Houston Mill: 115 MSHA citations Metal/Non-Metal

During an annual Audiometric testing an employee recorded a standard differential shift

Two sub-contractors of Purvis Industries were installing a flange on an overhead pipe (8' high) with "come along" hoist. The workers were elevated several feet (not over 6') to physically fit/bolt the flange into the pipe. One subcontractor was on the extension ladder and lost their footing and fell to the ground. EE's right shoulder injury was the result of the fall.

Two employees were holding a magnet and began lowering it to the ground. Employee #1 released sooner than employee #2. The left index finger of employee #2 was pinched between the magnet and the concrete floor. On 2/22 Employee #2 requested to be seen by a physician who diagnosed a fingertip fracture, along the side of the nail wall and a hematoma beneath the fingernail.

Two middle fingers were caught between derailer and railroad track when switching derailer to closed position. Employee sustained a cut to third finger which required two sutures and the fourth finger sustained a hairline fracture. In accordance to company policy, the employee underwent drug and alcohol testing which yielded a failed result.

Left long finger was pinched between the Pellet Mill die and the compaction rollers which are located inside the die. The system was locked out and the employee was manually rotating the die while another employee adjusted the compaction rollers. Sutures were required.

Pinkie finger and ring finger on left hand were pinched between the pellet mill die and the compaction rollers inside the die. The system was locked out and the employee was manually rotating the die while another employee adjusted the compaction rollers. Both finger tips were fractured and required sutures.

On 7/26/2008 employee said he hurt his back while helping replace a die on the pellet mill on 7/25/2008. No pain/tightness until 7/26. Evaluation at East Houston Medical Center resulted in thoracic sprain dx. EHMC is not OH facility so emp was referred to Concentra which was not open until 7/28. Emp released w/ restrictions 7/28/08.

While dumping a small dumpster into a larger dumpster with a forklift, the employee's finger was caught between the fork and the fork access on the bottom of the dumpster as he manually pulled the release lever. The employee was transported to the emergency room. The top third of his ring finger was surgically amputated.

While working on a 2" threaded pipe, the contractor pushed one pipe aside and reached beyond it to reach the one he was working on. As he moved the pipe aside, his forearm struck the threads of that pipe which had a small bur on it. The bur caused a 1/2 inch laceration that required six sutures.

Employee was using crowbar to knock free rock that had blocked crushing line. Employee's hand slipped and he received a laceration to left ring finger.

EMPLOYEE STATED SHE SLIPPED WHEN STEPPING OUT OF HER CAR TO PREVENT FROM FALLING. EMPLOYEE IS A CONTRACT EMPLOYEE.

A 4" PNEUMATIC LINE WAS PLUGGED WITH TALC. A 3/8" HIGH-PRESSURE AIR HOSE WAS USED TO PRESSURIZE THE LINE USING A MORRIS COUPLING. THE PRESSURE BLEW THE COUPLING AND NIPPLE OFF THE END OF TH E LINE TOWARDS THE EE, HITTING HIS LEFT FOREARM AND STRIKING IT AGAINST THE END OF THE OTHER PIPE. EXAMINED ON 11-21-03 AS HAVING REACHED MAXIMUM MEDICAL IMPROVEMENT (MMI) WITH 0% IMPAIRMENT.

EMPLOYEE SLIPPED & FELL WHILE WALKING DOWN STAIRS AT #1 ROLLER MILL, TWISTING RIGHT ANKLE.

WHILE USING A UTILITY KNIFE TO CUT THE PLASTIC TABS ON COVER TO A 5 GALLONG BUCKET THE UTILITY KNIFE CUT THROUGH THE PLASTIC EDGE OF THE COVER AND PROCEEDED INTO HIS RIGHT THIGH.

EE REPORTED PAIN IN LEFT WRIST WHILE PACKAGING 50 LB TALC PRODUCT. AN MRI REVEALED A CONGENITAL BIRTH DEFECT, THE TENDONS IN HIS LEFT WRIST ARE REVERSED. THE EE IS CURRENTLY WEARING A WRIST BR ACE AND MAY REQUIRE FUTURE SURGERY.

EE WAS NOT THINKING SAFETY, JUST DIDN'T REALIZE WHERE HE HAD PLACED HIS LEFT HAND. ROADWAY GOOD, WEATHER GOOD, & EQUIPMENT VERY GOOD. LEFT INDEX FINGER HAD ABOUT HALF THE TOP INSIDE SKIN TORN OFF. MEDICAL TREATMENT NEEDED.

EE ATTEMPTED TO DISLODGE A PLUGGED TALC PACKING UNIT BY STICKING A BROOM HANDLE IN THE SPOUT. THE BROOM HANDLE CONTACTED THE PACKING AUGER & SPLINTERED-LACERATING THE EE RIGHT HAND. THE LACERATION REQUIRED 6 SUTURES.

EMP TRIPPED OVER HIS OWN FEET WHILE WALKING BETWEEN THE MAINTENANCE SHOP AND ORE PAD. THE EMP TWISTED HIS LEFT ANKLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REGAIN HIS BALANCE. XRAYS INDICATED A HAIR LINE FRACTUR E. EMP RELEASED TO MODIFIED DUTY.

EE ATTEMPTED TO CLEAR A BLOCKED PNEUMATIC LINE USED TO TRANSFER GROUND TALC. THE EE REMOVED THE LINE AT A COUPLER WITHOUT FIRST RELIEVING AIR PRESSURE. WHEN THE LINE WAS REMOVED UNDER PRESSURE , AIR AND TALC BLEW INTO THE FACE OF THE EE.

EE SLIPPED ON A WET TALC SURFACE RESULTING IN A FRACTURE TO HIS LEFT WRIST.

RIGHT THUMB CUAGHT BETWEEN ROLLER SUPPORT AN BRACE ON BAGGING CONVEYOR LINE. DEEP CUT TO RIGHT THUMB WHICH CALLED FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION.

EMPL HAVING TROUBLE WITH EYES BURNING & ITCHING.EMPL SENT FOR EYE IRRITATION.

EMPL WAS IN PROCESS OF DRILLING LARGER HOLE IN STARTER END OF REPLACEMENT BATTERY CABLE. CABLE GOT LOOSE FROM CLAMP IT WAS BEING HELD WITH SPUN AROUND WITH DRILL BIT & STRUCK EMPL ON ENED OF L EFT THUMB. DR EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT BONE ON END OF LEFT THUMB WAS CHIPPED.