The investigation is not complete, but as of now it appears that the employee had washed the #2 drill and was rolling up the hose when a portion of the mine roof collapsed, striking and covering him with a section of the salt roof.
Weeks Island Mine and MillMetal/Nonmetal
- Fatalities
- 1
- Total incidents
- 169
- Years on record
- 2000–2026
- Latest incident
- Jan 2026
Fatalities at this mine
1 recordedReportable incidents
168 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 1 incident
EMPLOYEE WAS CUTTING A ZIP TIE AND CUT ARM. EMPLOYEE RECEIVED 5 STAPLES
2025 · 7 incidents
Skip came out of the guide in #3 shaft. we still had the other side of 3 shaft working and #4 shaft
Loading 29IN face with #8 powder rig, employee was loading the top right corner of the face. The basket tilt cylinder rod snapped causing the basket to rotate forward freely 90 degrees. Employee fell into handrail causing a fracture of 4 ribs
Loading 29IN face with #8 powder rig, employee was loading the top right corner of the face. The basket tilt cylinder rod snapped causing the basket to rotate forward freely 90 degrees. causing a laceration on right knee
Miner hit another miner with EE's fist fracturing EE's jaw
Employee was walking to job site, slipped on salt, injuring their left quadricep. Diagnosed with a tear of the left distal quadricep tendon.
Hydraulic hoses on the ground made a slip trip and fall. After reviewing by doctor a torn Achilles tendon was found.
2024 · 3 incidents
Blasted and gas hit AMS system and knocked out power. Around 4:30AM we found it was gas and not a malfunction on the AMS system.
Fire was found once machine killed and lost all power. Fire Suppression and Fire Extinguisher was not used from investigation with the size of the fire and mine was evacuated.
2023 · 7 incidents
Employee was scaling 24JW and heard the coolant alarm going off, shut engine off, got out of the machine to see if anything was leaking. Employee opened the hood & looked at the coolant tank, moved the plastic coolant tank and the cap blew off.
Employee was trying to slide the emulsion pump over and cut/smashed their little finger/right hand while doing this task.
Miner was operating the sunbelt rental forklift working in the lay down yard area, got off to go inspect the work area and as miner went back to get on the forklift, placed one hand behind the seat area and when miner did that felt a sharp slice (cut) on finger.
In the process of moving empty tanks to wash bay to be washed employee got off material handler and slipped and fell. they hurt their neck and back from falling.
The miner was installing roof bolt, some salt dust fell on EE's face and behind safety glasses. The miner continued the work. next day: EE's eye was itching and went to urgent care and found small unknown foreign body in EE' eye. The Miner notified management on Monday morning 7/24/2023. EE was sent again to the doctor to be checked and released back to work per doctor's direction.
THE MINER WAS WASHING THE OUTRIGGER, BENDING DOWN. WHEN EE STOOD UP, EE DIDNT NOTICE THE WATER HAD CREATED A SLICK SPOT. EE LOST FOOTING, AND FELL DOWN WITH LEFT KNEE BENT UNDER EE'S BODY WEIGHT. EE GOT UP, SHOOK IT OFF, AND CONTINUED TO WORK THE REST OF THE SHIFT. WHEN EE WOKE THE NEXT DAY, THE KNEE WAS SWOLLEN.
#2 Methane outstation card burnt out while electrical technician was working on it at 7:50 AM. Methane sensor J19 in the 1600' level was reading 0.59% at same time ""7:50 AM"" when electrical technician was working at #2 methane outstation. The AMS activates an evacuation because the J19 sensor did read methane above 0.5%
2022 · 6 incidents
Number 7-938 Loader caught fire while parked in E9 room on the 1400. The mine was evacuated safely and no injuries.
The employee was pulling a steering cylinder out of a machine, the cylinder slipped and caught the employee's left thumb between the cylinder and frame of the machine, resulting in a broken left thumb.
Two electricians were working from a manlift to hang power cables from the roof. The electrician operating the manlift inadvertently swung the boom too close to the rib of salt and pinched the employee's hand between the basket and the salt.
An employee was attempting to open a seized truck latch by manually pulling on it. In doing so, the employee over exerted their shoulder. The following day the employee reported it to their supervisor. The employee was taken for evaluation at a health clinic, where employee was placed on restricted duty.
Employee was securing cable at #12 feeder from a ladder when EE overreached, the ladder moved out from under causing head injury and shoulder injury.
Lowering the feeder breaker, it got hung up in the shaft while lowering it into the mine.
2021 · 8 incidents
Employees were doing a shaft inspection when a bracket was identified as damaged, had to evacuate the mine and make the repairs to the bracket.
Employee was drilling with a drill. The stinger fell back and then the auger fell out striking the employee on the finger.
The EE was coming down from SC43, un-chocking it, EE's feet slipped out from under the shaft causing EE to remain standing in an awkward standing position straining left hip and upper leg. EE reported on 8/27 and was evaluated by company Doctor. Doctor gave EE full duty RTW. EE scheduled their own Dr visit on 8/30, WC ended up taking it. First day missed 8/31/21.
Employee was returning from the upper levels on Tower 3 when EE fell because the steps moved.
Employee was removing the left front tire off of the #3 Horizontal Drill to repair broken lugs. EE left a couple of lugs on to hold the tire but they broke off. The tire fell off hitting EE on the left shoulder and pinning EE's right leg under the tire.
Employee was filling emulsion tank on #9 powder rig from pump. Fitting blew off on ground pump causing emulsion to come out under pressure and got into EE's eyes. Employee sought medical attention and was given prescription eye drops.
A secondary blast was carried out while workers were working in the shaft. The blast was performed deep in the 1000 level (abandoned), which normally limits impact on workers. In this situation, the noise from the blast startled the employees in the shaft and one claimed hearing issues which is being followed up on.
Employee was just finished cleaning AC unit on machine. When employee came down ladder of machine, and got to the last step, employee slipped and fell to the ground. Hurt right knee and right shoulder. Fell an estimated 20 inches.
2020 · 9 incidents
Employee was walking, attempting to locate a part for a customer. EE reached the rear of the warehouse, slipped and fell on EE's right shoulder.
Employee was walking when EE's feet got tangled in cable on the ground. EE fell to the floor but did not feel any issues at that time. Employee later experienced dull pain in the knee and sought medical attention on 11/23/2020. Employee sought additional medical attention on 12/21/2020 and was given an injection in the knee.
while bolting, the steel snapped and fell out causing injury to employees hand.
Employee was tying down a barge under the spout for loading. Employee pulled rope to make tie when employee's hand slipped and hit the guard behind the tie down button.
Employee was task focused, observing a choked feeder. EE stepped in front of an LHD that was in motion and was bumped by the LHD. The operator knew where the employee was before starting. EE put it in reverse for a short distance and back up alarm went on. When EE started forward and didn't see employee so EE stopped. Employee was already struck.
While constructing a corrugated metal panel tunnel, panel shifted before bolts were installed to make connection. Employee states when panel shifted it struck ladder, resulting in fall to left side of body. When asked if okay, responded yes and returned to work. Was taken to clinic on 4/15/20 for exam and released full duty. Returned for follow-up 4/22/20
While running the scaler the back came down on the front across the boom to the left front catwalk causing the employee to be jarred in the cab. The employee sought medical attention and was returned to full duty. EE later sought further medical attention and was placed on restricted duty on 6/30/2020.
While drilling the steel wasn't lining up with the top grabbers. Employee got off of the drill to troubleshoot the issue and noticed the finger had a slight bend, not allowing the steel to be pushed in the correct spot. While walking away the steel fell and hit the operator.
Employee was walking from the restroom to the loading shack when suddenly the wind blew EE's hard hat off EE's head. EE bent over to pick up EE's hard hat and something got in EE's eye.
2019 · 7 incidents
Employee was inside the outer half of the east drum and upon exiting the drum employee was straddling the uneven sump floor and attempted to pull self up and over to the hoist room floor. In the process both hands slipped and employee fell backwards approximately 4 ft. below into the 2 ft. gap and onto the sump floor.
Employee was breaking up caked up salt around the elevator and when employee swung the pick employee smashed pinky on the lip flange on the equipment.
Employee was on top of the skip to secure the hoist rope. The cappel was not secured or laying down. When EE got into position to handle the rope, EE's back was to the cappel & EE was facing the landing. The cappel fell forward striking EE's right shoulder blade & pushed EE forward off of the skip dropping approximately 3 ft. down to the landing injuring left ankle.
Employee was exiting the mancage when the main fan blew a small particle into EE's eye. The employee did have safety glasses on.
Employee received a laceration while picking up trash from the hoist yard by 3 shaft collar. The material picked up were remnants of brackets that were just removed from the shaft that had jagged edges.
Employee using a Hammer Jack to break concrete. The Hammer Jack slid off the concrete and the point of the tool fell on their foot behind the steel toe. Employee lifted the Hammer Jack off of their foot and inadvertently activated the trigger, causing the tool to puncture their big toe.
Employee was walking down the BC-20 incline when the grating shifted and the grating in front of ee came loose from the framing and when ee stepped on it, it gave way. EE fell to the ground about 6 ft. below.
2018 · 10 incidents
Employee was getting into a Bobcat XL 3400, when EE's left foot slipped out from under EE on slick salt. EE's left foot slide under the chassis of the vehicle striking EE's left shin on the chassis creating a small cut and bruise. At the time of the incident the employee refused medical attention. The cut was cleaned and bandaged at the mine site.
Employee was using a cutting torch to cut bolts out to allow for welding. When the bolt was cut, it fell hitting the employees shirt sleeve, rolling down EE's sleeve between EE's welding glove and right wrist.
The miner was pulling on a strap attached to a horizontal drill's trailing cable when EE slipped and fell on the 1600' ramp floor. The miner fell on left shoulder and sustained what is believed to be a strain/sprain type of injury to the left shoulder.
Employee was pulling cable with the hot stick to get more slack and lost footing. Employee used their left arm to break the fall and landed on their hand and hurt their wrist.
During the skip re-alignment process on 9/10, the hoistman took the hoist out of safety mode to reset the skip but forgot to place the hoist back into safety mode for the 2nd skip's alignment. Thus, leading to the west skip over-traveling through the over-wind safety circuit and the track limit safety circuit causing damage to the cappel and the skip itself.
Employee was picking up timbers and tossing them into the backhoe. Upon twisting to toss employee felt a strain in neck. Employee saw doctor and returned to full duty. Employee later began to experience problems and sought medical treatment resulting in surgery in January 2019. Incident became reportable on January 25, 2019 due to surgery.
Employee was trying to loosen the lug nuts on the tire of the 13 LHD loader with an impact wrench but was unable to break loose some of the nuts. EE then used a breaker bar to loosen the nuts by pulling and pushing on the bar.
Employee was removing a bearing from a transmission. As EE struck the tool with a hammer, a piece of metal lodged in EE's eye. EE was wearing safety glasses.
Employee was driving Polaris into shop at the end of shift after performing work assignment of pinning down a feeder breaker from movement using H beam with holes to use to install cold rolls (pins) when they felt pain in the lower middle back.
Employee was walking behind the screen plant making rounds after taking over shift and stepped onto a raised cement barrier and slipped.
2017 · 1 incident
Employee stepped off of the forklift to pick up a pallet when employee felt a sudden pain/pop in employee's right foot/toe.
2016 · 7 incidents
Crew was pumping concrete when concrete hose plugged, worker was using a 2"" diameter piece of steel to hit concrete hose to dislodge plug. when EE swung the steel EE missed the hose pinching EE's finger between the ground and the steel.
Employee and helper were installing the left side steering cylinder back pin into the cylinder from under the truck frame. While aligning the holes in the cylinder, frame and bearing, the cylinder pin rolled off the inner frame and fell to the ground striking the employee.
Allergic reaction to epoxy grout. While pouring epoxy grout for column foundation employee noticed skin irritation. EE had rubbed and scratched during the day, went to the Dr. after shift. Dr. treated for rash and infection.
Employee was positioning a sling while doing structural work. The crane swung away from employee, pulling torso into structure and pulling arm away, straining left shoulder. This was only a first aid. It became lost time when employee had shoulder surgery on March 15, 2020. I discussed how to file this, Initially thought to be FMLA.
Bolting railing to overhead walkway, the employee stepped onto an unsecured section of grated walkway which gave way and the worker fell approximately 6' onto a concrete pad below, causing fracture to right ankle. Worker was tied off to a deceleration lanyard which did not engage before the worker struck the concrete pad.
The E skip was positioned approximately 165' about the skip pocket load light. The skip was positioned at this pint to allow it to accelerate to full speed in order to troubleshoot the voltage output from the tack generator. The hoist operator was instructed to bring it to full speed. EE selected wrong direction and the W skip was at full speed causing it to go to bottom of deck.
Employee had just finished closing a barge cover and was walking on top of the barge when EE's leg slipped and knee twisted but EE did not fall.
2015 · 1 incident
Employee was kneeling cutting a zip tie at downward angle. The direction of cutting motion was towards his right thigh. He struck himself in the thigh with the knife causing a laceration. He was using a retractable safety knife. The knife was tested and found to be operating properly after the incident occurred.
2014 · 4 incidents
Hoistman report a rope slack sensor needed replacement. The skip had stuck and the hoist rope had slack. When the hoistman picked up the slack and freed the skip a bottom wheel was broken off and one of the top wheels was damaged. The rope had twisted and showed damage.
Employee was raising mast to install roof bolt with his left hand resting on the basket handrail. As the mast reached the ceiling, a piece of salt broke and fell. When the salt hit the edge of the canopy, it flipped over and into the basket area, hitting the employee's left hand middle finger.
The east skip of the #3 production hoist was positioned at the collar and un-clutched. The west skip was then positioned at the collar and brakes set. The electrical power was disconnected. The west skip began to slip in the brakes and moved down the shaft, going to the bottom. The hoist rope broke and both the hoist rope and skip landed at the shaft bottom.
Employee was installing roof bolts with the #5 Roofbolter and while preparing to install a bolt, the grabber became stuck. He grabbed the bolt to hold it in place so that it didn't fail. When he turned to reach for the lever, the grabber smashed his hand that was holding the bolt. He reached for the control, released the grabber, and lowered himself.
2013 · 2 incidents
The main mine transformer lost power due to two blown fuses on the buried feeder cable to the transformer. These fuses are located on Morton's pole directly below the overhead disconnect switch. This feeder cable supplies 34.5kv voltage tracked through the porcelain insulator of the fuse holder to the steel mount bracket.
Placing Buntons, scale fell and struck the canopy then struck employee
2012 · 9 incidents
EE dropped a piece of plate and pinched his right ring finger cutting it which required 5 stitches.
Employee was walking to her car from the Training Center with her lunch in her hands. She stated there was an offset in the pavement that caused her to lose her balance. She fell from a standing position landing on her left knee, twisting her right ankle and hitting her left elbow.
West skip was going down the shaft with the hoist running in automatic.The hoist tripped on overspeed.When hoist tripped off the hoist brakes set causing the W. skip to bounce setting the safety dogs. The hoist operator did not follow policy and cont. up with the skip to the dump. This caused the W. hoist rope to spool off and become entangled on the W. skip.
EE was pulling the collar off of the shaft on 8/23/12 using heat and a sledge hammer when he pulled or strained his left shoulder. EE sought medical attention and was release to full duty. After continuing to experience pain in the shoulder/neck area he sought medical attention. 9/24/12, diagnosed w/arthritis and cervical inflammation. Aggregated spur in neck, on restricted duty.
The skip contacted the 1200 Level landing and caused the hoistman to shut the hoist down and dispatch personnel to investigate. The skip was twisted in the compartment as the bottom 100' of west guides had broken free and fallen down the shaft. The guide bracket failures were likely due to an incident that occurred the previous Friday, but the damage was not visible when inspected.
Two EEs worked from a work deck suspended beneath the production shaft west skip, to replace a skip pocket guide. They asked for the deck to be lowered slightly quicker. The deck held up at tight spot & was struck by the skip, moving the deck approx 10' until the cables were taut, rapidly stopping the deck. The decks stopping jammed EEs into the deck causing their injuries.
Two EEs worked from a work deck suspended beneath the production shaft west skip, to replace a skip pocket guide. They asked for the deck to be lowered slightly quicker. The deck held up at tight spot & was struck by the skip, moving the deck approx 10' until the cables were taut, rapidly stopping the deck. The decks stopping jammed EEs into the deck causing their injuries.
A 1 inch diameter compressed air line ruptured which is utilized by the man hoist. The line was repaired and the hoist returned to service 4:05pm, April 4, 2012.
Employee was attempting to stabilize the spare Derrick motor that was resting on a standard pallet, but was not resting solidly (cocked). The motor slipped off of the pallet pinching his finger between it and the floor.
2011 · 8 incidents
Employee was washing the Bobcat when he slipped on the step mounted on the bucket and fell onto his shoulder. Employee sought medical treatment and was released to regular duty. He continued to experience pain and after additional medical evaluation was diagnosed with arthritis and ACL tear which required surgery. This is not a new incident.
A forklift was used to pull chain. The forklift came forward and was strapped to the chain. EE did not notice fork got under a drag slat. When the forks were tilted back the fork came from under the slat, sprang up and hit EE on the left eyebrow cutting him. He got 5 stitches.
A 3-1/2"" x 4' steel shaft was being passed to employee by another employee. The shaft was not properly balanced, one end dropped approximately 6"" jamming employee's right index finger between the shaft and the drive motor base of the elevator.
Employee was reaching into the glove box of the Gator when his right hand came in contact with an open knife, cutting him.
EE was working on bolter at Morton Salt. he says as he was positing the work basket I mistakenly operate the lever to close the lower centralizer. My left index finger was caught in the jaws. Crushing my left index finger, resulting in broken bones (index finger) and 11 stitches.
EE was attempting to remove tie wraps using a pair of scissors went through contacting his left index finger. EE sought medical attention and surgery will be required.
1500 Level, 6E West face had several flames after blasting. After checking CO and methane levels, supervision, with the assistance of two hourly employees, extinguished the flames.
Employee had just finished cutting the hinge pin located between the boom and pivot turn table. He backed up from between the cutter turn table and boom and slipped and fell backwards to the floor. He used his hand to brace his fall and his left wrist and hand started swelling. Doctor found positive fracture.
2010 · 8 incidents
Employee was attempting to slide a piece of I-beam off a concrete slab onto a forklift and placed his right hand under the webbing of the I-beam. The lower end of the I-beam dropped approximately 4 inches jamming his right ring finger between the I-beam and the edge of the concrete slab.
The #9 LHD caught fire while tramming to the 23H North face. The fire started in the engine compartment. The cause of the fire has not been determined. The ee stated that he turned off the LHD's engine & activated the machine's fire suppression. It did not extinguish the fire. The fire was too intense to fight with hand held fire extinguishers. The LHD was destroyed.
EE was looking at #7 scaler boom connection & when walking forward, stepped on a slick spot & fell backwards on his back, using his arms to block the fall. EE did not express a need for treatment at the time of the incident. After experiencing shoulder pain, EE sought medical attention & was diagnosed with a torn tendon, requiring surgery.
At the start of the graveyard shift at approx. 10:40 p.m. the 19 member crew loaded onto the mancage. As the mancage was being lowered the pinion emergency brake lost hydraulic oil pressure and the brake set. The mancage and crew were trapped in the shaft until 11:25 p.m. when the emergency brake was released and the crew was brought back to the surface.
The employee was cutting bolts to remove a bracket. A piece of metal broke loose and became lodged in the employee's ear.
1500 level, 7C south face had several flames after blasting. After checking CO and methane levels, supervisor evacuated the mine and reported the fire to MSHA. The fire was extinguished on 6/12/10 with the approval of and in the presence of MSHA.
1400 level, 21N North face had several small flames after blasting. After checking CO and methane levels, supervision extinguised the flames.
Employee was hooking up a welding trailer to a mine tractor. The jack was lowered to its lowest point and the pin was pulled on the jack when the trailer went forward the hitch missed the ball and the trailer went to the ground on top of the employee's right foot.
2009 · 4 incidents
The employee stated that he was traveling behind the #7 feeder and he stopped to pick up his water bottle that had fallen. At this point he states that a scale fell and struck him on his hard hat. The foreman could not locate a scale. He then took him back to find the exact location. He stated he was not injured just a little shook up.
EE was pulling his cooler out of the bed of the gator and hit the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher discharged, shooting chemicals into the bed of the gator and then into his eyes.
Employee was on a ladder disconnecting the cylinder to install cables on a 1200 JLG man lift. He fell from the ladder and suffered a laceration to the elbow and a contusion of the sacrum.
Employee was placing a blasting cap in a drill hole with his left hand while holding on to the top rail of the loading basket with his right hand. The loading basket moved causing the basket to move against the mine face, mashing his finger between the mine face and the loading basket.
2008 · 6 incidents
Employee slipped on slick floor and caught himself before falling to the ground. While slipping he twisted his knee. Employee continued to experience problems and because of his chronic arthritis condition required surgery (ACL repair) to the knee. THIS IS NOT A NEW INCIDENT.
EE was cleaning tail pulley and had the #5 Kubota parked on the side of him. The Dubota started rolling, rearing him from the back and causing him to slip and fall, hurting his knees. EE was sent for med evaluation and released to regular duty. He continued to have pain and again sought med attention. ON 1/7/09 EE was diagnosed w/positive fracture to the left knee.
The employee was riding in a gator into the salt mine to fix a scaler. A piece of rock salt fell from above and broke his right femar and fractured bones below the knee cap.
Employee waws replacing a .25 inch fuel line on the powder rig engine and did not realize the cover was not secured. When he attempted to remove the fuel line from the engine, the cover on the driver side of the powder rig fell and caught the tip of his finger.
Employee reported pain in right wrist when she woke up on report date. Employee sought medical help and was diagnosed with tendonitis. Further medical evaluation revealed that the employee would need surgery.
Original incident occurred on 1/26/08. EE sought medical attention and was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. He continued to experience problems and after seeking further medial treatment required surgery for the condition. This is not a new incident.
2007 · 7 incidents
Employee was standing on the southwest side of the chlorinator station inside the strip curtain observing another employee attempting to remove the chlorinator. Upon breaking the seal with the bottle by loosening the yoke of the chlorinator, chorine gase began discharging from the bottle.
Employee was standing on hitch receiver to put coolant in the Grove. Employee grabbed coolant and hitch rotated, causing employee to slip off and fall to the ground.
The face in 27KW was shot at the end of the night shift, approx 6:30am. When the powder crew went underground to inspect the faces, they found 5 small fires in the face and muckpile. After checking CO and methane readings, supervisor extinguished the flames. No re-ignition occurred.
Original incident occurred on 8/4/07 when employee strained right shoulder. Employee has again experienced problems with his shoulder and sought additional medical treatment. Employee was diagnosed with degenerative cervical disc disease. This is not a new incident.
Four men were on top of cage, approximately 200' below the collar of the #4 shaft removing pipe when a failure of the hoist motor occurred. This failure was caused by a phase to phase fault. The crew was lowered to the 1200 level and then exited the mine via the #3 production shaft.
Employee has just finished closing a barge cover. He turned to exit off the top of the barge, slipped and slid off the side of the barge between the bulkhead and the barge.
Outburst - 1400' level - room 29 B-east. Outburst occurred during a shot. No one was in the mine at the time. Miners returned to production work in the mine after it ventilated for approximately five days.
2006 · 6 incidents
While trying to put the bottom bucket pin back in place on 980 loader with a sledge hammer, the hammer hit the bucket, glancing off of the bucket & striking his left leg.
Employee was cleaning end caps when his finger contacted a moving drive chain. This contact caused a tip amputation of the middle right finger.
EE was inspecting the oil cooler for leaks on the scaler. The hinged cover was secured in an upright position with a rope attached to the scaler's boom. The rope that was securing the oil cooler in an upright position was removed. EE had repositioned himself beneath the oil cooler and continued checking for leaks. The cover dropped pinching his hand between cooler & frame.
EE was tying in an anodes non-electric blasting cap that did not detonate during previous main shot. He tied the cap's shock tube onto a roll of Cordex e-cord and then began backing away from the cap while unspooling the cord. The EE shook the cord to try to eliminate a flat spot and the cap detonated.
EE was standing behind another Powderman who had tied in a misfired non-electric blasting cap to a spool of Cordex e-cord. The other EE began backing away from the face, unspooling the e-cord. The other EE then shook the e-cord and the cap detonated.
The faces in 28K North & South were shot at 6:30 AM. When the fire boss crew went undergroung to inspect the faces, they found gas discharging from several blast holes, and the gas was burning. After checking Co and methane levels. Supervison extinguished the flames. No reignation occured.
2005 · 3 incidents
PRECISE ADJUSTMENT OF OILER REQUIRED POWER DUE TO SYSTEM DESIGN. WHILE MAKING THE FINAL ADJUSTMENT TO THE OILER LINKAGE ROD, THE EE WAS INATTENTIVE TO HAZARDS & PLACED HIS LEFT HAND ON THE OILER SUPPORT BRACE. HIS FINGER WAS IN THE LINE OF FIRE WHEN THE TUBE STRIPPER MOVED. HIS FINGER WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE OILER BRACE & THE TUBE STRIPPER.
THE EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING BEHIND A 50 LB BAG OF ANFO. THE BAG WAS SITTING UPRIGHT ON THE GROUND. HE USED A SAFETY KNIFE TO OPEN THE POLY BAG, AS HE CUT THE BAG, HE WAS PULLING THE KNIFE TOWARDS HIMSELF. THE KNIFE CUT THROUGH THE BAG AND INTO HIS RIGHT KNEE
28B NORTH FACE HAD SMALL FLAMES AFTER BLASTING. AFTER CHECKING CO AND METHANE LEVELS, SUPER EXTINGUISHED FLAMES. MULTIPLE RE-IGNITIONS OCCURED, PROMPTLY EXTNINGUISHED. SALT WAS MUCKED OUT OF THE FACE 21 FEB 05 AND A VERY SMALL METHANE BLEEDER WAS FOUND IN THE FLOOR BELOW THE MUCK PILE. REIGNITIONS OCCURED BECAUSE FUEL SOURCE COULD NOT BE REACHED UNTIL SALT WAS MOVED.
2004 · 7 incidents
AN 8' X 8' X 1/2"" STEEL PLATE WAS BEING USED AS FORWORK FOR A 20' X 8' TALL WALL. DURING THE CONCRETE POUR, THE WALL TIES FAILED AND THE EMPLOYEE'S LOWER RIGHT LEG WAS STRUCK BY THE STEEL PLATE AND PINNED BETWEEN THE PLATE AND SOME NEARBY CRIBBING.
THE FACE IN 27CN ON THE 1400' LEVEL WAS SHOT AT 6:30 AM. WHEN THE PRESHIFT CREW WENT UNDERGROUND TO CHECK THE FACES, THEY FOUND METHANE GAS DISCHARGING FROM SOME OF THE BLASTED HOLES. THE METHANE WAS ON FIRE, GENERATING SMALL FLAMES ON THE WEST HALF OF THE EXPOSED FACE.
Ee alleged that on 10/4/04 during 3rd shift while moving an undercutter cable he stepped on a rock with his left foot. Ee did not experience pain at that time. Later the ee's foot began to hurt & he sought medical attention believing he had gout. Medical evaluation revealed an acute strain to the left foot & ee was placed on restricted duty beginning 10/11/04.
While tramming in scaler employee ran over chunk of salt causing him to lose his balance and fall to both knees.
EE was disembarking the volvo 150 loader and slipped from the bottom ladder rung. he managed to break his fall with his hands, spraining his left wrist. ee experienced swelling in his wrist and further medical evaluation on 5/5/04 revealed an avulsion.
EE HAD TO MOVE AN ELECTRICAL CABLE FOR AN UNDERCUTTER. CABLE WAS BENEATH WHERE STAB JACK WOULD GO. EE USED A HOT STICK TO PULL THE CABLE. AS EE PULLED, THE STICK SLIPPED OFF THE CABLE AND EE LOST HIS BALANCE, FALLING TO THE FLOOR.
THE PLANT LOST UTILITY POWER, DISABLING THE SECONDARY ESCAPEWAY. A MINE EVACUATION IMMEDIATELY COMMENCED IN THE PRIMARY ESCAPEWAY USING THE EMERGENCY GENERATOR. AFTER PARTIAL EVACUATION, THE G ENERATOR MALFUNCTIONED. A RENTAL GENERATOR WAS IMMEDIATELY ACQUIRED AND EVACUTION OF THE MINERS WAS COMPLETED AT 5 PM.
2003 · 8 incidents
THE #10 LHD WAS STOPPED IN 2WB ON THE 1200 LEVEL. EE, DRIVING A GATOR, STOPPED TO PASS THE LHD. HE FLASHED HIS LIGHTS TO PASS, AND BEGAN TO DRIVE AROUND THE LHD. THE LHD OPERATOR DID NOT SEE T HE SIGNAL. AS THE GATOR PASSED IN FRONT OF THE LHD BUCKET, LHD DRIVER BEGAN MOVING AND HIT THE GATOR. HE JUMPED FROM GATOR TOWARDS THE RIB AND FRACTURED HIS LEG. GATOR DESTROYED.
ON 9/16/03, EMPLOYEE HAD CLIMBED DOWN A LADDER AND STEPPED TO THE GROUND. AS HE TURNED TO WALK, HE TRIPPED AND FELL. THIS INJURED HIS RIGHT SHOULDER. EMPLOYEE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AND WAS RELEASED FOR NORMAL DUTIES. AFTER CONTINUING TO EXPPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH HIS SHOULDER FURTHUR MEDICAL EVALUATION DETERMINED THAT SURGERY WOULD BE REQUIRED. OUTPATIENT SURGERY - 1/9/04.
EE WAS RETURNING FROM BREAK. EE STEPPED INTO PATH OF FORK TRUCK. FORK TRUCK OPERATOR WAS UNABLE TO AVOID EE. THE FORK TRUCK AND EE COLLIDED. EE SUFFERED TORN LIGAMENT IN LEFT KNEE. INSPECTION OF FORK TRUCK REVEALED NO DEFECTS.
HOIST ROPE PULLED OUT OF A RELIANCE BARKER DAVIES CAPPEL ON A LOADED SKIP. SKIP FELL FROM 30' ABOVE SURFACE COLLAR TO BOTTOM OF SHAFT AT 1400;LEVEL. PER THE MANUFACTURER THIS CAPPEL WAS DEFE CTIVE WHEN BUILT IN 1998, THE SKIP HOIST ROPE AND APPROX. 50 KARRI GUIDES WERE DESTROYED. SKIP DOGS NOT DESIGNED FOR A FULLY LOADED SKIP.
EE STEERED ATV FULL RIGHT & STEERING LOCKED. TO AVOID MACHINE TIPPING OVER, HE USED LEFT FOOT ON GROUND TO STABILIZE THE UNIT WHILE STOPPING. THE MAIN FRAME BROKE CAUSING STEERING TO LOCK. INI TIAL MEDICAL FINDINGS WERE NEGATIVE BUT LATER MRI REVEALED NECESSITY FOR SURGERY. EE PERFORMED FULL JOB DUTIES PRIOR TO SURGERY, WHICH OCCURRED ON 5/9/03, THEN HE WAS PLACED ON RESTRICTIONS.
EE WAS CHIPPING ON A POST-INDICATING VALVE FOR THE PLANT FIRE SYSTEM AND WAS WEARING SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS ALONG WITH FACE SHIELD. EE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE IRRITATION IN HIS RIGHT EY E AFTER GOING ON BREAK. HE NEVER FELT ANYTHING STRIKE HIS EYE WHILE CHIPPING, NOR DOES HE REMEMBER RUBBING HIS FACE OR EYES. AN EXPLANATION AS HOW THE OBJECT ENTERED HIS EYE WOULD BE AFTER R
EE WAS USING A FEL TO LOAD SUPPLIES ONTO THE HOIST MANCAGE. AS THE EE BACKED OUT AWAY FROM THE MANCAGE THE FEL'S FORK BRACKET CAUGHT THE SIDE OF THE MANCAGE & DAMAGED THE MANCAGE. A SECTION OF CHANNEL HAD TO BE REMOVED, REPAIRED & REINSTALLED TO RETURN THE MANCAGE TO SAFE OPERATION. THE DAMAGE RESULTED IN EVACUATING THE MINE VIA THE SECONDARY ESCAPEWAY.
THE #8 LHD CAUGHT FIRE WHILE MUCKING A FACE IN 15THN ON THE 1000 LEVEL. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE REAR OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, NEAR THE RADIATOR. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE EE DID NOT TURN OFF THE LHD BEFORE FIGHTING THE FIRE. THE EE WAS UNABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A HAND HELD EXTINGUISHER OR THE MACHINE S FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM. THE LHD WAS DESTROYED.
2002 · 11 incidents
EE WAS CLEANING TAILPIECE OF BELT CONVEYOR WHEN SHE NOTICED ONE OF THE EXPANDED METAL GUARDS WASOUT OF POSITION. THE EE GRABBED THE EDGE OF THE GUARD AND ATTEMPTED TO MOVE IT. 2 OF THE EE'S FINGERS WERE CUT AND ONE WAS BROKEN.
EE WAS REPAIRING PUMP. PIPE HANGERS IN CEILING PULLED OUT WHEN TRYING TO DISASSEMBLE THE PUMP CAUSING LACERATION AND FRACTURE TO EE'S THUMB.
HAND TOOL LAYING ON ROOF TARP WAS THROWN BY HIGH WINDS STRIKING EE IN THE FACE CAUSING SMALL LACERATION TO CHEEK AREA.
WHILE PULLING THE DRIVE BELT BY HAND TO CHECK ALIGNMENT EMPLOYEE'S LEFT THUMB WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE BELT AND SHEAVE. HE WAS NOT WEARING GLOVES.
THE #3 HOIST WAS HOISTING SALT IN AUTOMATIC MODE, WITH THE WEST SKIP COMING UP LOADED, THE HOIST WAS TRIPPED OFF BY THE OPERATOR. THIS CAUSED THE UNLOADED EAST SKIP TO BOUNCE ON THE END OF T HE ROPE, AND THE DOGS TO SET. HOISTMAN LOWERED THE EAST SKIP AND THE HOIST ROPE KINKED. THE ROPE WAS REPLACED IMMEDIATLY.
EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PLACE A 12-VOLT BATTERY INTO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TRYING TO HOLD HINGED COVER ON THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT OPEN. WHILE LOWERING THE BATTERY INTO THE COMPARTMENT, THE EE INADVERTANTLY PLACED HISTHUMB BETWEEN THE FRONT PLATE OF THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT AND THE BATTERY, SMASHING HIS THUMB.
EMPLOYEE WAS KNEELING ON FLOOR ON RIGHT KNEE CUTTING A USED BELT, PULLING THE UTILITY KNIFE TOWARDS HIMSELF, HE CUT THE BELT AND IN THE SAME MOTION CUT HIS LEG.
OUTBURT - 1400' LEVEL- ROOM 23I GOING NORTH. OUTBURST IN MINING DIRECTION. OUTBURST OCCURRED DURING SHOT. NO ONE WAS IN THE MINE AT THE TIME. MINERS RETURNED TO WORKINGS AFTER VENTILATING FOR APPROXIMATELY 24 HOURS. THE OUTBURST IS APPROX. 35' WIDE AND 30' HIGH AT THE FACE. IT THEN CONTINUES INTO THE BACK ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL 35' AND ADVANCES 25'.
EMPLOYEE'S JOB IS TO LOAD VERTICAL BENCHES WITH EXPLOSIVES (50 LB ANFO AT 1.5 BAGS PER HOLE). REPEATED MOTION OF THIS JOB OVER TIME IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO SORENESS TO ELBOWS. EMPLO YEE REQUIRED SURGERY ON 10/16/02 AND WAS PUT ON LIGHT DUTY.
EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE SEVERAL BOLTS FROM A MOUNTING FLANGE BY HITTING ON FLANGE PLATE W/4 LB SLEDGEHAMMER. HIS FINGER WAS CAUGHT BTWN 1 OF THE BOLTS & THE HAMMER HANDLE AS HEAD OF HAMMER CONTACTED FLANGE PLATE. EE BELIEVES HAMMER HANDLE TILTED DOWN SHARPLY AFTER HEAD OF HAMMER CONTACTED FLANGE PLATE.
OUTBURST-1400' LEVEL, ROOM 231 GOING NORTH. APPROX 12 FT DIAMETER, 7 FT DEEP. OUTBURST IN MINING DIRECTION. OUTBURST OCCURRED DURING SHOT. HO ONE WAS IN THE MINE AT THE TIME. MINERS RETURNED TO WORKINGS AFTER APPROX TWO HOURS.
2001 · 7 incidents
EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING ON ROCK BAGGING LINE PALLETIZING 80# X-COARSE FILM BAGS WHEN HE NOTICED PAIN IN THE LEFT SHOULDER BLADE AREA. NO SHARP PAIN, JUST GRADUALLY GETTING WORSE. EMPLOYEE ALSO PA LLETIZED 50# BAGS AND CONTINUED TO FEEL THE PAIN IN THE SHOULDER AREA AFTER WHICH HE REPORTED IT TO THE FOREMAN.
THE FACE IN THE 1400' LEVEL WAS SHOT AT 6:00 AM. WHEN THE PRESHIFT CREW WENT UNDERGROUND TO CHECK THE FACES, THEY FOUND METHANE GAS DISCHARGING FROM SOME OF THE BLASTED HOLES. THE METHANE WAS ON FIRE GENERATING SMALL FLAMES FROM APPROX 10 OF THE FACE HOLES.
THE EE REPORTED A KNOT IN A BACK MUSCLE, ACCOMPANIED BY MINOR PAIN, UPON COMING TO WORK ON 8-29-01. HE REPORTED THE ONSET OF THE CONDITION AFTER GOING HOME FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF A 10-HOUR SH IFT THE PREVIOUS DAY, 8-28-01. NO SPECIFIC INCIDENT IWAS IDENTIFIED BY THE INJURED EE. THE EE SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION/DIAGNOSITC TESTING AND WAS PLACED ON RESTRICTED DUTY 9-3-01.
ROOF BOLTS FAILED IN AN AREA ~55' PERIMETER. THESALT SEPARATED IN VARYING THICKNESS FROM 12' TO 42"". THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO INTERUPTION OF VENTILATION.
WHILE CHANGING A TAKE-UP CABLE ON THE 11 BELT TAKE-UP, THE EMPLOYEE SLIPPED AND FELL ON HIS KNEES. EMPLOYEE VISITED MED WORKS AND WAS RELEASED TO FULL DUTY ON 5-7-01. EMPLOYEE CONTINUED TO HAV E DISCOMFORT, RETURNED TO MED WORKS AND AN MRI WAS SCHEDULED. THE MRI REVEALED A TORN CARTILAGE WHICH WILL REQUIRE ORTHOSCOPIC CORRECTION (5-25-01) AND LIGHT DUTY(5-29-01).
WE ARE SUBMITTING A THRESHOLD SHIFT FOR EE OF 25 DBA AS REQUESTED BY MSHA. THIS IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF WORK RELATEDNESS AS NO WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM WAS FILED OF AWARD MADE. WE USED MSHA'S PROPOSED STANDARD AS A GUIDELINE.
WE ARE SUBMITTING A THRESHOLD SHIFT FOR EE OF 25 DBA AS REQUESTED BY MSHA. THIS IS NOT AN ADMISSION OF WORK RELATEDNESS AS NO WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM WAS FILED OF AWARD MADE. WE USED MSHA'S PROPOSED STANDARD AS A GUIDELINE.
2000 · 11 incidents
WORKERS WERE SHOVELING & MOVING STOCKPILED SALT WORKERS WERE WORKING TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER. THE FOREMAN WAS INSTRUCTING WORKERS IN THE PROPER USE OF A PICK & SHOVEL, THE FOREMAN RAISED HIS P ICK OVER HIS SHOULDER & STRUCK INJ WORKER ON THEARM. CONTUSION TO R ELBOW & FOREARM
EE & COWORKER WERE CHANGING PISTON & SEALS ON WATER SOFTENER. WATER WAS TURNED OFF VALVE (FEED WATER) DID NOT COMPLETE SEAL OFF RESULTING IN PRESSURE BUILDUP IN SOFTENER HEAD. FACE PLATE WAS TAKEN OFF LAST BOLT HOLDING IT BROKE, PRESSURE FORCED FACE PLATE TO BLOW OFF STRICKING EE IN FACE. IT HIT HIS SAFETY GLASSES, BUT WHEN PLATE HIT GLASSES, IT CUT HIS NOSE
EMPLOYEE HAD NOTICED EYE DISCOMFORT AT THE STARTOF HIS SHIFT. AT AROUND 4:00 AM IT BEGAN TO GET REALLY BAD. EMPLOYEE USED EYE WASH BUT FELT AS IF HE HAD SOMETHING IN HIS EYE. A PIECE OF STEEL WAS REMPVED BY DOCTOR ON 8-31-00. INCIDENT THAT CAUSED IT IS STILL UNKNOWN.
THIS INCIDENT WAS REPORTED ON 8-29-00. CONDITION BEGAN ON 8-19-00 AS EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING ON THE TUBE BELT IN CANLINE. HE EXPERIENCED FATIGUE AND CRAMPS. HE RESTED AND CONTINUED TO WORK. CONDI TION CONTINUED TO DEVELOP OVER SEVERAL DAYS. DOCTOR DETERMINED HEAT STRESS.
THE INJURED EE WAS CONNECTING THE FLIGHT CHAIN TOGETHER ON THE LONG AIRDOX. HE WAS HOLDING A 4 LB. HAMMER WHILE ANOTHER EE WAS HITTING IT WITH A 16 LB. HAMMER. A PIECE OF THE 4 LB. HAMMER BROK E OFF AND LODGED IN THE EE'S RIGHT ARM.
THE EE FEELS THAT THE REPETITIVE NATURE OF HER JOB CAUSED THE INJURY. HER JOB DUTIES CONSISTED OF 12 YRS OF DATA ENTRY FOR PAYROLL AS WELL AS OTHER PROJECTS. THE PAIN STARTED IN 8/00 AND HAS B EEN PRESENT ON A DAILY BASIS SINCE THAT TIME
EMPLOYEE WAS RUSHING TO THE WAREHOUSE TO AVOID BEING LATE FOR WORK. AS HE WAS CROSSING THE RAILROAD TRACK THE HEEL OF HIS SHOE SLIPPED OFF THE TOP EDGE OF THE RAIL DOWNWARD CAUSING THE INJURY
A LOCK RING BECAME DISENGEGED FROM THE WHEEL. THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT FOLLOW THE BEST PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES OF COMMERCIAL TIRE. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO RECREATE THE ACCIDENT; HOWEVER THE TECH NICIAN IS UNABLE TO RECALL ALL EVENTS.
A CAPSTAN WINCH WAS USED TO POSITION AND TIE-OFF BARGES UNDER A FIXED LOADING SPOUT. THE INJURES EE COULD NOT UNTIE THE MOORING ROPE FROM THE D3E-ENERGIZED CAPSTAN WHEN HE NEEDED TO REPOSITION A BARGE BECAUSE OF HIGH ROPE TENSION. THE EE USED AN UNAUTHORIZED PROCEDURE: HE STARTED THE CAPSTAN & KICKED ROPE WITH RIGHT FOOT. IT BECAME CAUGHT. ENTIRE LEG INJURED, AMPUTATED LOWER LEG.
ON THE MORNING OF 1/27/00 AS THE EE WAS PLACING 80# BAGS OF SALT ON A PALLET HE BEGAN TO FEEL DISCOMFORT IN HIS LEFT WRIST. AS THE DAY PROGRESSED THE DISCOMFORT CONTINUED & HIS WRIST BEGAN TO SWELL. THE EE INFORMED HIS SUPERVISOR OF THE CONDITION LATE IN THE AFTERNOON. HE WAS SENT TO THE DR THE FOLLOWING MORNING AND DIAGNOSED WITH TENDONITIS. EE WAS GIVEN WRIST SUPPORT, INSTRUCTION
ON THIS DATE INJURED EE AND ANOTHER EE WERE CHANGING A 25HP MOTOR ON THE CLEAR BRINE PUMP LOCATED IN THE EVAP PLANT PUMP PIT. THE MOTOR WAS REMOVED FROM THE PIT USING A CHAIN BLOCK. AFTER OPER ATING THE CHAIN BLOCK THE INJURE EE FELT A SORENESS IN HSI LEFT SHOULDER. HE DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY SORENESS AGAIN UNTIL AFTER HE WENT HOME AFTER SHICH THE SORENESS PERSISTED. THE FOLLOWING D