Mining Incidents

Minorca MineMetal/Nonmetal

Controlled by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc
Virginia, St Louis County, MN · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 2102449
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
200
Years on record
2008–2025
Latest incident
May 2025

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Struck against a moving object

Employee was driving Service truck SR136 on the main haul road heading east towards the pit. For unknown reasons at this time it appears the truck hit the berm on the south side of the road causing it to tip sideways ending up on the drivers side. EE was found outside of the vehicle.

Reportable incidents

199 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2025 · 2 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee received a cut to the left hand while using an electric angle grinder which required stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping down from the last step of the haul truck EE had in the truck shop for repair. They took the last step to the clean dry and level cement floor and felt pain in EE's right knee. Employee stated the knee had been surgically repaired from a prior incident that happened outside of work. Employee was taken in for evaluation.

2024 · 5 incidents

Fall from machine

Employee was operating a 240 ton haul truck on the roadway. They noticed smoke from under the deck. They pulled to the side and stopped the truck. Flames engulfed the exits, so they exited over the side rail and dropped to the ground.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee leaned over rail to cut rail, using Metal Grinder. Grinder kicked back, slipped under face shield, and cut neck of employee. Employee received stitches to neck at ER. Able to go back to work next day.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A millwright was in the Multi-Clone Room using a corded grinder with a cut-off wheel to cut four sides off of a metal flange of double dump valve. The grinder kicked back causing the housing of the grinder to push into the face-shield, causing the face-shield to contact the employee's safety glasses resulting in a laceration to the bridge of their nose requiring 3 sutures.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Technician was moving a plate/cover on a Terex crane RT780 and while performing this task EE felt pain in their back area. The part lifted weighed approximately 20 to 25 pounds. There is no way to lift it with the truck crane.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a hand drill to drill a hole in a steel pipe to insert a pin for guarding. The drill bit traveled and contacted the side of their right index finger causing a laceration requiring 4 stitches to close.

2023 · 5 incidents

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

Employee was closing the access door on the 4 drill when their glove caught the latch pin pulling their left hand into the gap between the door and frame, causing a cut on their hand.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee states that they were holding a 3lb hammer in right hand while holding a pin hammer with left hand. Pin hammer point was touching a brake pin. While making first strike with 3lb hammer the hammer missed the pin hammer head striking employee's left hand.

Fall from ladders

Employee finished clearing stuck material in the pellet reclaim hopper. When descending the fixed caged ladder, employee fell approximately 12 feet to ground level. Investigation revealed a metal electrical conduit line positioned near a rung on the ladder which may have interfered with proper footing. Employee was diagnosed with a left arm/wrist fracture.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to adjust a pan chain of the stamler pan feeder. Two 1"" nylon straps were attached to the pan and a come-along. Employee was ratcheting on come-along when the pan shifted causing the weight of the pan to rest on one of the nylon straps. This caused the nylon strap to break. The come-along struck employee in right rib area.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Service truck driver assigned to work as labor for shift. Moving heavy objects during shift. Employee stated feeling pain when pushing on a cable reel to center it onto the arms of the truck spool holder. Returned to work, week later was seen by physician and referred to physical therapy. No restrictions and a series of physical therapy has began.

2022 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was on ground using remote control to move Drill to next hole. Employee stated they stepped on uneven ground, causing their left ankle to twist. Snowing at time of incident.

Struck against stationary object

Employee had finished checking oil on a D11 dozer, was closing the door when left thumb was cut by a metal burr protruding from the door latch bolt. Employee was seen on-site and further evaluated at hospital. Five stitches were used to close the wound.

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee was removing a steel belt core from under the belt winder to install on the winder. The belt core rolled and the employee got their little finger smashed and broken.

Struck by flying object

Employee was filling the ball bucket by the north ball bin discharge chute in the concentrator. Employee looked over the top of the bucket to inspect the level, when a metal flake was dislodged from balls striking together, landing in their left eye. Employee was seen by a specialist to remove imbedded foreign material from left eye. Employee was returned to work.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was descending the stairway from the splitter bin in the pellet plant. An eye had been added to the top of the railing to attach a chain. Employees right ring finger caught in the eye and bent the finger causing immediate pain.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a loader when the tooth on bucket hung up on a solid rock formation causing the loader to stop, causing the loader to lurch, which caused employee to have pain in neck.

2021 · 12 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from the parking lot to the main gate and slipped on some ice landing on right arm/side causing elbow, shoulder, and muscle soreness.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was taking apart a two piece rim that was 10"" in diameter; The employee used a 6"" hand held grinder to cut a bolt off, as the bolt was cut free the compressed air in the tire tube dislodged the rim striking the employee in the face, chest, and hands. The grinder also cut the employee in the wrist area.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing a 24 lb porta-power ram into place in the cooler on the shovel. While bending over, employee felt a burning sensation in abdomen.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was hosing on the feed end of the operating floor and noticed a kink in the hose. Employee pulled the hose and as the kink let loose, employee lost balance and fell to the ground.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assisting vacuum truck operator. Left elbow became aggravated.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a box (approximately 50lbs) to store it on a shelf approximately three feet from the ground. As the employee was lifting the box it came in contact with the shelf disrupting the movement. The employee immediately felt shooting pain in left shoulder. It was later determined that the employee had torn rotator cuff and had surgery November 2nd, 2021.

Fall from machine

Employee was exiting the pick up in the pit, slipped and fell injuring wrist.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was crouching when coming out of the mill, stood up and struck a pad eye causing a contusion to left shoulder.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a knife to cut the tie wrap from around the block heater cord on personal vehicle, when the knife lacerated thumb requiring 2 stitches.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Injured was pulling a steel cable to hook up to a stuck haul truck. Injured slipped and fell on left shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee finished checking the contents of the box, picked it up off the table and was putting it into a cart. Employee twisted to set it down and felt a pain in the left shoulder blade.

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

Employee was charging rod mill when finger was pinched between 2 rods causing broken finger tip and laceration requiring stitches.

2020 · 13 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was reaching into the back of the truck to remove wheel chocks when EE felt a pop in EE's back. This resulted in a strain of the lumbar region.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was plowing with Skidsteer and when the end of the apron was reached, the blade broke through the ice abruptly stopping the machine. This jarred the employee causing pain in neck and shoulder blade.

Accident type, without injuries

Millwright was cutting bolt and washer off exterior of feeder when it fell down into the crusher and landed on the screen deck. Hot bolt caught rubber screen on fire. Minor damage to screen and dust pipe.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee had been doing a lot of shoveling as part of daily clean up in fines crusher. Right elbow became aggravated.

Struck by flying object

Employee was walking along the west side of the indurating machine when they felt something in left eye. Rubbed eye and did not think much about it. Later in the day, it became irritated, so eye was flushed. Eye was flushed again at end of shift. Woke up during the night, and eye was burning. Unsure of what got in the eye and from where.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a loader cleaning up around the shovel when they scooped up a bucket of material with a large rock in it on the right side. Soft ground caused the loader to begin tipping/sinking to the right, so employee lowered the main boom fast jarring the loader down causing back and neck pain.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was walking around the drill when their footing slipped on burden, twisting the knee. Lighting, weather, and uneven ground are the root cause of the injury.

Accident type, without injuries

EE was in elevator in Primary crusher and it stopped between floors E and D. EE notified control room via Gaitronics. It took some time to locate the key to move the elevator and open the door. EE was in the elevator for approximately 90 minutes. The door had been pryed open to pass in a water bottle while waiting for the key to move the elevator and open the door.

Struck against stationary object

EE was leaving the break room. EE pushed on the glass with the pinky side of left hand to open the door. In doing so, broke the glass and cut left hand and forearm.

Struck by falling object

Employee was guiding a roller deck roller up the stairs when one end became detached from the spreader bar and dropped approximately 10 feet glancing against the employees shoulder.

Struck by flying object

Employees were changing lip shrouds on a Shovel bucket. They were pounding on the old liner and a small piece of metal struck the employee in the abdomen causing a cut which required sutures.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was walking from shuttle wagon to Bentonite unload bldg. EE slipped but was able to grab onto the edge of the railcar to keep from falling. Employee felt a pain in lower back at that time.

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

Employee was cleaning on the N side of the shuttle car bin and heard a noise inside the bin area. Employee went to the south side and opened the doors to take a look and inadvertently put a foot on the rail as the wheel was coming by resulting in the right foot being run over causing three toes to sustain fractures.

2019 · 13 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from pickup truck to a piece of mobile equipment. There was ice underneath the snow. The employee slipped and landed on right side bruising rib area.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While laying on EE's side, employee was pulling the coolant tank under the band saw when EE heard/felt a pop in EE's left shoulder.

Fall from machine

EE was changing auto lube canisters located on the pulley bearings. EE started to climb down, thinking EE was closer to the catwalk than EE was. EE let go of grip, foot slipped on mud and EE fell to the catwalk injuring EE's back.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was moving drill cable and the driller started to move the cable before employee was clear. Cable struck employee, knocking employee to the ground.

Fall from ladders

Employee was installing a fire hydrant being supported by a strap attached to a bucket. When the strap was disconnected the pipe rotated at the coupling causing the ladder to become unstable which caused the worker to fall off the ladder approximately 8-10 feet to the dirt below. The EE had sore rib area and torso and sore back.

Struck by flying object

An air hammer bit got stuck in the wall trying to relieve old concave liners from the primary crusher mainframe. A coworker hit the bit with a hammer, and the bit came free cutting EE's finger and stomach.

Fall from piled material

While climbing on berm to plan next job EE lost foot and fell catching themselves with left arm. EE experienced pain and tingling in shoulder, arm and hand. Subsequent MRI shows a torn rotator cuff. EE had surgery to repair on 10-14-19. Was able to perform supervisory duties until the surgery.

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

Employee was cleaning slitter box when the door came down pinching a pinky finger on the left hand. It required a number of stitches to treat the injury.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking up steps when EE felt a pop in EE's knee. Once back in EE's office EE noticed a one inch protrusion on EE's knee

Struck by flying object

Employee was removing lug nuts from a rim. The air from the impact wrench blew particles in to left eye. Tire had been hosed off with water prior to the job. Employee was wearing glasses with tightened straps.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was climbing the ladder from ground level to access the stairs of a haul truck. As they pulled up onto the ladder they felt a pain in the right bicep.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was air arc welding when some slag fell to the ground unnoticed by the employee. The employee stepped on the hot slag resulting in a sore foot later in the evening.

Fall from ladders

Employee was trying to hook a chain to a loader tire for removal while on a 6' step ladder. The weight of the chain combined with employees loss of strength caused ee to have partner hook it up. As ee was stepping off the ladder, ee lost balance on the bottom rung. EE fell into the jack being used to support the loader. EE rib area struck the jack.

2018 · 15 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Employee was manually spreading chloride to melt ice along the inside edge of the railroad rail passing through pellet loadout. The employee stepped on the rail and slipped resulting in pain to the left knee. Employee was able to continue working. The pain didn't go away and ultimately EE had knee surgery on February 14th to repair the knee. (Meniscus)

Struck by flying object

Employee using air lance to clean bucket components prior to change out. Dust entered employee's eye. As day progressed it continued to irritate.

Struck by flying object

Running crane for employees so they could remove head nut on mantle and felt particle in their eye

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

Employee was opening a chute door to inspect chute when finger became pinched between the short door and an e-stop support. It resulted in a small laceration requiring one suture.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using needle scaler to clean rust from weld area upon completion felt pain / numbness in hand.

Struck by falling object

Employee was fitting a wear ring for the head nut to weld on. The wear ring slipped and landed on the emplyees right foot causing a fracture to the foot.

Struck by flying object

Employee was de-burring a crack with a grinder on a sideframe of an excavator when they felt something in their eye. It turned out to be a piece of metal which was removed by a doctor.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was looking for parts in the bottom of a cabinet. Employee was sitting in a chair. Employee stood up and felt a pop in their knee. After approximately six months the employee had knee surgery. The condition of the knee was grade 3 and grade 4 arthritis and degenerative in nature as described by the surgeon. Employee has been a mechanic for 23 years.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was using a hammer while removing a motor fan and EE's hand struck a metal framework with a burr causing a laceration requiring sutures.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was removing a fan bearing weighing approximately 5lbs from the shaft and felt pain in back.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working at ground level in a compressor room and upon bending over and not lifting anything felt a dull pain in the middle back.

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

Employee was sliding a piece of wear bar on a support to position it to torch cut and pinched left index finger which resulted in a fracture to the tip of the finger.

Struck against stationary object

Miner was picking up a pry bar located under a stairway. EE brushed leg against a sharp object upon exiting the area and received a laceration on the right thigh.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Security Guard was walking out of the Guard shack through a designated smoking area. While crossing this area EE tripped over the Cigarette Butt-bucket (5 gal. pail with sand). As a result, EE stubbed toe and injured elbow when EE fell to the ground. The Security Guard finished out the shift without any physical issues.

Struck by flying object

Employee was welding by work bench and a piece of metal became lodged in left eye. Employee went to dr on 3/15 and a piece of metal was removed and EE was given an antibiotic.

2017 · 13 incidents

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee's eye starting burning at 3:00 am. EE flushed eyes and burning continued. EE went to ER and received a prescription. No definite cause.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stretching across engine to plug in connector when employee felt discomfort on right side rib area. Employee went to dr on 11/13/2017 and was diagnosed with right chest wall contusion and placed on restrictions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing a scraper roller and while bending to set it on ground, ee felt a strain in the lower back.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was positioning a conveyor pulley and had to push against pulley for final position. EE felt a pain in right shoulder. On 7/11/2017, ee received restrictions of light work.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing floor grating on a cobber platform. While moving it to its final position, it slightly snagged so employee had to lift upward with the load. EE felt left ring finger pop. On May 30,2017, ee was taken off work.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was retracting the evac hose after use on 25 grader. It started going too fast so EE grabbed it to slow it down. The action caused pain in EE's right shoulder. On 6/16/17, EE had surgery on the shoulder.

Struck by falling object

Employee was installing nut on a bolt overhead when ee felt something in right eye. EE washed it out using eye wash. EE was sent to clinic where they did not find anything but prescribed eye drops.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was removing liners that were left over from the 43 feeder job. EE was moving liners to the south wall of the crusher. On 5/3/2017, EE was diagnosed with a hernia.

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

Employee was turning belt and shiv by hand to access set screw to remove bushing. As ee turned the belt, left forefinger was clipped by the belt and shiv. This resulted in a laceration and finger tip fracture.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was about to climb a set of three steps to the flotation plant from the concentrator weld bay area. Employee placed employee's right foot on top of the first step and felt a snap in employee's ankle. Employee fractured employee's right ankle.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pounding out a roller set from a frame and hit left fifth finger. On 4/10/2017, employee was diagnosed with a fracture and placed on restrictions.

Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employee was using sledge hammer to break free plugged material from frozen flux bin. After, ee felt a pain and tingling sensation in lower abdomen. On 3/1/2017, ee was diagnosed with a hernia.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee got out of service truck to pick up orange cone and slipped on ice. Employee fell backwards and caught self with left arm and jolted shoulder. On 3/22/2017, employee saw a dr and was placed on restrictions.

2016 · 14 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning up a bank area and uncovered a steel plate. Employee tried to pick it up on the end. The other end was buried. The plate came free from the backhoe bucket and fell onto the front windshield of backhoe. The tempered glass from windshield fell on to employee's right side of head. Employee received two staples on head.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was placing steel bars on a shovel bucket. Employee cut one piece and picked it up, turned and placed it on the work platform for the bucket. Employee felt a pain. Employee was diagnosed 10/11/2016 with acute thoracic pain.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had driven to look at the sump and parked on a slight grade. Employee stepped on uneven ground getting out of truck and extended the right knee and twisted an ankle. On 12/19/2016, employee had surgery on the knee.

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

Employee was removing the pillow block from the shaft on a pulley located in a cradle on the floor of Fines Repair. EE was removing bolts from the top half. EE placed EE's left hand under the block to push the bolt head back up in the pocket. EE triggered the impact wrench and caught EE's left index finger tip between bolt and pocket.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was using chuck wrench to loosen chuck on lathe to remove a part. Employee felt a strain in forearm. Employee saw a dr. on 9/26/2016 was placed on restrictions. Employee was diagnosed with forearm intersection syndrome.

Struck against stationary object

Employee struck their head on scaffolding pipe that crossed near the top of the steps to C3 belt. Employee did not feel pain at that time and reported incident on 9/6/2016.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured contractor employee was operating a jet-vac truck in order to unplug a plugged culvert. While retracting the hose, the hose reel pivoted, causing the hose to strike the employee. The impact fractured left arm and knocked EE partway down the embankment.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee aggravated a pre-existing condition in left hand. EE had surgery this day for trigger finger. EE was using a pry bar to remove an old insulator and felt a pop in hand.

Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee was diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear(R) and had surgery on this date. No specific injury.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was exiting the fuel truck & felt a pain in lower right leg. Was placed on restrictions.

Struck by flying object

Employee was pushing a cart of scrap wood out to the truck and was getting ready to load material in truck when EE felt something in left eye. EE received a corneal abrasion and a prescription.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was walking on the west side of pellet car repair shop looking for a beam and walked into a lintel cooling box trailing edge. EE lacerated EE's left knee and shin resulting in 9 stitches.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was cleaning and lifted a grate cover which caused low back strain.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee was cutting off an old hose from an air grinder and the utility knife slipped resulting in a cut to EE's left first finger. EE received one stitch.

2015 · 8 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Employee was screwing nut on 1"" all thread by hand. While spinning, he lacerated his third finger right hand on a burr on the first thread of the length of all thread. This resulted in 8 stitches.

Fall from machine

Employee was boarding a D10T dozer at the tails dike to conduct the pre-shift inspection and check oil. As he climbed the dozer, he lost his footing and landed on the raised step tread on the push arm on his right side. He heard a snap/felt sharp pain and was diagnosed with a broken rib.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was welding on the ears of the 34EX01 bucket. His shift ended at 2:00 pm. He experienced irritation in his right eye later and went to Emergency Room and received drops. He then saw an ophthalmologist the next afternoon and a small particle was removed from his right eye.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was torching fan motor base bolts out to relocate the base. He had removed 2 bolts prior, he started cutting a third bolt when he heard a hiss and saw and felt a flash. He burned his left thumb palm area and has restrictions.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Worker was lancing a pipe when it struck a hard piece, causing the lance to reflect backwards toward the worker. The water jet cut the worker's right forearm. After first aid was administered, worker was transported to the E.R. where he received six stitches. He was released with no restrictions.

Accident type, without injuries

Pick up #248 was checking the tails line when they noticed a burning smell. Tall grass/dried grass was wrapped around the exhaust and driveshaft. Multiple fire extinguishers were used but fire re-ignited. The fire department was called to extinguish. Truck was a total loss.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cutting plastic cable tie with a utility knife, the knife slipped and punctured the web between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, resulting in a laceration approximately 3/4"" long. He received four stitches.

Struck by falling object

Employee was drilling holes overhead in bottom of door panel when a foreign body went into his left eye. He received prescription eye drops.

2014 · 20 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was going down steps to bottom floor of fines crusher. He stepped onto last step which was concrete and his legs gave out. He fell forward into person in front of him and then collapsed to the ground level. The steps were dry. Employee was diagnosed with torn quadriceps.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had low back strain after moving large piece of pipe on rollers. He was taken off work on 12/29/2014.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee got off 34 haul truck to remove some small rocks from the haul road. He threw one rock and as he started to throw the second rock, his right ankle slipped and twisted. This resulted in a severe dislocation, partially torn ligament and spiral fracture of the right ankle.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was in the truck shop, stall 6. He took the first step of the diagonal steps for the 994 loader and his right knee locked in a bent position. He went to the doctor and was placed on restrictions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing while coiling pump cable in Laurentian pit and felt a popping sound in his right foot instep area. Employee was diagnosed with right foot strain and placed on restrictions 10/3/2014.

Contact with electrical current

Minnesota Power employee was aligning the test jack to the test switch, he touched the test jack to the test switch and felt a shock into his hands, up his arms and across his chest. Employee missed next scheduled shift.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a 3/4 "" drive impact wrench overhead removing bolts on the bottom of the Stamler. The socket slipped off the bolt and wrench continued to rotate 3-4 times striking left thumb.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was leaning over handrail welding an extension on a mud flap of production truck #42 and felt a pain. He went to the dr on 8/4/2014 and was diagnosed with a rib fracture.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking in bentonite unloading and stepped on an uneven portion of the walkway and rolled his left ankle.

Fall onto or against objects

On 7/22/2014, employee went to clinic and was diagnosed with right elbow fracture. On 7/5/2014, he was walking on deck to stairs and went down first step and feet slipped off step. He fell backwards on right elbow on stair railing.

Struck by falling object

Employee was standing outside service truck when a gust of wind came up and blew gravelly dust into employee's right eye. Material was washed out. Upon visit to dr. he received a prescription.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a 20' length of 2"" pipe. One end of the pipe was stuck in the mud. Employee felt a pop in groin area followed by a burning sensation. He was diagnosed with a hernia on July 1,2014.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was attempting to move an oil filter canister when it became hooked on floor grating. This caused the canister to fall toward employee. Employee grabbed handrail and in catching himself from falling, he strained his right shoulder.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee lifted welding hood and foreign material went into left eye. He was given a prescription.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was placing refractory rubble into metal discharge chute. Employees right index finger got caught between a piece of rubble and the metal chute resulting in a crush injury.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning and pulled up on a 5' long bar that was stuck in debris. The bar jerked and hit employee on her lip. Her left front tooth was chipped that required dental repair.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was putting a closer template on a man door. While he was drilling into concrete, he felt a pain and lost strength in right shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee and partner were carrying an empty 100 pound propane out of 44 tunnel. He switched his carrying hand from right to left and felt a pain in his mid back. He was diagnosed with thoracic sprain.

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

Employee was helping to break up frozen chunks with a bar and pinched his finger between the bar & the chute edge. This resulted in a tuft fracture of the 4th finger, right hand.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was pulling a hose to the next floor and felt a pain in his groin. On January 21,2014, he was diagnosed with a hernia. He will have surgery on March 3, 2014 and until then has no restrictions.

2013 · 15 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was maneuvering water hose behind the heater in the corner of MD1 area. The nozzle of the water hose stuck open and employee had to retreat from area with water flow still on. Her hard hat got caught by a rubber gas line hose which caused her to start falling but she caught herself. After a few hours, her knees began to hurt. She was diagnosed with knee strain.

Fall from machine

Employee was in process of stepping onto first step to board backhoe. Employee's boot slipped off of step and landed on the ground(approximately 18""). He felt a pain in his right knee.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating an excavator when the shovel bucket struck a seam of ledge rock. This caused the tracks of the shovel to elevate and then come down suddenly. This caused low back strain.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was operating forklift with a crew removing the arm off the screen. At the end of the shift, he felt something in his left eye. He went to the doctor and had a piece of imbedded metal removed from left eye.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was performing end of shift clean up. While moving beside shear, a piece of scrap expanded metal caught on pants leg and with additional step, metal caught on inner pant leg causing metal to cut back of right calf. Employee received 6 sutures.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting a platten with co-workers when he felt a pull in his shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting a platten with co-workers when on e of the co-workers slipped and the weight of the platten fell on ee. EE felt his arm get tight.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had removed 3 of 4 bolts supporting the top fan shroud with a grinder and was preparing for final bolt removal. He placed his left hand on the top of the shroud and his right hand at the bottom. His left hand slipped off the shroud causing it to drop 6 inches, lacerating his right index finger. He received 5 stitches.

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

Employee was cleaning rock by #2 crusher. He lifted a rock and lost his balance. He crushed his finger between the crusher and rock. This resulted in 4 stitches.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee and two millwrights were rolling the bull gear from 43 feeder to the elevator. As the gear went into the elevator, the elevator sank 2"" causing the gear to tip to west. Employee was positioned at far edge and was struck by gear. He suffered left forearm burn and chest wall contusion.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing an access panel from a switch cabinet. Employee then stepped down 12"" with the panel cover and then felt pain in his lower back. He was placed on work restrictions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking in parking lot when she slipped on snow and strained her right knee. The dr. placed her on work restrictions on 3/20/13.

Fall down stairs

Employee was walking on ground level to stairs to 43 belt drive house. He grabbed the railing, slipped on snow and his right leg struck the angle iron of stairs and then went out from under him. He fell to the ground. He dislocated and fractured his right ankle.

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

A manager was assisting filter attendant remove a filter sector. Sector was laying on the tub. Both employees did a controlled lift. Halfway through the lift, they lost momentum and sector struck the tub. Manager's third finger, right hand was pinched between the sector and pipe on edge of tub to hold guard. He received 10 stitches.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was tig welding on an outrigger pad. He was at the weld shop work bench, welding with 1/16"" aluminum rod in left hand and the torch in his right hand. He was re-positioning and had lifted his welding hood when the rod went under his safety glasses and scratched his left eye. Employee missed one day and was on restrictions for one day.

2012 · 13 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was on a return strand of the grate when he touched a pallet car with both hands. He received first and minor second degree burns. He was placed on light duty.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was holding air arc torch handle in left hand. With a screwdriver, he attempted to remove screw from handle. The screw was tight therefore, he applied force and the screwdriver slipped off the screw and punctured the web between his left thumb and forefinger. He received four stitches.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was in production truck #36. Loader #47 was in the Lynx pit and loading the truck. A large rock hit the box and jostled the employee. employee was placed on restricted duty on 11/5/2012.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was entering the dump truck when his hard hat contacted the door frame causing his head to tilt back. This aggravated a previous injury causing him neck pain.

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

Employee was scoping out area for upcoming work , while closing double doors to hoist monorail at GFR-4 conveyor, left hand, third finger, was caught in the door as the door shut. Employee fractured third finger tip.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was reaching under a junction box attempting to push wires into the bottom of the box. While pushing wires into box, he felt a shooting pain in left shoulder. On 10/8/2012, he was placed on restrictions for shoulder strain.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped out a pick up truck and when she started walking she noticed pain in her right knee. No event occurred. Employee was placed on restrictions on 8/24/2012.

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

Employee was working with the roll crusher in the lab. Employee was clearing rocks from the crusher with a rod when the rod was pulled in and pinched her right index finger between the guard and rod. The 1/4"" tip of her right index finger was amputated and her third finger received contusions.

Struck by flying object

Employee was walking the #6 drill and a piece of rock shot out of the drill track and hit him in the chest causing a 1"" laceration. He received 3 stitches.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a wood pallet from truck into bin and felt a pain in low back. He was placed on restrictions 7/11/2012 for lumbar strain.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee had surgery this day from an event that occurred on 4/26/12. He had a sore shoulder muscle (right) after lifting a rod used to support cable reel that slipped causing him to become unbalanced. He is off work. Per call to mine site, EE had surgery on 8/30/12 and is off work.

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

Employee was removing pound-down skirting with a 4 lb hammer. He hit the trougher frame with the hammer and his second finger, left hand was between the trougher frame and hammer handle.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was grinding the brackets that hold the line boring bearings on the #33 production truck. A spark or piece of slag landed on his chest area and bounced up under his grinding shield and safety glasses and landed in his right eye. He received a prescription.

2011 · 12 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was cleaning debris from the fine ore bag house platform with a hoe and she stepped back into a hole in the grating. This resulted in a laceration in her right shin requiring 6 stitches.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was drilling a hole in 1/4"" plate when the bit stopped abruptly and caused the drill to strike her in the right upper lip area resulting in two stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had surgery which revealed a hernia.

Struck by flying object

Employee was turning down a shaft on a lathe when a piece of metal flew into his right eye. He went to the clinic the next day and was prescribed antibiotics.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was placing the washdown hose in position and holding it with her left foot. She then placed her right foot on the hose and her right knee buckled. She was diagnosed with a right knee strain.

Fall from machine

Employee was boarding a 336D backhoe, lost his grip and fell backwards to the ground. He had neck and back strain.

Struck by falling object

Employee was removing a lintel cooling box from east side of furnace. As box was being removed, it came off the lip and abruptly shifted. It is top heavy so the load fell with the top tipping backward and bottom coming out. Employee's finger was caught by movement of the box and struck by box hitting angle iron bracing outside of furnace.

Struck by flying object

Employee walked under a beam and visor of hard hat hit it causing a release of dust. Employee had dust in his left eye.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee stepped into a hole, twisted foot and fell onto his left knee. He had surgery on 9/21/2011 and is unable to work.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling between rollers on the stacker boom belt and strained her left hip area.

Struck by falling object

Employee was working on the canopy of a truck box which was positioned above his head. He had been welding and pounding on it to form it back into position. He took his welding hood off to look at job and some material/dirt continued to fall and went into his eyes. The next day he saw a dr and a small sliver was removed from rt eye and drops were prescribed.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was working in the filter cake pile with the 992 loader. She strained her back from breaking up the filter cake with the loader bucket.

2010 · 15 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was changing ballasts on light fixtures for the entire shift. At the end of the shift, a fellow employee noticed that his left eye was red. He went to the eye dr. the next day and was prescribed drops.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking on snow covered ice while fueling the #2 excavator and fell forward to the ground. Employee was able to do the capacity of his job until March 4, 2011 when he was placed on restriction to office work.

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

Employee was adjusting the seat of the production truck and the lever was stuck on the seat belt. The lever slipped and caught the third finger of the right hand between the seat belt bracket and the seat. This resulted in a fracture of the third finger.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was raising the boot basket from his locker and his hand slipped, striking the top of the locker, resulting in a laceration on his fourth finger of his right hand which required 4 stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee tripped over pallet walking backwards. He strained his right shoulder.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was boarding the forklift when she felt a pain in her right hip.

Struck against a moving object

Employee had his head outside the door of the shuttlewagon to see the rail tracks to align the wheels. As he aligned the wheels, the shuttlewagon slipped off the track causing the door to shut and the latch to hit him in his head. This resulted in a laceration needing two stitches.

Fall from ladders

Employee climbed extension ladder to the splitter bin scrubber discharge launder to unplug the scrubber sock feeding the launder. He was striking the sock to release the blockage. When the process material broke free, the force of accumulated water/material knocked him off the ladder and he fell. He landed feet first on a hardened pile of fused pellets.

Fall onto or against objects

The employee was tightening bolts with a rachet and socket on the 34DL04 drill leveling jack pad. The socket slipped and the employee fell backwards catching himself with his left hand on a sharp edged rock. Employee received two stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping off 34SR74 lube bus and felt a pain in his left knee. No event.

Struck by flying object

Employee was steam cleaning underneath a 992 loader. A small piece of dirt/gravel rock was dislodged and hit him in the tooth, chipping his right front tooth. The tooth will have dental repair.

Struck by flying object

Employee was turning a packing gland on a lathe. The gland flew out of the lathe and struck employee on the left lens of his safety glasses, causing the bridge of the glasses to lacerate his nose. This resulted in 3 stitches in his nose.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was dismantling a motor base assembly and rolling the HTD belt off of the shiv. His left hand got caught between the shiv and the belt for half of a revolution of the shiv. This caused a crushing injury that resulted in very limited use of his left hand.

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

Employee placed two lip shrouds in a pick up box. He leaned over the shrouds to check a part number and placed his right hand between the shroud and the side of the pick up box. The shroud shifted and pinched his fifth finger causing a laceration that required sutures.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was removing a screen panel which requires pulling the screen panel toward you. The panel can vary in weight form 25-30 lbs. He then felt a pull in the lower left groin area.

2009 · 8 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was about to cut a wear plate that was plugging a feeder. As he turned on the oxygen and acetylene to the torch system and lit the system, a fire ball came from the connection and struck his left palm.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing on a concrete slab outside the truck shop near stall one. He was looking for his truck and his right foot slipped off the right side of the concrete slab. The condition of the slab was dry.

Struck by flying object

Employee was grinding with a face shield on and when done, lifted shield and dust fell into his right eye

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling a 15"" wrench toward him at head level. The wrench slipped and hit him on the left side of the nose.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Using a form clamp spring loaded to remove a concrete from. When ee went to push the clamp on spring was too tight, sprung back, jammed his shoulder.

Struck by flying object

Employee was using an air lance to clean debris from a pump impeller. Debris went into his left eye.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was steam cleaning the 34EX01 excavator bucket. He had raised his hands to spray down and as he brought up the wand, the connecting coupler came apart and the hose hit him in the chest with a spray of water. This pushed mud, grease and water up under his face shield and safety glasses into his right eye.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was stepping off a ladder of a drill when she stepped on a rock with her left foot and twisted her ankle.

2008 · 10 incidents

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee stated he was overcome with exhaust fumes.

Struck against stationary object

Employee stepped down from ramped walkway on #5 screen floor deck and stepped on a rock twisting her ankle.

Struck by falling object

Employee was moving an overhead crane that had a 2 leg sling on hook. One leg of the sling hooked an original safety tie off cable (not used) located above the rod mill. The cable was attached to a hand rail and the cable pulled the hand rail off. The hand rail then struck the employee on the front of the hard hat, knocking him to the concrete floor.

Struck against a moving object

The slide on the seat broke causing his back to jar.

Struck against a moving object

EE was driving a Caterpillar 740 articulated haul truck. EE drove over a pile of frozen tailings and strained lower back.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was cutting bands on a bundle of strap, when the bands were cut and broke free, the employee's hand continued upward and hit the iron rack above.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was climbing on to steps of haul truck and the steps were bent under. The employee tried to compensate his weight, when the ladder rolled under putting the strain on his right shoulder.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was walking to his loader when it started to rain. He then hurried his step and felt a pain in his left leg.

Struck against stationary object

The edge of the thin sheet of expanded metal ran against the employee's right forearm.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Injured felt left knee pop while shoveling and then was later diagnosed with a tear. He had knee surgery on 10/27/08.