All MSHA-reportable accidents at BYK Additives Inc. operations in 2012. Fatalities appear first.
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.
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.
Employee was shoveling clay up from under the dryer and hit his head on a pipe causing him to strain his neck
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.
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.