Mining Incidents

LOWDERMILKMetal/Nonmetal

Espanola, Rio Arriba County, NM · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 2901712
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
15
Years on record
2001–2023
Latest incident
Oct 2023
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

15 on file

2023 · 1 incident

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating a Komatsu wheeled skid steer when EE rolled over a bump/hole causing the employee to bounce in the seat resulting in muscle spasms on EE's left lower back.

2022 · 1 incident

Contact with heat

Employee lost consciousness due to dehydration after completing a walk around inspection at the main crusher.

2021 · 1 incident

Struck against a moving object

Employee is a loader operator. A tractor trailer drove behind EE and the employees loader came into contact with the belly dump on the tractor trailer. Video available.

2020 · 2 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was tightening the antennae on a Komatsu 500 loader from the right side platform. EE lost EE's balance and fell onto the handrail striking EE's left rib cage. Employee suffered a broken rib.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was stepping out of a truck and twisted right ankle as EE placed it on the ground d/t uneven ground. EE has a minor sprain and is taking days off to prevent further injury.

2019 · 3 incidents

Struck by flying object

Two mechanics were repairing a hydraulic cylinder. This cylinder looked different, so they looked it up on the internet, but could not find any information on it. As they were unscrewing the cap of the cylinder, the cap exploded off the cylinder hitting both mechanics in the lower legs.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanics were removing cylinder head on a hydraulic cylinder while the cylinder was pressurized with nitrogen. Employee was injured by the concussive force released when the cap came off. The employee suffered hearing loss and a concussion.

Struck by flying object

Two mechanics were repairing a hydraulic cylinder. This cylinder looked different and the mechanics looked it up on the internet, but could not find any information. As they were taking the cap off the cylinder, as the cap reached the end, the cap blew off hitting both mechanics in the lower legs.

2007 · 1 incident

Contact with hot objects or substances

Injured employee cut a hole with oxygen/propane torches. Rags caught on fire. Another EE threw brake cleaner (thinking it was water) on rags. Brake cleaner was labeled incorrectly. Rags & braker cleaner ignited, causing burns.

2006 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was assisting the etm welder int he construction of a chute for a crusher. while positiong a section of steel plate with another ee, other, ee felt a pain in his loer back. He felt it would pass over the holiday. it did not so we filed a workman comp. claim on 1/2/07 and to concentra medical for treatment.

2002 · 2 incidents

Fall from machine

EE WAS CLEANING THE WINDSHIELD ON A CAT 980G FRONT END LOADER, HE SLIPPED AND FELL APPROX. 10' TO THE GROUND FRACTURING HIS LEFT WRIST.

Fall from ladders

EE WAS CLIMBING DOWN A LADDER, HE SLIPPED AND BROKE HIS RT. HAND MIDDLE FINGER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER FROM FALL.

2001 · 3 incidents

Caught in, under or between two or more moving objects

ATTEMPTING TO REPLACE THE ELEVATOR CHAIN BACK ONTO THE ELEVATOR SPROCKET WHILE IT WAS IN MOTION.HE WAS USING A BRANCH OFF A CEDAR TREE, WHEN THE CHAIN WAS PRIED ONTO THE SPROCKET THE BRANCH CA UGHT HIS GLOVE AND PULLED HIS RIGHT HAND BETWEENTHE CHAIN AND SPROCKET.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE LIFTED PLATE UNDER CRUSHER SCREEN AND NEXT DAY BEGAN TO FEEL PAIN IN LOWER ABDOMEN. WENT TO SEE DOCTOR ON 8/31; DIAGNOSED WITH A HERNIA.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS SERVICING LOADER WHEN LOADER OPERATOR MOVED THE BUCKET AND PINCHED RIGHT ARM (ELBOWAREA)