Employee felt pain in their lower back and numbness in their hands after a shovel dropped a bucket of material into their production truck box.
Minntac MineMetal/Nonmetal
- Fatalities
- 0
- Total incidents
- 200
- Years on record
- 2014–2026
- Latest incident
- Mar 2026
Reportable incidents
200 on file2026 · 4 incidents
Injured & EE's partner were removing pan skirts. The injured was installing a swivel eye lifting device while EE's partner partially lifted the liner with a lining bar so EE could install the 3/4"" nut underneath. The liner slid down the lining bar, pinching the injured's right middle and pointer fingers between the liner/nut and the pan feeder flights
Employee was finishing up a belt discharge on 72-5. When EE was closing the doors on the crusher EE pinched EE's palm between the door and the lock post causing a 2-inch laceration
Employee driving the 585 was injured during loading at the 18 shovel. A large rock hit the inside of the box causing the operator to feel pain in the neck and hip area. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 1/6/26 WHEN EMPLOYEE RECEIVED RESTRICTIONS
2025 · 20 incidents
The employee's left leg slid out and the right foot stayed planted. The employee caught self, but felt a pop in their right knee and maneuvered to the ground until emergency response was called.
Employee felt soreness in left shoulder after using a 4' bar and 8 lb. sledgehammer. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 12/8/25 WHEN EMPLOYEE RECEIVED RESTRICTIONS.
Employee was changing out return rollers on a belt. Employee was lifting return roller on the one side into place on bracket. The roller slipped and dropped to the floor 12 inches smashing the right ring finger fingertip between the floor and edge of roller causing multiple fractures and laceration to fingertip. Employee was sent to VRMC and returned to work with restrictions
While taking apart a connection for conduit, two MTEs were trying to loosen the connection with channel lock type pliers. The channel lock type slipped, unsure if the conduit or tool contacted the injured left side of the chin.
Employee felt pain in the left arm when helping move a window a/c unit. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 3/13/26 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVED RESTRICTIONS.
Injured MTM was sitting in a spare 3rd stage mainframe in the zinc shop installing a horse collar liner. EE was operating the overhead crane with EE's right hand and repositioning a horse collar liner for final placement with EE's left hand when EE's left fingertips became pinched between the bottom of the tub and the liner. This resulted in a fractured left middle fingertip
MTMs were changing rollers on a belt. They were dragging a roller with a rope and decided to each carry on one end. The roller weighs about 150#. The injured carried the back and felt a pain go through their left elbow area. The employee reported the incident to their supervisor at the start of shift the next day (9-12-25).
The employee was installing reflectors into berms and adding orange tape. While stepping back, the employee tripped over a rock and fell, landing on their left elbow, which resulted in a laceration.
2 MTMS were removing the outboard bearing on a dust collector. To free the bearing from the taper lock, the injured was using a 3lb. hammer while EE's partner held a chisel in a chisel holder against the bearing. During this process a piece of the chisel broke off and struck the injured resulting in a laceration to the left forearm.
Employee was changing the 40-04-1 belt to an air tugger in step 2 Agglomerator. Employee was kneeling down while rigging up the 40 belt. Employee felt a pop in their right knee when they stood back up. EMS was contacted
At 8:30 pm the driver on a water truck was watering a road and hit rumble strips. The truck hit the strips and the employee was thrown forward and then pulled them back in the seat causing pain in the neck. EMS was called went to the ER for further eval. The truck was taken out of service so seatbelt could be checked and the road was graded. became recordable 6/10 with restrictions
A Crusher employee became entrapped in the Step 3 Fines Crusher elevator between the first and second floors. Our safety department became aware of the issue at 12:05 AM. The employee was originally trapped sometime after 11:30 PM on Saturday, April 19th. The employee was able to leave the elevator unharmed after the fire department responded and mechanically opened the doors
At 8:30 am the operator called supervision to report that at approximately 5:40 am they were pulling out the right-side fuel hose and after pulling out 10 feet of hose the reel stopped. At that time the employee stated they felt and heard a pop in their right elbow. A few hours later the employee felt more pain in their right elbow they called for supervision.
Three employees became entrapped in the Step 3 Fines Crusher Elevator at approximately 10:15am. MSHA was notified at approximately 10:42am. The employees were able to exit the elevator at approximately 11:11am
An employee became entrapped in the Step 3 Fines Crusher Elevator. The control room because aware of the entrapment at 4:06pm CST. MSHA was notified at 4:34pm. The employee was able to exit the elevator unharmed at 5:15pm
While backing the 548 production truck into the 5 shovel loading position, the dipper bucket contacted the truck box. The employee felt pain in their neck and shoulders and sent needle like pain down their left arm
Injured was on a step ladder investigating a coolant leak. Operator boarded the machine not knowing the injured was still looking into the leak. When moving the loader, operator noticed injured lying on the ground. Operator immediately stopped the machine, and checked on the injured. This became a recordable on 2/17/25 when employee got restrictions.
The employee tripped/slipped carrying a connection joint on a cable and landed on their left leg. The cable landed on the employee's leg as well.
Two employees were lowering the upper handrail of a scissor lift. When one employee pulled the 4th pin holding the handrail, the handrail assembly fell unexpectedly and pinched the injured employee's left pinky and ring finger between the upright and the mid-rail. The first employee then lifted the handrail up to release the injured employee's fingers
Employee was at 071-01 pan feeder pulling a rock to unplug. While pulling the rock the employee felt a pop near their belly button. Hernia.
2024 · 21 incidents
A Crusher Utility Tech. was in the process of dumping limestone side dump cars. The employee pulled the car dump lever. As the car was dumping, material was frozen in the car, causing the car to lift off the rail on the south side. The employee held onto the dump lever and felt pain in their lower back
Employee was driving a production truck with a load of waste off of the 9-shovel hauling to the 14 dump. While crossing the dump the employee jarred their back while going over bumps. This incident became a recordable when the employee started Physical Therapy on 12/17/24 making this a medical treatment.
Employee was removing a 6'6"" chunk of bin rail off of 002-5 conveyor belt after a metal trip. As the employee attempted to remove the rail, their right ring finger was pinched between the rail and a rock. The rail weighed roughly 249 pounds.
Employee was changing out brake calipers/rotors on a haul truck. Employee was removing the outer rotor on #3 and #4 tires. The rotor dropped and pinched employee's right pointer and right ring fingers between rotor and wheel hub. Employee received restrictions on 10/29/24
The employee said that the shovel bucket might have hit the side of the truck box or a boulder slid over hitting the side of the truck box. As the shift went on the operator said pain developed in the middle of their back. Emergency services was called, and the employee was sent for further evaluation
The employee was repositioning the seat cushion with the driver's door open. When closing the door, the spotlight cord got caught in the door. When moving the cord and shutting the door a second time, the employee's right-hand fingers got smashed. This became a recordable on 11/12/24 when employee had physical therapy.
Employee was opening a HTHW boiler discharge to expansion tank valve with a 4' aluminum lever bar. Valve position is overhead and employee was pulling down on the lever bar and employee felt a strain in abdomen near prior hernia repair site. Because the ""dull ache"" has not gone away since, employee wanted to report. This became a recordable when the employee started PT on 11/13/24.
Employee was assigned to clean and repair deenergized medium voltage bus work. It was decided to remove a section of damaged ceramic bus holder. While working from a 14' ladder employee struck ceramic holder with a hammer. The ceramic holder broke in two and both sections fell with one piece striking employee in the finger pinching the left pinky finger against the ladder.
Walking into a house of 14 6040 shovel two hoses hanging below the ceiling went to bend over to be below them and didn't bend low enough. Hit the top head with hard hat on into a hose, jarring neck popping neck 3 times. Employee got dizzy, back of their head was numb, fingertips were tingly/numb. was wearing a hard hat.
RMS Field service tech was removing a cross threaded bolt from a pump drive shaft, on an 830E-5 haul truck. As EE was repositioning self to get better leverage, the socket slipped off the bolt head and struck EE in the mouth/front teeth causing injury/chipped teeth. No other injuries or impairment
Employee was coming off the ladder at Step3 Coarse crusher. When EE got to the last rung to step down EE's left knee buckled under EE and EE fell from a standing position.
The 538 was hauling tails, the employee noticed the radio shut down and was rebooting. The employee saw flames coming from the access hatches. The employee stopped and activated the fire suppression system, safely exited the truck. Mine control was called and EMS was dispatched.
While walking down some grated steps in the fines crusher, employee walked through a door, and did not see the step. Employee lost balance, went down to the right knee, and felt a pop in upper left thigh area.
The employee was replacing the spring bolt on a crusher. After cutting a bolt, the top section came down pinching the employee's right pinky finger between the 2 pieces. The top piece weighs over 50 lbs.
Employee was sitting in center office, took off safety glasses and rubbed left eye with left, bare hand. Employees eye became irritated. Employee attempted to flush eye but irritation persisted.
Employees were adding rebar to sump hole structure when the plywood used to cover the hole, now leaning up against the wall fell on the employee's right hand that was resting on top of the concrete just outside of the sump hole causing it to pinch EE's right thumb between the plywood and concrete causing a contusion to the thumb. Size of the plywood was 3/4 thick by 4x8.
While descending the production truck on a rest stop, driver felt knee twist on ice on the steps. The driver then ascended the stairs and felt the pain was such that it should be reported. It is undetermined the extent of ice on the stairs at the time of the incident.
Employee was cutting the tail end of a belt. The employee was cutting toward self. As the employee cut through the belt, the knife made contact with the employee's right thigh.
57 drill had guards removed for steam cleaning. Employee was assigned with partner to reinstall guards. Employee was reinstalling the fan motor guard with partner when EE got finger pinched between the guard and the cooler. Pinched finger handling engine cooler guard. It was their left ring finger. Guard weighs about 50 lbs.
Employee in 575 truck backed in to get loaded by 299 loader. The first bucket placed in truck box had large material and jarred the driver. The drivers side mirror also broke at this time.
Employee had been torching bolts off the bottom of the bucket on a loader. Employee then felt irritation in the left eye.
2023 · 17 incidents
The operator on a production truck stated their left arm hit the steering wheel and inside door of the cab when being loaded causing numbness to the arm. The loader arms came down and hit the driver's side of the truck box causing the truck to shake. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 1/4/2024 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE WAS GIVEN RESTRICTIONS.
Employee was driving a Service truck. The vehicle slid on the freshly formed ice covered road and rolled over and came to a rest back on the tires. The employee notified supervision and immediately shut down traffic around that location and coordinated the shutdown of all traffic. The incident became a recordable when the employee received restrictions on 12/18/23.
The employee was walking a full 55-gallon drum onto a spill containment pallet from the forklift forks. The forks were positioned level with the pallet for ease of transfer. The employee felt no discomfort immediately following this task but felt discomfort shortly after. Prior to the incident the employee didn't feel any discomfort. The weight of the drum is approximately 400lbs.
Employee had just gotten down off the back of the cable reel truck. Employee turned to walk away from the truck. As the employee took a step with their left foot they stepped on a rock and fell to the ground. The employee stated they went to catch their fall with their left hand. The employee reported the incident to their supervisor.
Three MTMs were reconnecting a crusher dust pipe (1/2"" wall x 12"" ID black rubber) to the crusher discharge chute. While pushing the pipe into place, it sprung to the north causing one of the employees to fall to the ground on left side and left wrist. The employee reported soreness in the left wrist.
Employee was in the process of loading a filter kit box into the 827-service truck when the employee felt a pop in left shoulder. The box of filters weighs approximately 40lbs. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 08/11/2023 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVED A RESTRICTED LEFT ARM RESTRICTION
An employee was in the process of handing wire up to another employee in the basket truck. The employee stated that as they stepped back with their right foot and stepped on a rock. The employee rolled their right ankle and fell to the ground.
EMPLOYEE WAS IN PROCESS OF CHIPPING OVERHEAD ON THE DIRT CHUTE AT 041 SHOVEL. EMPLOYEE STATED WHILE CHIPPING, A PIECE OF SLAG WENT BEHIND THEIR WELDING HELMET AND SAFETY GLASSES BURNING BOTH RIGHT EYELIDS
While spotted at the 18 shovel. The dipper made contact with the corner of the production truck box causing the driver to be jarred. Once loaded the driver drove to the crusher, unloaded and contacted supervision to report the incident. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 9/11/2023 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE STARTED PHYSICAL THERAPY.
THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 6/8/23 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE HAD A FOREIGN BODY REMOVED FROM THE RIGHT EAR CANAL. While welding a spacer plate, a small piece of slag entered the right ear. The employee thought the piece of slag exited the ear. It was determined that it hadn't.
At 1907 (7:07pm) on Tuesday night, a Lakehead employee became entrapped in the Step 3 Fines Crusher elevator. After unsuccessful attempts to reset the elevator, MEI was contacted to make repairs to restore safe operation of the elevator. MSHA was notified at 1928 (7:28pm) of the entrapment and the employee was freed at 2034 (8:34pm). There were no injuries.
A Crusher Hybrid was replacing the second return roller from the head end on 002-12. Upon completion, the employee stood up and felt a pop in their right knee. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 4/17/23 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVED TREATMENT.
A rock from the shovel bucket hit the tail gate of a production truck causing a large chunk to fall out. The truck operator was jarred from the rock hitting. The operator felt pain in the neck, and the pain increased as EE kept driving. The operator reported the incident to supervision and emergency services was called.
Employee was working from a mobile platform lifting the left side production truck box pin into position. As the employee was setting the pin in place it slipped in employee's hand. The employee's thumb was pinched between the pin and the #4 production truck tire. Employee slid the pin into position and then came down from the work platform. Estimated pin weight is 80 lbs.
Two employees were replacing the broken railroad sign on the tracks. The signs were slid off the pickup and resting on the ground and tailgate. The sign slipped out of the employee's hands (wearing winter gloves). The weight of the sign brought the sign to the upright position which contacted the employee's right ear. The employee suffered an ear laceration.
The employee stated that at approx. 9:45am EE pulled into a relief area. The employee got off the truck and took three steps and slipped on snow covered ice falling to the ground. The employee landed on their left front side and felt pain in the chest, ribs, shoulder, bicep, knee all on the left side. Emergency services took the employee to the dispensary for further evaluation.
Employee was working on haul truck that was parked. Employee was descending the stairs and their right boot caught the stair tread. The employee lost their balance causing to their left foot to twist in the process. The employee notified the operator on the truck to have them call Mine Control for Emergency Services to be dispatched to location.
2022 · 18 incidents
The employee was operating the loader doing high bottom clean up in the west pit. The right corner shank and tooth broke off the loader. The employee got down to push the shank and tooth into the bucket and haul it out of the pit. While in the process of pushing it into the bucket, it pinched EE's right pointer finger against the other tooth and shank on the bucket.
Employee was assigned to replace a countershaft on 12-18-22. The employee felt something in left eye, flushed the eye and thought that it had been removed. Irritation persisted and the employee reported the injury on 12-19-22. The employee was sent to an ophthalmologist where a rust ring was removed and antibiotic medicine was prescribed.
Employee was descending stairs and felt pain in the right knee. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 11/29/2022 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE RECEIVED A LIFTING RESTRICTION.
EE was welding a pad eye and was using a wire wheel on a grinder to clean the slag off the weld. While cleaning the weld EE felt something hit their chest. Later the employee noticed discomfort in their eye. EE stated was wearing safety glasses and welding helmet during the cleaning. EE continued to work throughout the day until the discomfort in the eye got worse.
The injured employee smelled smoke and informed management. After changing clothes, the employee returned to the 3rd floor and noticed an active fire in the counter shaft area of the 082-07-1 crusher. The employee ran and grabbed an extinguisher to put out the fire. The employee noted right knee pain later that day. THIS BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 2/1/23 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE HAD SURGERY
Employee was adjusting notches on a crusher. EE planted right foot and pulled on the NW adjustment ram handle with both hands, when EE felt a dull aching pain in the right abdomen/groin area. Possible hernia, but no surgery is scheduled.
Employee was on a rubber bull. A low fuel pressure warning came on & smoke came from the engine. The bull was shut down & the fire system activated. Firehall was called & water trucks were dispatched. 10-15 mins of spraying, the fire was extinguished. The Master switch was shut off & scene was secured. MSHA was called at 7:58 The fire was out at 8:06. MSHA was called at 8:08
The employee was getting loaded at the 2 shovel. When the second load was dumped in the truck, the employee was jostled and contacted the door with the left side of their body and head. The employee met the trainers at the midway relief and was brought in and sent to telemedicine for evaluation. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 6/27/22 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE SAW THE DOCTOR.
Employee was exiting a pickup truck in the North Fines Parking Lot. Employee reached back to shut the door with right hand and employee's right thumb was wrapped around the edge of the door and became pinched between the door and door jam.
Employee was found deceased in the tool sharpening crib room. There were no indications that this was a work related fatality.
Employee was walking from the dry to the west stairwell on the second floor of the Learning Center when the employee tripped on the edge of a rug. It is believed that the employee attempted to catch themselves on the handrail of the stairwell, but was unsuccessful, and fell landing on their left shoulder where they felt pain.
Employee was unplugging a belt discharge on 002-06 utilizing a ""T"" handled hook. The hook slipped off a rock, pinching EE's right thumb between the ""T"" handled hook and the top of the door opening
The employee was opening a passenger door on a production truck. When pulling on the handle the employee felt pain in their left shoulder area. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 7/18/22 WHEN THE EMPLOYEE STARTED PHYSICAL THERAPY.
Employee was clearing the pan feeder. Employee was hosing mud off the rock. Next to employee, there was a T-handle bar leaning against the handrail. While hosing the mud, the T-handle bar fell striking the employee in the right thumb.
Employee was driving back to the shop from the West Pit rock cut when EE hit a pot hole and then a series of smaller ones. EE reported to the supervisor that EE felt pain in shoulder, neck and teeth due to hitting the potholes. Emergency services was contacted and evaluated EE. EE later received more treatment at urgent care.
Employee was walking a piece of demo'd steel sheeting up an incline, the sheeting they were walking on gave way causing them to drop down 4-6 inches resulting in a displacement fracture of the right ankle.
Employee rubbed an eye and felt some pain. A metal shaving was on hand as they rubbed the eye. EE thought it came from the back of their hand when rubbing the eye. EE flushed the eye and thought the material came out. Employee finished the shift. When employee got home, they noticed there was still something in the eye. Contacted supervisor and went to see emergency services.
Employee was using 15"" pliers in the left hand and a 15"" adjustable wrench in the right hand to tighten a thin 3"" nut for a plastic bulk storage tank discharge. When applying downward pressure with the plier, the employee felt pain in the left shoulder. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE WHEN THE EMPLOYEE HAD SURGERY ON 4-08-22.
2021 · 15 incidents
Employee was plowing the West parking lot at Central Shops with the 274 950 Cat loader with a snowplow blade attachment. EE was traveling north to south in the middle parking row when the plow blade contacted a piece of steel, that was sticking up approximately 1 1/2"" above grade. Employee stated the incident stopped the loader immediately when contacting the steel.
Employee was drilling a stack of mild steel plates with battery powered portable drill using a pilot point tip type drill bit. The drill bit caught while drilling the hole and twisted causing employee to feel a pop in their bicep area of the right arm. THIS INCIDENT BECAME A RECORDABLE ON 12/6/21 WHEN EMPLOYEE STARTED PHYSICAL THERAPY.
The employee was walking into the Annex dry. While stepping with EE's left foot on the edge of the sidewalk, the employee rolled EE's ankle and fell to the ground.
Employee was working on the 580 haul truck. As the employee was opening the engine compartment, the cover came up at an unexpected rate of speed causing the employee to hit their hand between the cover and a railing. This resulted in a laceration to the left pointer finger that required stitches.
Employee was driving 574 haul truck in the West pit to get loaded. As employee was driving down the hill by the old 65 water fill, employee hit a pot hole in the road with the #2 tire. Employee felt a pinch on the right side of their ribs. While waiting at the shovel employee felt tightness in the same location and contacted mine supervision to report incident
Three MTMs were in the process of changing wear steel on 082-25 crusher. The injured leaned on the adjustment cap guide to see if the bowl had disengaged from the mainframe. At the same time, the adjustment cap/bowl shifted pinching EE's left thumb. This resulted in a ""U"" shaped laceration approximate 2.5"" over the end of the left thumb.
Two employees were stuck on the Step 3 west elevator between the 6th and 7th floor of Step 3 fines crusher. Employees contacted their supervisor who then contacted first responders. The employees were eventually freed at 12:18 pm
Employee was using a T-handle chuck wrench to tighten one of the jaws on a 4-jaw chuck and felt pain in EE's right shoulder. The T-handle wrench being used weighs 5lbs and measures 20"" wide at the handles and 10-1/4"" long. This incident became a recordable on July 20, 2021 when we became aware of employee having surgery.
Employee was working a drill. Other employees were working on the drill at the same time performing other tasks. One employee was using a hand grinder to remove burrs from the shims (shimming the head guides). The employee that felt discomfort in EE's eye was not the employee using the hand grinder. The injured employee was working about 20 feet away from the grinding activities.
Employee(1) boarded the truck they just washed and started to back up. Employee (1) proceeded to back up about 8 feet and heard a crunching noise. Employee (1) stopped and deboarded the truck and saw the injured employee (2) getting out of a manlift that the truck had contacted while backing up. Employee (2) felt pain the neck area.
Employee was welding on a bottom wear plate on the bucket of a loader. The plate swung backwards and the right side weld broke free causing the plate to fall landing on the employee's left foot.
As operator was walking down the suitcase of a production truck, EE slipped on the bottom step. Employee caught self holding on to the hand railing and tweaked EE's right arm.
Employee was doing a pre-shift inspection on the loader. When opening the engine compartment with the left hand the employee felt a pop inside the glove. Employee did not feel any pain immediately but later noticed the palm of that hand was black/blue and had pain around ring finger. The incident was reported to a supervisor and emergency services was contacted.
An improperly secured conveyor system tail pulley carriage moved unexpectedly due to gravity and cable slack, pinning employee underneath. Employee sustained injury to include 3 broken ribs and a small laceration to liver.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. employee was operating the 560 production truck when EE hit a bump on the approach to the shovel. AT 8 p.m. the employee reported the incident to the shift manager. The employee stated that EE felt a pop in the right arm followed by pain in the arm and elbow area. Emergency services were called and the employee was taken for evaluation.
2020 · 14 incidents
Employee was working in the steam room at MES cleaning a truck. Employee was standing on the 3rd step of a 4-step portable stairs. While descending the stairs, the employee missed the next step down and fell landing on right side.
Employee was hammering out a guide idler pin with a 4 lb.hammer. Employee missed hitting the pin and hit their right knee.
Employee was assigned to remove the cooler on a drill. The injured employee was holding hoses and wiring, guiding them through the frame of the cooler. There were two 2"" hydraulic hoses and one electrical conduit zip-tied together. As the cooler was being removed one of the hoses broke away and struck the injured employee in the face, chipping their left, front, upper tooth.
A Lakehead employee (contractor) was trapped in the Fines Crusher elevator at approximately 4:35 am. The safety on call was notified and the elevator repair company responded and got the person out around 7:10 am. Due to this being an entrapment of over 30 minutes, MSHA was immediately notified by the on-call safety person.
Truck driver was loading track pads that had been on loading pads while, three miner were at lunch. Driver was using a Serco 7000 clam loader and was seated in the operators seat when the bolts holding the boom of the machine snapped and driver was thrown from the machine landing on the pads below.
Employee was on their back removing grizzlies from the upper deck with an air impact with extension and socket. Employee had impact in left hand when the nut came loose and the impact wrench spun around hitting employee in the face under the left cheek.
Employee was operating a dozer & stated was pushing material while in 2nd gear and tweaked right knee. Employee also stated to supervisor that employee was experiencing knee pain and soreness in the back. Employee de-boarded under own power to a panel to be taken for evaluation by EMS. USS received doctor documentation on 6/17/20 making this a recordable.
Employee was moving a wheelbarrow full of rock. EE felt a twinge in the belt line area of stomach. EE moved the wheelbarrow approximately 15 yds. EE continued working and later that shift EE felt burning sensation in stomach area and noticing a bulge. EE then reported the incident. EE is considering surgery at this point.
Employee was laying cable for a drill in the pit. While laying a pile of cable by the cable boat, the employee stated they felt some pain in the right elbow. Employee notified supervisor and was sent for evaluation.
Employee parked the 570 CAT 793F haul truck at the Mine Annex parking lot and was in the process of getting off of the truck. After employee deployed the Powerstep ladder they slipped with their right foot and fell down the Powersteps. The employee injured their lower back and both arms. The employee stated that the steps were slippery with mud at the time of the incident
Employee was removing a floor plate with pry-bar to access the oversized chute. After several attempts of prying and hammering to loosen the plate, the plate popped loose causing the employee to pinch EE's right index finger between the hammer and the pry-bar.
Employee alleges that they and a fellow employee were manually moving a portable 480v winch while on the job site, and in the process felt a sharp pain in lower back, right side just above buttox.
Employee was operating the 374 CAT in the Pit. As employee was dismounting the dozer on the right side since the main boarding ladder was not functioning, employee fell approximately 3' to ground and landed on the right side of EE's body. The supervisor contacted emergency services to respond to incident. Restrictions were given on 2/24/2020 making this a recordable injury.
Employee was conducting a pre-shift inspection of the 545 production truck in the 65 relief area. As the employee was walking around the truck conducting the pre-inspection the employee slipped and fell on some ice hitting EE's head and back. The employee notified EE's supervisor and emergency services was notified.
2019 · 11 incidents
Employee was trapped in the Step 1-2 Crusher elevator around 12:15pm. The elevator was stuck just below the 3rd floor. MSHA was notified at approximately 12:40pm. The elevator company was called and the employee was freed at 12:53pm The elevator was put back in service.
Employee was pulling a cardboard box pallet from a garbage skip. While employee was moving the box, employee lost footing and fell backwards. The employee hit their left wrist on the floor. Employee's left wrist started to swell up and they told the shift manager about the incident. Employee was sent to dispensary for evaluation and returned to work with restrictions.
Employee was helping another crew inspect what was interfering with the door fit on the 37ES1. The door was pinned on and needed to go inside to see where it needed trimmed to shut fully. Employee stated that while crawling out of the 30"" opening under the bail they stood up and felt sharp pain in lower back.
The employee was struck in the cheek with a piece metal shrapnel while loading smaller pieces of scrap metal material into a lug box. EE used a JD350 excavator with a grapple to perform the task. A piece of the material broke off while EE was loading. The shrapnel went through the cab glass, striking the right cheek of the operator which resulted in 10 stitches.
While getting off the relief bus, employee stepped down twisting their right ankle and fell landing on their knees. The incident was reported to the supervisor and employee was sent to the dispensary for evaluation.
Employee was driving a haul truck. Employee hit a bump and was jarred in the seat. Employee reported feeling lower back pain and went to the dispensary for evaluation.
Employee was working on the 278 loader installing control valve. As EE was tightening the base bolts with a 1/2 inch ratchet and 6 inch extension the wrench slipped off the bolt causing EE to smash EE's right pinky finger on the axle housing. At this time employee notified EE's manager
The employee was using an air impact wrench to remove bolts from the lip shrouds on a loader. While activating the impact wrench the employee felt pain in the left index finger and immediately stopped the impact wrench to investigate. Employee had a laceration.
Employee was riding in a pickup when the truck hit a rock. The injured employee reported a sore elbow to the supervisor and was sent to dispensary for evaluation.
Employee was driving a haul truck through a patch of rough road and felt a sharp pain in the lower back. Employee reported the incident, was checked out by emergency services and returned to work.
At 08:45am an MTE was breaking down cable for the 49 Drill. While pushing down the handle on the Main Disconnect Switch, the handle sprung up and hit the employee in the chin and mouth. The injured MTE successfully opened the switch, returned to the Mine Office, where the supervisors were notified at approximately 9:00.
2018 · 14 incidents
slipped on ice, twisted left knee.
Employee slipped on a patch of ice in the Administration building back parking lot while stepping out of their personal vehicle.
Employee was hosing floors. When moving the hose for positioning, employee felt a popping in the lower stomach area. Employee felt a bulge below the belly button.
Elevator suddenly stopped between floors trapping employee in the elevator. Employee used the phone to call for help. MEI was called. MSHA was notified of the incident in a timely manner. Employee was freed from the elevator after approximately 49 minutes. MSHA was notified with in 30 minutes of the incident.
Multiple grass fires were observed from a passing train requiring assistance from local fire agencies. Multiple organizations worked together to extinguish the fires. Around 9:30 am the fire was considered contained and completely extinguished shortly thereafter.
While working on a ladder, the ladder tipped causing the employee's left foot to get caught between the 4th & 5th rungs. Employee fell down head first towards the ground injuring the left leg above the ankle.
Employee drove over a large rock in a Dozer and machine rocked back and forth. Employee felt burning sensation from neck to middle of back.
Employee removed a ladder from truck and placed ladder on ground leaning it on truck tailgate. As employee was positioning to the lift ladder,tailgate fell open pinching right hand ring finger between ladder and tailgate.
Employee was holding a wrench in left hand and with right hand hit wrench with hammer. Left pinky finger was caught between beam and wrench cutting the finger.
Driving on rough haul roads, hurt upper back.
Employee was operating dump cat in the West pit. While traveling across the dump, employee leaned forward to reach for fallen object and left arm hit the park brake button causing the equipment to come to a sudden stop. The quick stop caused the employee to lunge forward striking head on the dashboard of the cat causing a laceration approximately one inch long.
While descending a shovel, employee was planting their right foot down on the next step and felt a ""snapping sensation"" behind the right knee.
A Turn Bin MTM was exiting the lunch room returning to work and descended the wooden steps with right hand on the hand railing. The employee slipped on the 2nd step from the top and continued to slip down the remaining 6 steps, strained shoulder as employee held to the handrail.
Employee was placing a board under a circular steel piece suspended by a crane when the board caught on the edge of the load causing a crushing injury to employee's left hand.
2017 · 17 incidents
While exiting a pickup, employee slipped on ice landing on the ground, contacting left shoulder, wrist and forearm.
Employee reported the incident 11/29/2017. Employee was digging with a backhoe. Employee over-correct when the stick took off in the opposite direction causing jarring motion to the cab. Employee felt a pinch in the neck and shoulders.
A fire occurred on the #11 hydraulic shovel when two gang members noticed sparks on the top of shovel house. Fire system deployed automatically and all employees on the shovel were able to safely exit the shovel. Smoke and flare-ups continued on the shovel until 12:53 when the fire department officially deemed the fire out. MSHA was notified at 1:41AM of the incident.
This incident became a recordable on 1/8/18 when employee had surgery. While exiting down the ladder of a grader, employee felt and heard a pop in the left knee when on the second ladder step.
Employee had been using a loader with fork attachment. Employee exited the cab of the loader descending the ladder facing the cab. As employee turned to walk away from the loader, employee's left foot slid and turned causing them to fall on their left side.
Employee was rigging up chain jacks on a bucket truck. The employee hung a 3/4 ton jack to the lip of a toe board above the storage bin for temporary storage on the truck. The employee was hanging a second jack to the same toe board when the first chain fell off and part of it struck the employee in the mouth casing a chip in the employee's front tooth.
Employee was in the Mine Annex dry getting ready for the day. The employee grabbed a new pair of gloves. The gloves were secured together with a zip-tie. While holding the knife with their right hand the knife slipped and cut between the thumb and fore finger on the employee's left hand.
Throughout the shift, the employee was operating the 82 Backhoe and the 39 Shovel. The employee stated that they had dull pain in lower back from digging out chunks in the crusher. While operating the 39 Shovel, the employee stated they were digging in ledge material and got jostled around in the cab. This caused an increase in pain in lower back.
Two crusher MTMs were removing crusher arm shoulder blocks from the 52-01 crusher that weigh approximately 193 lbs. The EE moved 4 to 6 feet away from the shoulder block to the south west, when the final lift was going to be conducted. The shoulder block freed itself traveling at the EE in the south west corner of the primary pinning EE's hand against the primary wall.
Employee was in the process of assembling a hydraulic dipper together in the dipper shop. While walking around bowl the employee stated they slipped on a 1"" x 1"" piece of metal with left foot. After slipping, the employee caught themselves with right leg straining hip. Incident was not reported until 7/21. Restrictions not given until 7/25.
Employee was operating the #272 CAT 992G Loader in the West Pit. The employee was doing clean-up in the #8 Shovel position. The employee stated that they contacted a few boulders causing the loader to rock side to side shaking the employee and causing a strain to the employees left arm/bicep.
While placing a shank on the 12 shovel, employee lifted and wiggled the shank with left arm while shank was attached to the crane. During the process of final positioning, employee stated they felt a pop and sharp pain in left elbow. Employee had surgery on 8-16-17 making this a reportable case.
A Coarse Crusher MTM was attaching a 4 legged chain to the concave jig using a 4 step Cotterman portable stair case. As EE was descending the stair case, EE felt the stair case tip back, which startled EE. EE then pushed self back off of the stair case, landing on right foot.
Employee was in the process of guiding the #598 production truck out of 3 south stall at mes. The employee was checking the surrounding area on the south side of the building to allow the truck out of the shop. The employee stated that employee slipped on ice and fell on employee's right side.
Employee was burning out a keyhole bolt in 071-12 pan feeder on the west side of the discharge chute. The employee stopped to chip out dirt/slag out of the hole using a chipping hammer. After employee struck the hole in the liner the slag/dirt ricocheted behind their prescription safety glasses.
Employee was in the process of loading up the back of service truck #1142. As the employee stepped down off of the back of the truck, EE's left foot slipped off of the step and caught EE's right foot on the top step. This caused EE's right ankle to twist before EE stepped on the ground. The employee suffered a right ankle sprain.
The injured employee was working on clearing the plugged toilet seat on 071-04 pan feeder with a T-handle hook. As the employee dislodged a lone rock from the toilet seat, material above came down and pulled the T-handle hook downward pinching left index finger between the handle and the safety bars causing a laceration and a broken tip of the employee's left index finger.
2016 · 17 incidents
Employee was getting out of the passenger side of a pickup truck to get into another pickup truck. As the employee was approaching the second pickup truck, they slipped and fell. In the process of falling, the injured tried to catch themselves with their right hand. The caused pain in the hand which was later determined to be a right wrist fracture.
Employee was operating the #296 loader cleaning up around the #8 shovel. During this operation, the loader bucket contacted the rock formation causing the operator to be jarred in seat. This jarring resulted in low back pain.
Employee was underneath the #51 cushman titan plant cat installing a new potentiometer when the vehicle began to move forward coming off the front jack stands and pushing the employee 23' forward.
Employee was removing rocks from the steam room grates and collecting them in a 5 gallon pail to transport them to a dumpster. While lifting the pail filled with rocks to the level of the dumpster, employee felt pain in shoulder.
Employee was operating the #567 haul truck when they were jarred while being loaded by the #2 shovel. The employee experienced pain in neck and shoulder.
An employee was in the process of removing the lock ring on a 40 x R57 production truck tire. EE had removed the ring and was moving it into a storage area when the two ends of the ring came together pinching left hand. After removing cut resistant gloves, the employee noticed a laceration on left hand which required three sutures to close.
An employee was operating the #544 Haul Truck. As the haul truck was being loaded by the #268 loader at the 72 stockpile, the employee was jarred in ee seat as the first load was loaded into the truck box. After being loaded, the truck proceeded to dump at the crusher and then traveled back into the west pit where the employee started experiencing back pain.
An employee was assigned to repair hand rail on the 542 production truck at the MES Shop. Around 3pm, the employee felt irritation in right eye. The employee reported the incident and a piece of dirt was removed from the eye.
Employee was walking on designated walkway and injured right ankle when they inadvertently stepped on a 1.5 inch rock.
Employee was gathering material to construct handrails. As the employee was pulling a 1"" piece of round stock, EE pinched left 4th finger between the round stock and the steel rack frame.
EMPLOYEE FELT DISCOMFORT TO RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN LIFTING A MAG BASE DRILL WEIGHING 43 LBS. EMPLOYER WAS MADE AWARE OF PHYSICAL THERAPY ON 4/11/16
Employee claimed was jarred when the blade of the loader EE was operating contacted the ground.
Employee was tightening a lip liner bolt with a 15/16"" end wrench. As the employee was pushing on the wrench, EE felt discomfort to EE's right shoulder. Was made aware of Physical Therapy on 4/21/2016.
Socket slipped off a bolt which caused the ratchet handle to strike employee's tooth
employee was restoring the crane hook on the 606 service truck when EE felt discomfort to EE's left shoulder. Was made aware of Physical Therapy on 4/8/16.
Employee slipped on ice as EE was exiting personal vehicle. The employee fell, injuring back.
Employee felt pain due to a preexisting shoulder condition. Soreness worsened throughout the shift although no specific event occurred. Employee was given physical therapy on 2/29/2016.
2015 · 10 incidents
Employee felt discomfort to his right hand as he ascended the boarding ladder to the #56 drill.
Employee slipped while ascending stairs. Employee claimed of discomfort to her knee. Employee received restrictions 11/9.
Employee was changing teeth on the #13 shovel. The employee stated that as he was pounding out the last pin on the tooth, he felt muscle spasms/hurting his right arm.
Employee was operating a production truck hauling waste material. Employee contacted some ruts in the road and felt discomfort to his back. Employee received restrictions on 9/25/15.
Employee was operating the #12 shovel. Employee lost the swing brake control on the shovel. The employee dropped the shovel's bucket to stop the shovel from swinging. The employee felt discomfort to his left shoulder when the bucket contacted with the pit floor. We were informed on 9/10 that he was going to seek physical therapy.
Employee was assigned to clean up of a shovel pattern using a 992 loader. As the employee was performing clean-up, the employee contacted a formation ledge which brought the equipment to a stop. Employee felt numbness/tingling in his right arm. Company was informed of physical therapy ordered on 9/29/15.
Employee experienced discomfort to his back when his production truck made contact with some pot holes.
Injured was a passenger in a cushman utility cart. He and the driver left a truck door and the driver turned the cart to the right to see around a corner. He then made a sharp turn to the left. Due to speed and the abruptness of the turn, the cart tipped onto its right side. Workers got out and tipped cart back on wheels, then the injured noticed a laceration on left shin.
Employee noticed irritation to his right eye. The irritation occurred after loading material into a dump truck.
Employee and co-worker were positioning an EOT crane for a lift when dust got into the employee's right eye.
2014 · 22 incidents
Step 1&2 Fines Crusher Freight Elevator lost service - reported at 8:50am. Employees exited elevator at 10:51am. Entrapped Employees: 3 yrs/11wks miner experience, 4 years/19wks miner experience, 3 years/17wks miner experience, - 4 years/6wks miner experience. 496 US Steel Employees, 21 contractors on site
confirmed 1/1 profusion score on a chest x-ray
Incident reported on 9/17/2014 Employee was using an impact to tighten a nut. As the employee was putting the impact down, he felt a pop in his middle/lower back.
Employee stepped onto a rut with his left foot and lost his balance. The employee fell to the ground, hitting his left knee.
Injured was removing the balance weight from a motor using a box wrench when the employee felt a ""pop"" in their shoulder. Employee was evaluated by medical staff with no treatment at time. Surgery was later deemed necessary by personal doctor, day of surgery 12/5/2014 - 1st day away from work.
Employee's right foot slipped off of the lower grade support beam that he used as a first step to access the grader. Employee has a long history of chronic back issues. Employee returned to work on 8/4/14 with restrictions from his doctor.
Employee was using the spray gun on the top of the hydro seeder & pinched his finger between the sprayer and the metal railing. Left middle finger required 2 stitches.
Employee cut left thumb with a leatherman knife. Employee received sutures.
Employee claimed discomfort to her neck while her truck was being loaded with material. Employee received Restrictions on July 17, 2014.
Employee felt tightness in his lower back while exiting the underside of a drill.
Employee was removing tape around a lead when he cut his forearm with a pocket knife.
Employee pinched his arm between a steady rest and compound rest on a lathe.
Gate officer bent down to place a garbage in a trash can. When the gate officer stood back up, he hit his head on a metal switch, which caused a laceration to the top of his head. Security and Fire response team assessed the officer and suggested he be brought to hospital.
Employee struck head on windshield when performing shovel clean up duties.
Employee fell on left side when boarding #5 shovel. We were made aware of physical therapy on May 5, 2014.
Injured was walking out of jobsite office trailer doorway during snow/ice storm and wind caught the door causing him to slip and fall onto the steel entry stairs. His left leg struck the edge of the metal stair tread resulting in laceration to the middle shin of his left leg. Laceration required 5 stitches. Released to return to work without restrictions.
EE was putting a bottle of Windex outdoor solution onto a high shelf the holes on the front end of the bottle were not properly plugged by the yellow clip. When he reached up to put away the bottle solution poured out of one of the holes onto his safety glasses and into his right eye. There was no permanent eye damage identified when he was treated.
Employees back became tight and painful after shoveling
EE claimed she got burned by a torch on 1/30/14. She reported this on 2/28/14 due to a small clear blister on back of hand. She has had dermatitis that have kept her off work previously. Upon follow-up visit with Dr. the area is healing and appears to be more of a chronic allergic reaction.
Employee felt discomfort in his shoulder when prying on a launder cover.
Contractor employee was entrapped in coarse crusher step 1&2 elevator at 2:51 p.m. Entrapped was ee from Lakehead Constructor. Entrapped for 45 minutes. US Steel employees 468, 27 contractors.
The fines crusher, step 3 crusher, lost power entrapping an employee. 89 US Steel Employees, 4 Contractors working on site. Entrapped miner was Supervisor, 22 weeks miner experience.