Mining Incidents

Bluff City MineralsMetal/Nonmetal

Alton, Madison County, IL · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 1100122
Fatalities
2
Total incidents
111
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Mar 2026

Fatalities at this mine

2 recorded
Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was removing an electrical motor using a chain hoist suspended from a cross brace when the cross brace became unsecured and struck the employee.

Struck against stationary object

THE DECEASED WAS ASKED TO EXAMINE A CORNER OF A PILLAR BY THE SCALERS. HE GOT IN HI-RANGER BASKET W/O FALL LPROTECTION OVER THE OBJECTION OF SCALER (1 1/2 YRS EXP). WHILE INSPECTING THE PILL AR, THE BASKET BECAME HUNG UP ON THE SIDE OF THE PILLAR, WHEN IT BROKE FREE. THE BOOM SPRUNG AND THREW BOTH MEN OUT. THE SCALER WAS SAVED BY HIS FALL PROTECTION. THE POWDERMAN FELL APPROX 5

Reportable incidents

109 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2026 · 1 incident

Flash burns (electric)

The employee was attempting to trouble shoot an issue on the 3/4-inch stacker inside the MCC. The employee opened the bucket of the MCC and did not turn off the power to the bucket, while attempting to remove a fuse an arc flash occurred injuring the employees' hands.

2025 · 3 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

The employee was exiting breakroom walking back to sweeper truck, during snowstorm slipped and fell on snow.

Struck against a moving object

The employee was operating a haul truck and struck a pillar. Investigations led mine management to believe that the operator of the truck fell asleep.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While the employee was stepping off of a platform, stepped down with left leg and felt a pop in the right knee. On 4-7-25 Injury became reportable due to injection.

2024 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was shoveling underneath the belt and felt a pop in EE's wrist.

Accident type, without injuries

New Frontier Materials Bluff City Mine, (NFMBC) Mine ID 11-00122, had a roof fall incident on the morning of 6/26/24 affecting the underground intersection 3D38 x 3D39 and the surface above.

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

The employee was manual scaling with a scale bar and felt pain in their left shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was lifting a steel cover plate from the floor of the crusher feeder.

2022 · 1 incident

Struck against a moving object

The employee was using the scaling machine, when the pick slipped out of a crack causing the machine to move back and forth. On 9-28-22 the employee was given restricted duty and prescribed physical therapy, which made EE's injury reportable.

2021 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee states EE closed hopper inspection door on sweeper truck when EE felt a pain in EE's elbow. Reportable due to medical treatment on 4.28.2022.

2020 · 1 incident

Struck by falling object

Employee stated was hand scaling a pillar when a piece of rock fell from above and struck arm.

2019 · 4 incidents

Struck by falling object

Employee stated that as they were loading a blast hole, a small rock fell from the hole being loaded above and struck them on the neck and shoulder.

Struck against a moving object

Employee stated was cleaning with a loader when a rock rolled around the bucket which EE ran over causing EE to strain EE's back.

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

Employee stated ee was scaling in a man lift when the rock ee was prying on forced the pry bar down and caught finger between the pry bar and the top railing on the man lift basket.

Struck against a moving object

Employee stated EE was driving the man-lift out of the mine when the man-lift hit a hole in the road causing the man-lift to rock and jarred EE's back. No medical treatment until physical therapy was prescribed on March 13.

2018 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pushing a wheel barrel of rock during cleanup and felt pain in neck and shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported numbness and tingling in right wrist, diagnosis as carpal tunnel, surgery on 6/22/2018

2017 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated was prying on a rock while hand scaling and felt a pain in back.

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

The employee was working on damaged hydraulic cylinder, attempted to move cylinder. The cylinder moved easier than anticipated pinching finger between cylinder and frame.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee walked to scale printer to clear a paper jam and slipped on the snow. The area around the scale house had been salted however it was still snowing and the path they took to the scale printed has snow accumulated on it.

2016 · 4 incidents

Struck against a moving object

The employee was operating a haul truck, hit a hole in the road and jarred neck.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee stated was installing a roof bolt when EE felt pain in left shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling, cleaning work area, felt pain in right shoulder. Employee was put on restricted duty on July 7 after diagnosed with damage to rotator cuff.

Fall onto or against objects

The employee stated was climbing into the truck, EE's foot slipped off the step and struck left shin. Employee went to the doctor on 4-6-16 and was given restricted duty.

2015 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was climbing up the ladder on a haul truck and felt pain in EE's knee. Surgery on 9-8-16 made injury reportable.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee bent over to pick up a wheel chock and felt pain in his lower back.

2014 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

The employee was trying to unplug the screening hopper with the use of a 15 foot pipe and sledge hammer. The employee struck the pipe which came back and hit his finger. No medical treatment requested until 11-25-14 at which time he was diagnosed with a fracture.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was installing roof bolts, he turned to grab a bolt and felt a pop in his knee. The employee was on full duty until he required surgery on 2-20-15 at which time he was placed on restricted duty.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee lifted a chute to clear it and returned the chute down to the normal position. When he removed his safety harness he felt pain in his left shoulder. The employee was given restrictions on 9-11-14.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee reported shoulder pain after shoveling and having removed a panel during his shift. No specific incident to contribute to the injury.

2013 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee was pushing a squeegee when the squeegee stopped suddenly causing a sprain to the wrist.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was scaling, a rock fell pushing the scale bar down pinching his finger between the bar and the top railing of the man basket.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee was tightening a hose fitting and strained his elbow. On July 1st the employer was notified that physical therapy was required.

2012 · 5 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was using a pry bar to scale, the pry slipped causing a strain to the right elbow.

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was carrying empty bags and when he set them down he felt a pop in his left shoulder.

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

The employee was manual scaling, the pry bar slipped and pinched his finger between the bar and the hand rail on the man lift basket.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was scaling and experienced pain in both shoulders.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using a torch to cut bolts off the Primary feeder floor in overhead position. Hot slag dripped down into his glove causing a 3rd degree burn to the lateral side of left hand.

2011 · 4 incidents

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was performing normal duties including removing wheel chocks and operating the drill, he bent over to get a drink from his lunch box and felt pain in his low back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking around the ANFO Loading bin and stepped on an uneven area of the floor, twisting his right ankle.

Struck by flying object

Employee was climbing up and down the equipment checking the hours on equipment when dust flew into his left eye causing an irritation.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was exiting his truck after coming above ground, as he was coming down the ladder, his left hand slipped off the hand rail. He was a little off balance and reached out with his right hand and felt a pop in his right shoulder.

2010 · 5 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking to the crusher shack at the start of his shift during a winter storm with high winds, blowing snow and temperature of approximately 10*F. Employee slipped and fell resulting in a simple fracture to his right wrist and striking his hardhat on the ground causing his safety glasses to lacerate his forehead.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was tramming the manlift from his work area to the parking area. While driving the left front tire went into a pot hole causing him to become off balance. His foot came off the control causing the machine to make an abrupt stop. Employee fell forward striking his upper right leg on the basket inside the manlift cage.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee having difficulty sleeping due to pain/tingling his both of his hands and wrists. Initial evaluation by M.D. indicated not related to work activities rather a congenital condition. 6/10/10 Independent Medical Evaluation stated condition is work related due to activities of shoveling.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was driving a front end loader in the yard, hit a pot hole in shallow water and felt a sharp pain in his back.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was loading a bench shot, tripped over the remote control air hose twisting his right ankle.

2009 · 7 incidents

Struck by flying object

Employee was working in bed of haul truck, knocking off anti-wear plates with a sledge hammer after the retainers were removed, while striking a plate, a piece of metal came off and struck him in the right thigh causing a laceration and imbedded into the soft tissue of his thigh.

Fall from machine

Employee was exiting the cab of the loader, slipped on upper set of steps, landed on left elbow causing and abrasion. Initially declined medical treatment. October 23, 2009 went to physician for continued discomfort in left arm and was given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While using an impact wrench on a bolt, a piece of metal spun around and hit first finger on left hand lacerating finger. 12 stitches were needed.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reports when performing shoveling duties approximately 1.5 years ago, began having numbness in bilateral hands, states it went away and returned approximately 2 months ago, with symptoms getting worse. Diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Reports was releasing a stuck pin on the bucket of the bob cat with a scaling bar, pin released and the bucket swung forward, the bucket detached and fell, scrapping the front of his legs. Deep abrasion to his right leg approx 18"" in length, and superficial abrasions to the left leg.

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

Employee reports was using a hand drill, the bit went through the metal and the drill twisted in his right hand and smashed against his hand. Dx: fractured right ring finger.

Fall from machine

While performing duties of Yard Operator, employee climbed down off loader, missed the bottom step and twisted left knee.

2008 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

While running a loader in the yard, opened AC vents and foreign body flew into eye.

Struck against a moving object

EE reported to have strained his lower back when the mine truck shifted gears.

2007 · 4 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS FINISHING A JOB AND PICKING UP TOOLS WHEN HE SLIPPED AND FELL CATCHING HIMSELF WITH HIS RIGHT HAND.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE ALLEGES HE WAS SHOVELING WHEN HE STRAINED HIS CERVICAL SPINE.

Unclassified, insufficient data

EE alleges using a special blend to make pellets aggravated his pre-existing asthma.

Struck against a moving object

EE SUFFERED A PERSONAL HEALTH EVENT WHILE AT WORK, WHICH RESULTED IN A CONTUSION TO HIS LEFT SHOULDER. MINIMAL MEDICAL TREATMENT.

2006 · 15 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE WAS MOVING SNACK MACHINE IN BREAK ROOM WHEN HE STRAINED HIS RIBS

Struck against a moving object

EE states he had a motor vehicle accident causing an injury to his left shoulder and his right wrist. EE was hauling debris to a different location of the plant.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE's father reported on September 22nd that EE has a crooked back which hurts from shoveling but EE reported he was hit in the back by a rock on 9/20/2006.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Pinched fingers of left hand between a wrench and a metal shaft

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE alleges while standing on the ground shoveling off a conveyor belt of rock. He felt a stabbling burn in the back of his left knee. He continued to clear off the belt and walked back to the control room. He reported this to his supervisor and finished his shift.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was loading traffic barriers and was stung by a wasp on the neck. Employee is allergic to wasp stings.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Working on Stedman crusher - using a sledge hammer when it broke getting a splinter in palm of hand.

Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE ALLEGES WHILE OPERATING THE 980G FEL. THE SEAT KEPT PINCHING HIS BACK. THE FAB. MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE SEAT.

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS SHOVELING SPILLAGE FROM UNDER 4"" MINING PILE WHEN HE HIT HIS RIGHT ELBOW ON THE TAIL PULLEY GUARD CAUSING A CONTUSION. DECLINED MEDICAL ATTN. AT THE TIME OF THE INJURY, RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTN. ON 5/4/06.

Struck by flying object

EE was working in primary crusher when he was struck in the right eye by a foregin object.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee alleges he was moving 55 gallon drums and twisted his back.

Contact with hot objects or substances

EE was welding when a large piece of hot slag dripped into his left boot, burning his ankle. EE took off his boot and wrenched his left knee. EE was sitting on bucket, welding, exposing top of his boot.

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS PRYING ON LOOSE MATERIAL WHEN THE BAR SLIPPED, HITTING HIS HAND ON THE TRUCK FRAME.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE STATED THAT HE WAS WALKING TO THE DUST COLLECTOR AT THE PALLET PLANT WHEN HE SLIPPED ON THE ICE, SPRAINING HIS BACK.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS SHOVELING MATERIAL WHEN HE PULLED HIS BACK.

2005 · 12 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was prying on loose material that was clogged in one of the rotolocks when he felt a pull in his lower back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS USING A SCALING BAR ON THE FACE WHEN THE TOP SECTION FELL ON THE SCALING BAR SPRAINING HIS RIGHT WRIST AND SHOULDER.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PRYING OPEN A J-HOOK ON A BLASTING CAP WHEN THE KNIFE SLIPPED, CUTTING HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER (SURGERY REQUIRED).

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was shoveling spilled material and throwing it out the hole that had been cut in the wall when the shovel hit the conveyor roller jamming his thumb.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE alleges he was lifting boring equipment over his head injuring his back. EE did not report to his supervisor until June 19, 05. The insurance company denied the claim due to the length between being hurt and reporting.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE HAD BEEN RUBBING HIS EYE COMPLAINING OF IRRITATION. HE WAS SENT TO THE HOSPITAL & A PIECE OF METAL WAS FOUND IN HIS RIGHT EYE. THE PIECE OF METAL WAS REMOVED, EE RECEIVED EYE DROPS & WENT BACK TO WORK.

Struck against a moving object

EE WAS CLEANING OUT A ROUND OF MATERIAL IN 3B-107 WHEN A SECTION OF THE ROOF FAILED, STRIKING THE BACK END OF THE LOADER. THE SECTION HAD JUST BEEN SCALED PRIOR TO LOADING THE MATERIAL.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was shoveling at the tail pulley on #11 belt underground. He felt something pull in his lower back but didn't report the incident to his foreman until 4/4/05.

Fall from machine

Fall while climbing out of drill, injured right knee.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

THE EE WAS CLIMBING ONTO THE 60 TON EUCLID, EE TOOK 1 STEP UP AND SAID EE FELT LIKE SOMEONE HIT EE INT THE CALF WITH A BALL BAT. EE DROVE FOR 2 HOURS BEFORE REPORTING IT TO SUPERVISOR.

Struck against a moving object

EE stated he injured his back while driving on the haul road underground. He had already made 31 trips but hit a hole in the road on his 32nd trip.

Struck against a moving object

EE was operating the 560 loader on the haul road when he hit a bump on the road twisting his back.

2004 · 6 incidents

Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE WAS LOADING MATERIAL INTO A 50 TON HAUL TRUCK WITH A KOMATSU 500 FRONT END LOADER WHEN HE STATED HE RAN INTO A MUCK PILE TWISTING HIS BACK.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS CLEARING THE BELT NEXT TO THE MAGNET ON #11 BELT WHEN HIS KNEE BUCKLED, CAUSING HIM TO FALL ON ROCKS OR METAL, FRACTURING HIS KNEE CAP.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states he was cleaning out drill holes and was bent over when he felt something hit him on the shoulder.

Struck against a moving object

WHILE SCALING WITH THE HYDRAULIC SCALER THE PICK DROPPED OFF AN OVERHANG, BOUNCED OFF THE FACE AND HE WAS BOUNCED AROUND IN THE CAB CAUSING A NECK STRAIN.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Allegedly the employee was hauling material to the crusher when he had to use both hands to turn the truck. Employee said his dr stated he had a torn rotator cuff. truck #68206

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS PEELING THE PLASTIC WRAP OFF A CARDBOARD BOX WHEN THE TIP OF HIS FINGER CAUGHT THE OPEN BLADE OF THE UTILITY KNIFE. THE EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR GLUED THE LACERATION. THE NEXT MORNING WE SENT HIM TO THE DOCTOR TO GET THE WOUND CLEANED. THE DR PUT HIM ON RESTRICTED DUTY EVENTHO HE PERFORMED HIS NORMAL DUTIES.

2003 · 11 incidents

Struck by flying object

EMPLOYEE WAS USING A CLAW HAMMER TO DISMANTLE CONCRETE FORMS WHEN A PIECE OF DEBRIS ENTERED HIS LEFT EYE. HE WAS SENT TO A DOCTOR AND THE DEBRIS WAS REMOVED. A PRESCRIPTION OF ZYMAR WAS PRESCR IBED TO BE USED FOR 3 DAYS.

Struck by falling object

LOOSE ROCK FELL AND HIT THE EMPLOYEE ON THE LEFT ARM WHILE SCALING CAUSING A LACERATION.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS DRILLING IN THE MINE WHEN HE DROPPED A DRILL STEEL. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE STEEL IN THE CAROUSEL HE ALLEGEDLY HURT HIS BACK.

No Value Found

EE ALLEGES HE WAS EXITING THE FUEL TRUCK CAB, WHEN HE MISSED THE STEP AND FELL STRIKING THE GROUND WITH HIS HEAD.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE ALLEGES HE MAY HAVE CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, TO THIS DATE HE HAS NEVER BEEN TO SEE THE DR. HE ALLEGES BOTH HANDS HURTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND NO SPECIFIC INJURY TO CAUSE IT.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE REPORTED AT START OF SHIFT THAT A DR TOLD HIM HE HAS CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, AND THE EE ALLEGES IT IS DUE TO OPERATING A FRONT END LOADER-TO BE DETERMINED IF ILLNESS IS WORK RELATED.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS REPLACING THE LEFT SPRING ON THE WATER TRUCK (BRAKE) WHEN HE HIT HIS THUMB WITH A HAMMER.

Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS HANGING A THREE STRAND #2 SIZE WIRE FROM THE 88' HIGH RANGER THE TOOL USED TO PULL THE WIRE TIGHT SLIPPED CAUSING THE WIRE TO PIN THE EE AGAINST THE CAGE CAUSING HIS SIDE AND RIBS TO BE BRUISED EE REFUSED TO SEE THE DR UNTIL 8-5-03.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE REPORTED FOR WORK ON SAT JUNE 7, 2003 COMPLAINING OF BACK PAIN. HE WORKED FRIDAY, THE 6TH AND DID NOT HAVE BACK PAIN. HE DOES NOT KNOW OF A SPECIFIC EVENT THAT CAUSED BACK PAIN, HE DOES HA NDLE 50 LB OF EXPLOSIVES. ISSUED A PRESCRIPTION DRUG ON JUNE 10TH MAKING THIS CASE RECORDABLE.

No Value Found

EMPLOYEE ALLEGES THAT THE OPERATING OF THE CONTROLS FOR THE FRONT END LOADER IRRITATES HIS RIGHT ELBOW.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PRYING LOOSE ROCK WITH A PRV 13 AR AND THE BAR BROKE CAUSING EE TO LUNG FOREARD COMPLAINING OF SHOULDER PAIN. REPORTED THIS TO SUPERVISOR ON 1-15-03.

2002 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE TWISTED LEFT KNEE WHILE SQUATTING TO OBSERVE A SYNTRON IN OPERATION. ON 7-24 HE STEPPED ON A 2-3"" STONE IN SURFACE PLANT AREA AND TWISTED SAME KNEE. WHEN PAIN INCREASED, HE WAS EXAMINED BY AN MD AND FOUND TO HAVE A TORN MEDIAL MENISCUS IN LEFT KNEE. SURGERY WAS NEEDED TO REPAIR AND PERFORMED 8/28. WAS UNABLE TO RETURN TO WORK 8/29. BECAME LOST TIME INJURY.

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS STEPPING AROUND OUTRIGGER OF A CRANE WHEN HE SLIPPED, HIS RT LEG GOING INTO A HOLE. HE HAD HIS LT HAND ON A HANDRAIL WHICH KEPT HIM FROM FALLING FARTHER. REPORTED INCIDENT TO SUPERVISOR & SAID LEG WAS SORE BUT WOULD PUT ICE ON IT. WHEN PAIN CONTINUED THAT NIGHT HE WENT TO MD & FRACTURE WAS DISCOVERED.

2001 · 3 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

EE WAS FUELING TRACKDRILL AND HAD FOOT ON DRILL.FOOT SLIPPED ON MUD ON TRACK. HE SLIPPED AND HITHIS SIDE ON THE DRILL'S RAIL. REPORTING INCIDENTTO LEADMAN HE DECLINED FIRST AID. ON 4/30/01 HE CALLED FOREMAN FROM HOME & CLAIMED SEVERE PAIN &WANTED TO SEE DOCTOR. APPOINTMENT MADE FOR THAT DAY. LOST TIME.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS DESCENDING LADDER BY HYD SCALER. HIS FOOTSLIPPED OFF BOTTOM RUNG & HE HELD ON W/RIGHT HAND HE SAID HE FELT HIS RIGHT SHOULDER POP & SOME PAIN. HE REC'D TREATMENT CONSISTING OF PHY THERP & HOME EXERCISE W SOME RELIEF OFF & ON DID NOT MISS WORK DURING THIS PERIOD DR FINALLY RECOMMENDED SURGERY 10/31/01

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS WALKING THROUGH WELDING BAY W/HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS AND TRIPPED OVER A PIECE OF SHAFT MATERIAL. HE FELL FACE FORWARD AND HIT HIS NOSE AGAINST FLOOR. THERE WAS A SCRAPE BUT HE REFUSED FIRST AID SAID HE WAS FINE. THE NEXT DAY HE EXPTERIENCED PROBLEMS AND SOUGHT TREATMENT WITHOUT CONTACTING THE CO. HE EVENTUALLY WAS TREATED BY HIS OWN DR FOR INFECTION AND REPORTED THIS TO US