Holcim US IncMining Incidents in 2013

Employee was cutting metal on hydraulic shear when distal right index finger tip was amputated by shear.

While lifting rotary feeder tips, the employee felt a pop/pinch in the lower back and is diagnosed with a lower back strain. This incident became reportable on 1/21/2014.

Employee was removing a tool pouch weighing 20 lbs. from the back of a service truck. Employee felt shoulder move out of socket then back in. Had pain in right shoulder

While EE was actuating a slide gate valve in the raw mill, the EE was burned on both forearms when material flushed from silo. The EE was treated for 2nd degree burns to his forearms.

Employee was unplugging a chute. A tool in use moved in an unexpected direction causing the employee to lose balance and strike the left hand on a piece of angle iron causing a cut. 10 stitches were needed.

Employee tripped on a welding chipping hammer that was stuck in the grating falling down a flight of stairs causing contusions/strains to right knee and shoulder.

Injured employee had finished a task at the Coal Mill then stepped backwards, turned around, and lost his balance/footing resulting in a fall to the ground. Injured employee caught his fall with his hands and suffered a closed fracture of the carpal bone to his right hand's little finger. Injured employee's medical treatment includes a splint and restricted work (no lost time).

No definitive incident identified. Jobs on employee's shift included kneeling, bending, and lifting heavy parts and tools. Employee diagnosed with acute lower back strain.

Employee was moving a retractable ladder when his foot slipped in gravel causing his left arm to twist resulting in a fractured left shoulder greater Tuberosity.

Employee was, bent over, throwing clinker down a chute at Clinker Cooler when he twisted and felt something in his lower back pop. It has been determined employee was using an improper lifting technique and body position.

Employee was climbing adjustable step ladder. After getting to the 3rd rung the adjustable portion of the ladder failed causing the employee to fall off the ladder fracturing his left wrist.

Employee operating hand grinder with right hand while grinding a chain conveyor connector pin being held with left hand. Connector pin believed to have caught grinder's flap disc, then ricocheted around the grinder's guard, and struck his neck causing a puncture requiring stitches. Employee's body position allowed the connector pin to pass under the face shield.

Walking near pond behind main office when wind-blown material entered right eye around safety glasses. First aid eyewash solution was used. Overnight eye became red and irritated. Medical treatment was administered next morning, including removal of sand-like material and prescription eye drops. Employee returned to work without restrictions and no lost time.

Employee was using a skid steer to move a pile of snow. While scooping the snow, the bucket contacted a piece of railroad track which caused the equipment to stop suddenly. The operator complained of some neck pain related to whiplash. This injury did not meet report ability requirements until 1/2/2014 during a follow up visit.

The injured employee was on the 3rd level platform trying to free the hoist that got caught on the handrail of the platform. The injured employee pushed on the I-Beam and at the same time 2 employees pushed on the roller and the hoist became free and jerked the trolley wheel against the injured employee hand and caused a laceration to his pinky finger.

Contractor from Westate was exiting out of the passenger side of the service truck. Contractor came out facing forward and slipped on the top step and fell to the ground. Contractor then fell and struck his head on the left upper side on an unknown object. Contractor was escorted to Belgrade Urgent care by his supervisor. Contractor received 4 staples to his wound on his head

EE was attempting to drive out a stuck 11/2"" bolt on the East bearing of the West Secondary Crusher with a sledge hammer. During the process, a metal shard came off imbedding into his right calf. Following removal, the incision required two sutures to close.

Three employees were lifting a 100 lb crated bearing. The injured employee tripped on a pallet and fell to the ground. The bearing fell out of the box and broke the left index finger and middle finger. The employee received 15 stitches and was released back to work to full duty.

Yard laborer employees foot metatarsal bone was fractured after the raised 1400 pound barrell of grinding balls he had accidentally stepped under slipped out of the lifting device from a height of several inches and came down on top of his foot. His steel toe safety boot did its job as designed.

EE was removing a follow plate from #3 West Slurry. Inside opening on plate was washed out and had sharp edge. Upon lifting, sharp edge cut through work glove and into little finger on right hand. Cut required five (5) sutures to close.

Employee swung tool bag off right shoulder and felt pain in shoulder. Injury determined to be reportable 6/13/13.

Employee started work finishing loading a cement barge with work partner. EE left work partner to go to the bathroom on the company tug boat (2nd time). When EE did not return, work partner went to look for EE finding him unconscious in the tug boat bathroom. Site First Responders rendered CPR until relieved by local EMS who pronounced EE deceased on site.