foot 2x4 wood braces, weighing about thirty pounds each, are used to stabilize the load. EE picked up two braces at once. When EE rotated while moving the braces, he felt a pain in his groin.

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

Employee was bench testing a reactor 'G' valve to find out if it had proper clearances around the seating area. He was using a sheet of paper held over the valve seat while the valve plunger was open. When the valve was closed to test the seat, it caught his left index finger causing a laceration and fracture at the tip of the finger.

Struck by falling object

Employee was working on his back under the 2 A/P split plates. As he rolled over, material on his jacket sleeve fell into his right eye.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

employee was closing the door from his truck when he dislocated his shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was on top of a rail car making a connection with a bulk material line. Employee was squatting and had the bulk line in the right arm and was pushing with her left hand/arm to make the connection. When she ""rolled"" forward to make the connection, she felt her back ""pop"".

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting straps off of a roll of plastic wrap. EE bent over and cut the strap pulling the box cutter toward his leg. When the strap separated, the knife blade was pulled into his leg.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was packing a standard product in bags at 4AP when a bag corner failed allowing material to spray out onto the operator including his face and in his eyes. Employee was prescribed antibiotic ointment as a precaution.

2012 · 10 incidents

Fall from machine

Employee stepped up approx. 10"" onto the take-up bolt for the feed belt. When he lifted his other foot off the ground to climb up onto the belt, the foot on the bolt slipped and he fell backward onto the ground, striking his right arm. No immediate injury noticed, but when medically evaluated, a bone chip to the right forearm was discovered.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Was using a torch to cut off rusted bolts on the spinner blades in the Williams Mill.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was setting down a worn discharge tube when it slipped through his hands to the floor. His left hand middle finger was caught by the worn edge and cut.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling a bulk product hose from one point to another in an effort to make a connection when he felt something in his back ""pop"". Employee was taken to the hospital for medical care

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was vacuuming out a waste bin with a line pump. The material in the bin sloughed down and the bin emptied rapidly, with some material coming out of the line opening. The material dusted the EE and got into his eyes. EE was transported to the hospital for medical attention

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The EE was leaving the control room when he stepped off a 5"" concrete step onto the ground. His foot came to rest partially on the ground and partially on a metal grate walkway. His foot rolled to the left, injuring his left ankle. The EE complained of pain and was transported to the hospital

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using a 7"" Buffer on a stainless Vessel when the buffer jerked forward pulling his right elbow.

Fall from machine

EE was exiting the truck facing out when he tripped and fell to the ground, striking his right hand. EE declined medical attention at the time but later in the shift requested evaluation. Medical evaluation showed sprain to right wrist and thumb.

Struck against stationary object

EE was removing a piece of metal caught between a conveyor belt and a bin chute. He was using a pry bar to pull the piece out when the bar slipped and his left hand came into contact with the edge of the metal. His left little finger was fractured and both little finger and ring finger were cut. Little finger required 5 stitches, ring finger required 4 stitches.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting a hose using a box cutter. The blade was not long enough to go all the way through the hose so the EE flipped the hose over to cut on the other side. When the box cutter cut through the hose, the blade slipped free, contacting his left second finger and cutting it

2011 · 9 incidents

Struck against stationary object

EE was reaching over an area guard trying to grab empty bags off the conveyor, following his attempt to remove the guard. The guard shifted when he leaned on it causing him to impact his right side against the top of the guard. He complained of pain in his right side to his supervisor

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was pushing a filled #50 bag of material onto a conveyor when he felt pain in his right shoulder. EE declined medical attention at the time of the incident. EE came back to work after time off on regular shift change and reported shoulder pain. Medical appt was made for employee for 11/29/2011. EE was put on light duty on 12/02/2011 following a return doctor visit

Struck by falling object

A piece of steel fell from the turning kiln while the employee was standing beside it.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was conducting a pre-shift inspection of a lugger truck when he found paper bags caught under a hook. Employee was pulling the bags loose when he felt a sharp pain in his left ring finger.

Struck by falling object

Employee was inspecting liquid level in tank and had tank lid open. The lid fell on the employee's left foot mashing the top. Employee has broken bones in left foot.

Fall from machine

Employee had exited the cab of his haul truck and had transferred to the access ladder when he apparently lost his grip on the ladder and mis-stepped on the ladder causing him to fall to the ground. The employee hit the ground upright with both feet. His left knee twisted out at the time of the fall.

Struck by flying object

Employee was assisting with the closing of a kiln hood, using a come-along and a wire rope choker. While working the come-along, the wire rope choker snapped under tension. The choker flew back and struck the employee in the right knee.

Struck by flying object

Employee was inspecting a plugged discharge line which was creating a dusty work place. Wind picked up dust and blew it into the employees face, around his safety glasses and into his left eye. Initial irritation did not subside so medical attention was sought.

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

EE was closing the cover of a screw conveyor when the ring finger on his left hand was caught between the cover and the housing, crushing the tip of the finger. The skin was broken.

2010 · 11 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was moving a wooden pallet used to stack and move bags of finished product. The pallets weigh approximately thirty pounds each. He lifted a pallet to put it on top of another pallet when he felt discomfort in his left elbow.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

After shoveling spillage from the crude conveyor area,EE felt pain in his right shoulder.

Struck against stationary object

EE was changing out the cutting blade on the Shipping film applicator. When making final adjustments, EE noticed some film was stuck on the edge of the blade. EE tried to pull the film off the blade when his left index finger came in contact with the blade.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was climbing down the vertical ladder of a bulk rail car. EE placed his left foot on the ground when his right foot slipped off the hitch pin rod. EE let go off the hand bar and put all of his weight on his left ankle, causing his ankle to twist.

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

Employee was adjusting the forks on a Champ Lift Truck so he could move a large tank. When pushing on the left fork with his left hand, the fork moved freely and he lost grip, catching his left index finger between the fork and the mast of the truck.

Struck by flying object

While walking in the plant near the 6 kiln cooler box, employee felt something go into his eye. EE was sent for treatment and received prescription medication for the eye.

Struck against stationary object

EE was removing a bag from the conveyor when he made contact with a nearby guard that had a sharp point. EE received a cut on his right forearm that required 3 sutures to close.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE had just finished replacing a bulk line. As he stood up and walked away from the job, he felt numbness in his right leg and foot. Diagnosis was sciatica.

Struck against a moving object

EE was driving a Genie Lift around a corner. As he pressed the lever to move forward, he pushed too hard and the lift basket jerked, causing ee to jerk front then back. His foot was in the foot-button device, and the jerk backwards strained his ankle. EE was initially on modified duty but then was placed off work on 2/11/10.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Workers were repairing a broken water line. They were saw cutting a water main. The employee was pouring water from the bucket to irrigate the saw blade, when the saw got stuck and kicked back at his face.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was taking down 4"" schedule 40 pipe & it slipped injuring employee's thumb. Employee needed minor/outpatient surgery to set broken thumb.

2009 · 9 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cleaning up from replacing a hose clamp. As he put the hose clamp into the truck, a burr on the clamp caused a laceration to the left palm, requiring 5 stitches. This report was submitted online on 1/4/10 at 3:30pmPST but did not go through. MSHA help desk was informed and this is the second attempt.

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

EE was removing bolts to an inspection door cover. As he removed the last bolt, the cover swung down and pinched his left hand between the cover and the lift. Neither ee nor his assistant had secured the cover while removing the bolts. EE received ""boxer's fracture"" to left hand.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was standing near the junction of a bulk hose that had just been repaired, checking for leaks. The hose connection broke and the end struck the ee in the knees, causing a bruise. EE placed himself in the line of fire.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was walking to an area to determine the source of a water leak when he slipped and fell to the ground, injuring his wrist.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating a forklift to load a tractor/trailer container with product when the spring loaded dock plate came up out of position. He backed out of the container, he did not look in the direction of travel and hit the dock plate. Rushing and eyes not on task. Forklift and dock plate sustained minor damage.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

As EE was exiting the vacuum truck, he stepped down and felt pain in his right calf and ankle.

Struck against stationary object

EE was performing a routine maintenance inspection of the administration building back up generator. While stepping away from the generator, he stepped onto the large cable and felt a pain/pop in his left calf muscle.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was turning to place a bag on the conveyor, when he felt a pull in his front lower right abdomenal area.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

During the installation of belts onto a belt roller, ee pulled on the belt and felt a pop in his back, causing pain.

2008 · 30 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EE is a forklift driver. He complained of lower back and leg pain and said it had been occuring all week but was worse at the end of shift. He was seen and returned to work. More pain occurred on 11/13 and he was placed on work restrictions on 11/14.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE walked on rollers to unjam a broken bag when her foot slipped, causing a roller to pop out and her leg to fall in the hole. She received bruising to her right thigh.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

packing up tools and got dizzy and fell

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was moving 50lb bags of product when he felt a strain in his lower back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was removing a bag from the packer when the bag felt slightly stuck. He pulled harder and felt a pop/snap in his abdomen and then felt pain.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE bent over to pick up a misfed empty bag and felt his back tighten up. EE has had back surgery in the past.

Accident type, without injuries

Material fell from roof of Tunnel A, near 14 glory hole. Tunnel is a retrieval operation. Discovered at 11:30am, time of fall is unknown.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was throwing bags of waste into a large tote when he felt pain in his right elbow.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was breaking loose a bolt, the bolt came loose and he smashed his knuckles and hand.

Struck by falling object

Blower liner came loose off cable and fell on finger.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Stripping insulation from electrical wire, slipped cutting hand. Reuqired seven stitches.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Two employees were attempting to move a scale using a forklift and by hand and one of the employees put his hand in a pinch point area and injured his finger.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While lifting relay switch into position with right hand, employee placed left hand in a pinch point and pinched off the top of pinky finger on left hand.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was stacking bags onto pallets while waiting for the conveyor to be fixed. He felt back pain upon awakening the next morning (about 6:30am 6/13/08) EE reported injury to his supervisor at the start of the shift.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was reassigned to bulk operations on 6/9. He said his knees were sore on 6/12. On 6/16, he was sent back to his normal duties. On 6/23, he stated that his knees were not healing and that he could not perform the climbing that bulk operations require. He was sent for medical attention on 6/23 and became reportable on 6/24.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Ee was stepping down from one level to another when he stepped onto a loose pipe. The pipe rolled and he twisted his ankle and fell down.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was descending a vertical ladder attached to a haul truck that he had been servicing. Upon descent, his knee gave out and he landed hard, twisting his ankle.

Fall down stairs

Employee was walking away from job just performed when he failed to notice a step down. He stepped down hard on his knee, causing a strain.

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

Large Truck 6 wheeler backing up. Brakes skipped due to low pressure (air brakes) and could not stop in time and hit employee.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that while shaking socks, employee slipped and caught himself on railing, injuring his back and knee. Cause was undetermined until 3/17/08, at which time this became a reportable injury.

Struck by falling object

Employee stated that a sock fell on him but that he didn't feel any pain. He stated on 3/6/08 at 8pm that he had suffered an injury the prior day. Employee was considered a reportable injury on 3/12/08 after an investigation and medical evaluations.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was jammed pulling bags out of the back wash and while stepping on a conveyor belt felt a pain in her right foot.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While pulling on a bar to manually unlock the belly dump doors, employee felt a pop in left shoulder and pain radiated down his arm to fingers.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting guard in order to place belts in guard. He states that he stood up and that his back hurt when he stood up - pain in lower back.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee slipped while stepping on a piece of particle board that someone had placed in the area, injuring his right shoulder and fingers on his right hand.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stated he slipped and fell while washing slurry from the slab at Central Waste.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was exiting the manlift on the bottom floor when he mis-stepped onto the wooden step and twisted his ankle.

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

Employee was adjusting forks on the forklift. The pin was not secured and the mast fell on him.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee stated that he was welding in an awkward position for a long period of time.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was stacking 50# bags of product in the presswell when he felt a spasm in his upper back. He finished the work period, went to break, then went back to work to finish loading the pallet. He then notified his supervisor of the pain at approximately 10:55 am.

2007 · 31 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Loading 40# bags of product onto a conveyor belt when he felt a pop in lower back.

Struck by falling object

Employee was looking up into the glory hole, from below, to determine why it was plugged. A small amount of crude fell down in between the employee's safety glasses and his face, and scratched his left eye.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pushing a pallet that had become stuck on the rollers when he felt a pain in his lower back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing a bag of product on the conveyor belt when he felt a pain in his right wrist.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling product during normal housekeeping duties. He lifted the shovel and twisted and felt a pain in his back.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was attempting to move a rock off the belt when he cut his hand. Employee was not wearing gloves.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was hooking a clamp to a hose when steam released, causing a second degree burn to the wrist.

Struck against stationary object

Employee hit shin on a stair while walking down the stairs. Employee notified employer but declined medical treatment. Employee then saught medical treatment on 10/22/07.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Attempting to connect one bulk line to another and felt a pull/straining sensation in the right shoulder. Employee reported the accident and was sent for medical treatment. Employee left treatment center before being seen. Returned to dr on 10/11/07; did not have work restrictions. Sought medical treatment again on 11/5/07 and was placed on restricted work.

Struck against a moving object

Driving train to get product when train came to a sudden stop.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee, a supervisor, was walking to a work area when he ran into a parked forklift. The forklift was parked with the forks tilted back, and were approximately 6 inches above the ground. Employee tripped over the forks.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Miner was kneeling down looking at the work area when he felt a pain in his back.

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Repeated hammering of drift at 678 blower pipe.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

After handling fifty pound bags of product, employee complained of low back pain. The treating physician restricted him from work activities beginning 8/30/07.

Contact with heat

Employee was breaking concrete with a jack hammer and collapsed from dehydration.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was working a manual packing station. She was handling fifty pound bags of product and moving them from the packagin area to an adjacent press well when she felt a pain in the right arm.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was in a kneeling position to cut bolts from a pipe with the use of a cutting torch. When he went to stand up, he felt pain in his back. The injury was reported, but medical treatment was not requested until the next day and the case became reportable on August 7, 2007 when he was restricted from work activities by the treating physician.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stepped back and tripped on a cart. He fell and sprained his right wrist.

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

Employee was pulling a cart of empty bags. She pinched her right hand between cart and a steel ventilation line.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a wrench to loosen bolts on a blower when he felt something pull in his right upper arm.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving a bulk hose into a pickup truck. The hose uncoiled and struck the employee in the mouth.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While shoveling crude, employee felt a pain between his shoulder blades.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was carrying a six foot ladder back to storage area. Employee tripped, kept his balance and did not fall, but injured his lower back.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was bent over explaining something to another employee. He stood up and struck his head against a well marked, low hanging, gas regulator. Employee complained about a sore neck the following day.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was operating a packing station when it became clogged. As he was reaching to to shut off the machine, dirt hit his left hand and employee sustained 2nd degree burns.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee injured his back while restacking pallets

Struck against stationary object

Employee was walking up a set of stairs and hit his head on a bulk line. This pushed his head down onto his shoulders.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling a bulk line when he twisted his left knee and felt pain.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee fell in the parking lot on his way to his loader. Employee sustained a fracture to his right wrist and a crushed vertabrae in his back. Employee does not recall falling.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted his right knee while stepping off of a manlift

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee smashed his right thumb while trying to remove a rock out of the spike roller. Employee sustained a distal tip fracture.

2006 · 21 incidents

Fall down stairs

Employee was climbing down a set of stairs and fell, hitting his head on the toeboard. Sustained a laceration to the right side of his head.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was filling a lift truck with propane. Once the tank was full, the bleeder valve was frozen open. Employee tried to close the valve and sustained a chemical burn to fingers on the right hand.

Accident type, without injuries

Silicate Plant Tray Dryer (Zone #3) had unburned fuel that ignited, creating a small explosion. This created enough pressure to open most of the dryer doors. Discovered that the air flow switch had been jumpered out, allowing the gas to remain on with not enough air to burn all the fuel. No injuries were sustained and one section of the roof on the west side buckled (minor damage).

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assisting an Electrician with mounting a transformer. Transformer weighed approximately 100 lbs. Employees lost control of the transformer and hit employee in the mouth and above the right knee and fell to the floor. Wound to the lip required one suture to close.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was driving a dump truck and hit a bump in the road. This caused the air seat to move up and down causing employee to hit his head on the air conditioning unit.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was cleaning a piece of flint from the spike roller with a pry bar. While prying, he struck his left ring finger against a spike roller tooth resulting in a fractured finger.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was packing and stacking 50lb. bags of product. He felt pain in his left shoulder and was diagnosed as a sprain.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling welding lead and felt a pain in his lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee cut his left middle finger while trying to adjust the stroke on a cylinder at 1 Bulk Bin. The wound required three sutures.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting pallets and felt pain in his back. Injury was not reported until 07/14/2006.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee injured his left knee when he was pushing a piece of plate steel with his foot. Employee didn't report the incident to his Supervisor till June 14.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped over a piece of angle iron. Employee fell to the ground scraping right palm and left knee. Left knee sustained the impact of the fall. Employee first reported this injury to his Supervisor on June 2nd. The knee gradually bothered him and he went to the Doctor on June 14.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing on a ladder while installing a light fixture. Later in the day he felt a pain in his left lower back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee strained a muscle in his midback while moving pipe.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was placing and welding patches on 601 cyclone and strained his back. Employee did not report this injury to his Supervisor till 05/18/06. He is claiming the strain was from an old injury sustained in 1986.

Struck by falling object

Employee was taking apart a plugged line. When he tapped on the line it broke apart and smashed his left ring finger.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was operating an automatic packing machine and noticed a bag jam. He ran to push the emergency stop button. He tripped on the flooring that had popped up by a jammed bag on the conveyor. Employee was diagnosed by the doctor later that afternoon and had a strained rotator cuff.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from the lunch and locker room to the mill. He stepped into a hole and lost his balance. He fell and twisted his ankle and wrist. He went to the doctor the following day and was diagnosed with a sprained ankle.

Fall from machine

The mine experienced a train derailment (2 Cars) while moving train cars around the Plant. The Brakeman was injured when he jumped from the train. He was treated and released from the hospital with 8 sutures. The train Engineer remained in the cab and was not injured.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee smashed his finger while trying to remove a rock from conveyor. Smashed finger between rock and magnet. Fracture Closed Phalanx / phalanges

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was reaching for an off-weight bag when her left little finger was caught between the bag and pushing mechanism.

2005 · 22 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a long piece of three inch schedule forty pipe. The pipe broke free from his grip, smashing his left thumb between the pipe and a flange.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was preparing to cut a piece of steel plate on top of the refeed system. He turned around from the area of work and tripped on a process pipe. The trip resulted in an ankle sprain from the fall to the same floor level. The physician placed him on modified work activities effective 11/22/05.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee complained of pain to his right shoulder after lifting an air pad for installation on the bottom of a rail car. The event occurred on 10/19/05 and became reportable when a doctor treated Ernie on 11/10/05 and ee was restricted to modified work assignment effective 11/11/05.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had removed some material from the bed of a pickup while standing on the bumper. When he stepped down from the bumper of the truck, he placed his left foot down in an awkward spot, twisting his left ankle. This case became reportable on 10/11/05 when the doctor restricted his work activity.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was reaching for a bulk line at 1148 West truck dock when he felt a pop in his shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was assigned to shovel spilled material at #3 A/P packer bin. EE felt low back pain and soreness later the same evening.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was handling dog pallets at #6 Air Sifter bagging station. The pallets weigh approximately forty pounds and the task required EE to pick up the pallet and place it in the presswell. EE felt pain in his low back after handling a pallet.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

By lifting tool box felt pain in lower back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was shoveling spillage from the floor behind #1 Shaker when he experienced pain in his left shoulder.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE shut off a forklift engine & reached into the engine compartment to check the fan belt tension. When reaching into the engine compartment with his left arm, He contacted the hot surface of the exhaust manifold with his left elbow. The contact with the manifold caused him to jerk his arm back and his left hand was lacerated by the fan rod.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee complained of soreness in his left wrist after shoveling spillage from the Shaker in the Crushing Plant on 7/16/05. Employee was seen by a physician the morning of 7/19/05 and placed on modified work duties.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was exerting force on a jack in an effort to reposition a rail car. While operating the jack, He felt a pain in his groin area.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was stacking fifty pound bags of product into a presswell when he felt soreness in his left elbow.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was walking down the stairs at #3 Auto Packer. His right hand slipped off the railing causing him to strike his arm against the hand rail. This case became reportable when he was placed on limited work activities on 5/17/05.

Accident type, without injuries

A fire started at the obsolete #4 S/C Baghouse area of the Mill. The local fire department was called and the fire extinguished. No injuries occurred. The origin of the fire is unknown at this time.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a jack hammer to break some concrete when his left wrist became sore. The doctor placed EE on restricted work activities.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a hammer to align a pipe flange. He struck the tip of his right thumb with a hammer blow that inadvertently missed the pipe flange. This case became reportable when Max was seen by a physician on 4/19/05 and an x-ray revealed a fracture.

Struck by flying object

EE was packing product at the 10# packing station. When She pulled a full bag of product off, the packer blew out some air and product and She sustained a foreign body in the right eye.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking along the preswell area of #6 Air Sifter packaging station when he tripped on the floor mat.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

On 2/21/05 at approximately 8:00 am, EE was using a shovel to dig a trench. When pushing on the shovel, EE felt pain in his right thigh. This case became reportable when EE requested medical attention on 2/28/05 for the discomfort in his right thigh.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE closed some bottom dump crude car doors manually on 2/13/05 at 4:30 pm when he felt pain in his back. The door closer was malfunctioning again on 2/17/05 and EE manually attempted to close the car doors when he felt pain in his low back. EE was treated and placed on modified work duties on 2/17/05.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting shrink film off a pallet of bagged product. EE was cutting in a downward motion with his left (dominant) hand while holding the film with his right hand. The knife blade came in contact with his right index finger at the middle knuckle, causing a laceration.

2004 · 3 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee went to the Shipping break room to take break. He sat on the end of an aluminum bench. Because there was no other weight on the bench, it tipped and flipped up, causing him to fall on the floor. He sustained injury to his lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured and another employee were removing an air line from a compressor. The air line was under pressure when the fittings were released. The pressurized hose struck him in the left hand. His work was temporarily modified to restrict use of the left hand.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was working in the booth at #3 Auto Packer. When employee stepped out of the booth, he stepped on a can of spray lubricant located on the floor, causing him to slip. Apparently, the can of lubricant had fallen from a storage table to the floor and he did not see the can laying in his path.