All MSHA-reportable accidents at Freeport-McMoRan Chino Mines Company operations in 2024. Fatalities appear first.
Central dispatch notified site of a fire at an abandoned house on an outlying area of mine property, AKA Apache Tejo south of Hurley, NM. ERRT members and Hurley VFD responded, flames were completely out by 4:00 a.m. and fire watch continued. No mining operations were involved or threatened, just located on land the company owns.
Employee was pressing on cell line when bar fell in and splashed liquid in eyes. EE was taken to the ER, prescribed multiple application antibiotic, referred to ophthalmologist, who in turn took EE off work for next shift.
Employee was getting out of their service truck and twisted a knee. Employee did not report the event until the next day when their knee swollen and sore. Employee went to the ER and taken off work. Currently ongoing.
Employee was dismounting a water truck and rolled an ankle as they started down the first set of steps, catching themselves before they fell. They initially refused treatment and would ice at home. The next day, it was still painful, and they went to the ER, diagnosed with a fractured ankle and taken off work. CURRENTLY ONGOING.
A D10T dozer component was being repaired and the component tipped over striking the employee. Prior to the event the component was removed from the machine and was placed on blocks and was being dissambled. As parts were removed, the component became off balance.
Employee was exiting the pickup, as they stepped out, they missed the running board with one foot and the other foot got caught under the seat, pulling their thigh muscle. They missed one shift, then released to next rotation, and returned to work full duty.
While harvesting cathodes, EE used hook to move hangar bar on strongback and felt pain in lower back, was taken to clinic, released to work. EE worked two more rotations. Was off for personal reasons, then on 5/7/24, received WSR from PCP, taking EE off work as of 4/9/24. Currently ongoing.
As an articulating truck was backing towards the drill pad at 5 mph, driver failed to see a dozer, striking the rearend. Initially, both operators stated they weren't injured. However, the next morning, the dozer operator complained of neck and shoulder pain. EE was taken to the clinic and placed restrictions. Currently ongoing.
Haul truck operator was dismounting the truck; at the second to the last step, EE's foot missed the step, causing EE to lose balance. EE grabbed the handrail and felt and heard a pop in EE's shoulder. EE was taken to the emergency room and given restrictions. Currently ONGOING.
Employee was cutting cathode samples when EE moved the table for the next cut. The employee had both hands placed on the table with EE's thumbs placed underneath while in motion. The employee's right thumb was pinched in between the wheel and the table, diagnosed with a contusion, taken off work. Currently ongoing.
Employee was training on overhead crane press when they were walking on cell two. Employee was looking back talking to the mentor, when they tripped and fell on hands and knees. Employee was checked by ERRT and finished the shift. Next shift they called off due to back pain, was seen at the clinic and taken off work. Currently ongoing.
Crate fell from forklift forks. Employee attempted to push crate back onto forks and injured bicep.
While fabricating starter sheets, employee's arm was feeling fatigued from pulling hangar bars, so started using the other arm, pulling across their mid-section. When rotating for another bar, felt a pop and sharp pain in lower back. Taken to ER, off work until seen by PCP.
Employee was lifting a box and smashed right middle finger between the box and rack/shelf. On 12/9, EE was prescribed an antibiotic for infection, placed on light duty. X-rays ordered. Currently ongoing.
Employee working in mill basement slipped and fell in mud, landing on left arm. EE immediately informed EE's supervisor and initially declined a medical examination. After bruising appeared on EE's arm, EE and supervisor elected to seek medical treatment on 11/11/24. Employee had acute, traumatic, comminuted fracture of left ulnar olecranon and styloid processes.
Employee was in the field to conduct surveying; while walking to area to survey, they tripped on a rock and fell against some 3"" in HDPE pipe, injuring their shoulder. Employee was taken to the ER, diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder and referred. Employee was given restrictions the site will accommodate. Currently ongoing.
The driver picked up one of the wheel chocks then felt a twinge in right shoulder. The pain wasn't bad at the time, felt discomfort. After leaving the mine, the driver felt bicep roll up then started to hurt.
Operator was in the process of opening a gate valve on a 6"" HDPE pipe and was sprayed with raffinate, which got in EE's eyes. Employee flushed repeatedly but continued to have discomfort. Was taken to the ER, given drops, restricted from driving, and referred to an ophthalmologist. Currently ongoing.
While reaching down for a radio on the bottom shelf, employee felt a sudden pain in EE's lower back. Employee went home the remainder of the day, and then on days off. On 6/30, pain persisted, and employee went to the ER, was referred to PCP and taken off work. CURRENTLY ONGOING
While trying to remove an inner tire on a forklift, employee was swinging a sledgehammer and struck the end of right index finger, lacerating & fracturing it. Employee received 4 stitches and given restricted work duties. Currently ONGOING.
Employee was dumping trash, and the dumpster didn't latch. Employee got out of the forklift and went back to the dumpster and tried pushing it down and EE's hand slipped, and EE's right wrist was smashed between the dumpster and the forklift frame. EE immediately reported it to EE's supervisor.
While conducting a PM on a light plant, employee was trying to lay the mast down when it became stuck. EE grabbed the bottom of the mast, and it folded back and lacerated EE's right middle finger. EE was taken to the ER, received stitches and released to work.
Employee was stepping off the 20T crane when EE experienced pain in lower right quadrant, where EE previously had a hernia repaired. EE was taken to the ER and diagnosed with a recurrent right inguinal hernia, referred to PCP/Surgeon. Currently ONGOING.
Employee had just arrived at the office and told a co-worker was experiencing chest and arm pain. Was evaluated by ERRT and transported, met by ALS and flown to a cardiac hospital in Las Cruces NM. Courtesy notification to MSHA was made. Employee had surgery and should return next week. Personal - Code 8.