Mining Incidents

BYK USA LLC Plants & PitsMetal/Nonmetal

BYK USA LLC · Surface
Gonzales, Gonzales County, TX · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4100298
Fatalities
1
Total incidents
72
Years on record
2000–2026
Latest incident
Mar 2026

Fatalities at this mine

1 recorded
Contact with hot objects or substances

EE WAS INSIDE MIXING TANK WHEN A STEAM SPARGER OPENED AND RELEASED STEAM RESULTING IN A FATALITY.

Reportable incidents

71 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2026 · 1 incident

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

Employee walking up ramp bent over to retrieve an object. A forklift operator backing down the ramp with a load did not see the employee, knocked EE to the side of the forklift and ran over EE's right foot. X-rays did not show any fractures. The ER released employee to work with no restrictions. A doctor visit on 4/2/26 prescribed light duty until swelling subsides.

2025 · 2 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Plant Electrician was responding to a pump outage and was walking to the area when they took a step off step onto a concrete walkway and slipped. The employee fell backwards and fell against the corner of the fiberglass step, breaking one rib.

Fall from ladders

Operator was standing on third rung of 6' step ladder while attempting to open a steam valve with a pipe wrench. They were using one hand on wrench and holding onto an adjacent valve with other hand when valve broke loose and they fell backwards off ladder onto concrete floor. Bruised heel of left foot and lower back. X-rays did not show any fractures.

2024 · 2 incidents

Fall from ladders

A water hose used to fill a small tank slipped out of a flange and was spraying water outside the tank. A Plant Operator climbed up a small step ladder to retrieve the hose when the Operator slipped from the 3rd rung. Operator's left knee landed on a metal floor drain cover, resulting in a fractured patella.

Fall onto or against objects

Operator was walking up a set of stairs when the sole of their boot detached from the boot. The loose sole caught the stair and Operator tripped and their knee hit the metal grating landing, cutting their knee. Operator received four stitches.

2023 · 3 incidents

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Production Operator was attempting to clean a rotary valve and failed to properly isolate and lockout the electrical disconnect. The Operator inserted EE's right hand into the running rotary valve, amputating the middle and distal phalanges on EE's index and middle fingers, and partially amputating the distal phalange on EE's thumb.

Contact with heat

Maintenance Mechanic was replacing bearings in the mill. EE and co-worker completed task and returned to Maintenance Shop when employee started feeling light-headed, nauseous and experiencing blurred vision. Reported to an air conditioned area and attempted to cool down. Temps were over 100F. Task only took 35 minutes to complete.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Plant Operator was carrying an empty wooden pallet to place on a stack of empty pallets when they lost their grip. The load shifted and the Operator attempted to catch the pallet, dislocating their shoulder.

2021 · 2 incidents

Struck by flying object

Employee was attempting to disconnect two unloading hoses, which were stuck. Employee forced hoses apart, and one end swung up and struck employee above upper lip, causing a very small cut. Employee suffered a small cut on inner lip when contacting teeth. The inner lip cut became infected several days later and required antibiotic treatment.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Plant Operator was cleaning up a clay and slurry spill, primarily shoveling the material, when Operator strained lower right back.

2020 · 1 incident

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

Employee was assisting in removal of sump pump. 1 bolt was not identified and removed from pump base. Crane lifted causing bolt to sheer. Employees thumb caught between pump and adjacent blind flange resulting in thumb fracture

2019 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Operator was changing belt on belt press, and had to pull on belt at an awkward angle to feed the belt thru the rollers, when EE suffered a sprained muscle in middle back.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Plant Operator was attempting to shovel material out of a weigh kettle, and pinched a nerve in lower left back when material broke loose and jerked back. On 7/8/19, physician prescribed light duty.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Mechanic exited EE's job cart and sprained EE's left ankle when stepping onto uneven surface. Employee released to full duties, but continued to experience symptoms. No other accidents after to aggravate the original sprain. Physician eventually requested an MRI and found some calcium deposits in ankle. Surgery was performed on 06/17/2019 to remove the deposits.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Shift Supervisor was walking outdoors on a paved roadway when left foot slipped on a thin layer of wet clay dust. The employee rolled ankle and fell onto backside. The employee was unable to stand and was transported to the hospital, where EE was diagnosed with a fractured ankle. Weather condition was very fine misty rain.

2018 · 2 incidents

Fall from machine

Operator was dismounting from a Komatsu WA200 front end loader, when a foot slipped off the bottom step, twisting the left ankle.

Fall onto or against objects

Plant Operator was walking up metal stairs when right foot slipped off a stair tread. EE leg dropped suddenly and knee hit the front edge of the stair, cutting right knee. Five stitched were needed to treat the wound.

2017 · 5 incidents

Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

A Plant Operator removed a rotary valve cover to inspect for clay buildup. The Operator failed to isolate and lockout power to the R.V. prior to removing the cover, per company rules. The Operator placed left hand in the chute to remove some clay, and ee middle and ring fingers came in contact with the R.V. blades, amputating the distal phelanges on both fingers.

Fall down stairs

Employee just finished servicing a piece of equipment and was walking down a small set of steps (3 steps) when their foot slipped, and they fell onto concrete floor on their backside. Employee extended both arms/hands beneath them to break the fall, spraining both wrists.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Driller's Helper was lifting a core barrel off a storage rack when they pulled a muscle in their lower back.

Struck against stationary object

Plant Operator reached under a vendor-owned tank trailer that was being offloaded to pick up an empty paper bag that had fallen to the ground. After retrieving the bag, the Operator raised up and arm contacted a sharp edge on the trailer's fender, cutting the arm above the left elbow. Operator received five stitches to close the wound.

Struck by falling object

Two Maintenance mechanics were using an overhead crane to lower a mill down onto some metal cribbing for rebuild, when the lifting bolts failed and the mill fell approximately two feet to the Shop floor. The mill struck one of the mechanic's left forearm, resulting in swollen and bruised forearm.

2016 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee claims arterial damage in right hand from using index and middle fingers to extend a safety knife blade to cut open paper bags. Injury was first reported as occurring off the job when playing sports, but a work claim was later submitted on 5/31/16. Mine Operator disputes the injury is work-related and has requested an insurance investigation.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Operator was carrying a plastic shroud to wrap a finished 1000 lb big bag of product. The Operator stepped on the bottom edge of the shroud and fell face first to the same level. The operator put EE's hands out to break the fall and EE's right hand contacted the concrete floor, resulting in a laceration of the palm and a fracture of the 5th metacarpal bone.

2015 · 2 incidents

Struck by falling object

An employee was dismantling a storage rack in the plant when he slipped and fell to the same level while attempting to pull one of the rack rails loose. The rack rail landed on the employee's hand. Employee was taken to local ER for evaluation and it was determined he suffered a bruise to the back of his left hand.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee used an overhead hoist to lower an Alfa Laval bowl onto a pallet to transfer it to the Maintenance Shop for repairs. After placing bowl on pallet, the employee attempted to position the bowl in the center of the pallet by manually pulling the bowl, when he felt a slight pain in the lower abdomen area. Employee was diagnosed with a lower abdomen strain/ possible hernia.

2014 · 5 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

Operator was walking up steps on Southwest corner of the SPU plate press when his right foot slipped off first step, causing his right shoulder to strike the press frame. The physical contact with the frame of the press caused a deep bruise on the right arm below the shoulder.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Operator was performing regular job duties when back became very sore. A week ago operator had been cleaning press plates, heavy lifting, back became sore. Normal activity aggravated the strain.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee tripped over a shovel, falling on left side of face and right shoulder, resulting in contusions.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator was climbing downstairs and slipped. When he slipped he reached out with his left arm to catch his balance resulting in a strain to the shoulder muscle.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking between plants, slipped on a wet surface and fell, injuring lower back. Was diagnosed as lower back strain.

2013 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator slipped on a mine residue onto the floor and sprained his right ankle.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator was cleaning spray bar. Removed hose clamp while hose was still under pressure causing the hose to break free and strike operator in the chest.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was visually verifying tank level by standing on platform above tank turning head downwards. When employee raised head to normal position felt a pop in neck and was unable to turn head to side.

Fall onto or against objects

Employee was walking from lab to break room. Tripped on uneven surface. Face came in contact with guard rail. Busted lip and broken front tooth.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

After performing routine maintenance and starting process, plant operator noticed slurry leak from MG pressure sensor fitting. Operator attempted to reseat sensor and tighten clamp when sensor blew off, spraying hot slurry on operator's hands, wrists, and face (cheeks).

Fall down stairs

Employee was carrying load of supplies down outside steps using hand rail as a base. At foot of stairs hand rail ended and employee fell forward from last two steps, landing on sidewalk.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Individual was placing lightweight plastic conical cleaners (approximately 2oz. each) in a sweco screen when he experienced severe back spasms. Activity required slight bending at waist to replace cleaners. Employee was transported to hospital by ambulance for evaluation. After evaluation, was placed on restricted duty.

2012 · 5 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Operator was cleaning mill screen when a small piece of clay entered eye. Eye flushed repeatedly but operator was not sure if object was removed. Employee taken to local emergency room for examination. Nothing was identified to be in his eye during emergency room examination and no injury resulted. Treating physician prescribed antibiotics. Employee did not fill prescription.

Accident type, without injuries

Upon restarting Flash Dryer circuit a dust explosion occurred around the dryer cage mill. Pressure wave activated blow-out panels on dust collector whizzer and shut down plant. Personnel activated evacuation alarms and all personnel evacuated to designated locations. No personnel were injured and the accident resulted in minimal damage to plant equipment. MSHA notified at 12:39am.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

The employee was shoveling material at the Fluid Bed blend station and felt a pinch in his left shoulder while lifting a shovel of material (approximately 15 lbs.)to put into the hopper. He was diagnosed with a strained left shoulder and placed on restricted duty.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was shoveling clay up from under the dryer and hit his head on a pipe causing him to strain his neck

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting 2 bags at a time in bent position - 1 bag began to fall and employee turned sharply to catch bag from falling which caused him to strain his back in the process.

2011 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was changing out a heavy extruder plate - when he went to lift it he felt something pop in his lower back causing a strain

Struck by flying object

The operator was unplugging the bagger when it cleared material and started to pour out of bagger spout. When the operator started to put the tube back on the nozzle some material went into the operator's face. The operator was wearing PPE - a dust mask. The operator did not cut off the blower.

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

Employee was operating forklift when he turned the corner too sharp and his left foot got pinched between the forklift and Quadromill support beam. Left foot suffered a laceration on the side of the foot extending around the small toe.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee felt a pull in his lower back when he moved a bag saddle.

Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

The employee was stepping off a top catwalk to close the gate behind him when his foot slipped off the railing, causing him to fall thru the handrail and hit the concrete floor.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was replacing paddles on 400 HP Pug Mill Assembly. His co-worker was rotating the shaft. The employee's left hand was placed on the lip of the shaft housing & as the shaft rotated, the employee's left hand pinky finger got pinched b/w rotating leading edge of the spiral screw conveyor & shaft housing.

2010 · 1 incident

Contact with heat

Employee became overheated when shoveling clay into a dumpter - was taken to ER and received an IV for dehydration - employee was released to return to work that evening

2009 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

When employee was exiting the IT Specialist's cubicle, she tripped on the strap of a lunch bag that was on the floor and was able to regain her balance without falling. However, she did sustain a sprain to the other foot used to break her fall (right foot injured - sprained)

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was clocking out at the end of his shift when he stepped off the curb and injured his ankle.

2008 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

This employee reported the injury on 11/29/08 but did not require medical attention until 01/06/09. His doctor prescribed physical therapy on 01/20/09. But physical therapy was not approved until 02/05/09 by the workers comp adjuster.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee experienced pain after lifting a 5 pound bucket. The employee was diagnosed with a lumbar sprain to his lower back. On 9/23/08, the doctor prescribed physical therapy which will commence on 9/26/08; as a result, this accident becomes a reportable effective 9/26/08.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was transporting parts from plant to vendor; trailer had a flat on Hwy 90A. While the employee was under the trailer positioning the jack, he felt pain in right side of neck. Subsequent doctor visits led to prescribed physical therapy which began on 7/22/08.

2007 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee was assisting in setting the XRD cabinet on base of diffraction unit. His fingers got caught inbetween the top unit and the base unit as it was released and his fingertip was lacerated.

2006 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was cutting a 1/2"" scal-tite with a ban saw. The blade went through the metal and cut his finger. (middle finger, left hand).

2005 · 2 incidents

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

Employee was using electric chain hoist to lift 1-ton bag that had fallen over. He ran the chain through the straps and hooked it above the block causing hoist to lift unevenly. Employee stuck his hand between chain and block and was caught when the tension shifted.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS ENGAGED IN HIS REGULAR JOB STACKING 50 LB BAGS ON PALLET. HE PLACED A BAG ON PALLET, FELT A POP IN HIS BACK AND SOME PAIN. HE DID NOT THINK IT WAS ANYTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AND FINISHED HIS SHIFT. HE REPORTED THE INCIDENT ABOUT A HALF-HOUR AFTER IT OCCURRED BUT DID NOT DECIDE TO SEE A DOCTOR UNTIL MONDAY, DEC 12TH.

2004 · 1 incident

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking from the lab along a wet sidewalk. His feet slipped from under him, causing him to fall on his tailbone.

2003 · 2 incidents

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

OPERATOR WAS TRANSPORTING PALLET OF MATERIAL. AFTER COMPLETING A 90 DEGREE TURN, HE ACCELERATED. FORKLIFT WHEELS WERE NOT COMPLETELY STRAIGHT CAUSING FORKLIFT TO SLIDE SIDEWAYS INTO EQUIPMENT WALKWAY. EMPLOYEE'S HAND SLIPPED FROM GEARSHIFT LEVER AND WAS PINNED BETWEEN WALKWAY STRUCTURE & FORKLIFT ROPS SUPPORT CAUSING A FRACTURE OF BONES.

Struck by flying object

EE WAS WORKING IN SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DEPT. WHEN A PIECE OF METAL FLEW INTO HIS EYE. HE WAS WEARING SAFETY GLASSES.

2002 · 2 incidents

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EMPLOYEE WAS RUNNING ACETATE GEL TESTS. HE TAPPED JAR ON THE COUNTER TO RELEASE AIR BUBBLES AND THE GEL FLEW INTO RIGHT EYE. EMPLOYEE REMOVED SAFETY GLASSES WHEN RUNNING TESTS BECAUSE THEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE TO WEAR ALONG WITH RESPIRATOR.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING HAND HELD KNIFE & SHARPENING TOOL IMPROPERLY. HE WAS NOT KEEPING HIS EYES ON TASK, SLASHING KNIFE ACROSS THE BACK OF HIS HAND. CUT FOREFINGER & THUMB OF LEFT HAND NEEDING SUTURES.

2001 · 6 incidents

Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ON FLUID BED DRYER, ORGANO DUST SUSPENDED IN FILTER SOCK, DISLODGED, CAUSING A DUST CLOUD OF PROPER CONCENTRATION TO SUSTAIN A FIRE. THE DUST CLOUD WAS IGNITED WHEN IT TRAVELED INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH SMOLDERING ORGANO CLAY THAT HAD BEEN HEATED BY COMBUSTION BURNER FLAME. A VALVE BETWEEN THE COMB.CHAMBER AND

Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ON FLUID BED DRYER, ORGANO DUST SUSPENDE IN FILTER SOCK, DISLODGED, CAUSING A DUST CLOUD OF PROPER CONCENTRATION TO SUSTAIN A FIRE. THE DUST CLOUD W AS IGNITED WHEN IT TRAVELED INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH SMOLDERING ORGANO CLAY THAT HAD BEEN HEATED BY COMBUSTION BURNER FLAME. A VALVE BETWN. COMBUSTION CHAMBER& DRY

Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ON FLUID BED DRYER, ORGANO DUST SUSPENDED IN THE FILTER SOCK, DISLODGED, CAUSING A DUST CLOUD OF PROPER CONCENTRATION TO SUSTAIN FIRE. THE DUST CLOU D WAS IGNITED WHEN IT TRAVELED INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH SMOLDERING ORGANO CLAY THAT HAD BEEN HEATED BY COMBUSTION BURNER FLAME.A VALVE BETWEEN THE CHAMBER AND DRYE

Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ON FLUID BED DRYER, ORGANO DUST SUSPENDED IN THE FILTER SOCK, DISLODGED, CAUSING A DUST CLOUD OF PROPER CONCENTRATION TO SUSTAIN A FIRE. THE DUST CL OUD WAS IGNITED WHEN IT TRAVELED INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH SMOLDERING ORGANO CLAY THAT HAD BEEN HEATED BY COMBUTION BURNER FLAME. A VALVE BETWEEN THE COMBUSTION CHA

Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE PERFORMING TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ON FLUID BED DRYER, ORGANO DUST SUSPENDED IN THE FILTER SOCK, DISLODGED, CAUSING A DUST CLOUD OF PROPER CONCENTRATION TO SUSTAIN A FIRE. THE DUST CL OUD WAS IGNITED WHEN IT TRAVELED INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER AND CAME IN CONTACT WITH SMOLDERING ORGANO CLAY THAT HAD BEEN HEATED BY COMBUSTION BURNER FLAME. A VALVE BETWEEN THE COMBUSTION CH

Fall to the walkway or working surface

DARKNESS, LIGHTS IN AREA WERE NOT TURNED ON BY EE. EE WALKING BACKWARDS, NOT WATCHING WHERE GOING.

2000 · 1 incident

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

WASHING DOWN EVAPORATOR WITH HIGH PRESSURE HOSE WHEN AMINE CHEMICAL SPLASHED IN LEFT EYE.