All MSHA-reportable accidents at Intrepid Potash-New Mexico, LLC operations in 2006. Fatalities appear first.
Emp. was changing batteries on R/C #74 at the charging station between 302 & 303 S. While lifting new battery, sparking occured and a fire ignited the wiring on the R/C. Emp tried to extinguish fire but couldn't. Emp then notified authorities. Down 8:15 p.m. - Back UG 11:44 a.m.
Hoist lowering 3 man crew to work area on North side when power was lost on Hoist. Nobody in any danger, back-up hoist was in line if crew needed to be pulled out. Down 8:20 a.m. Running 12:15 p.m.
Hoistman bringing N Skip to dump & S Skip to load, noticed over travel limits kicked in. S Skip dropped fast & he noticed slack on N rope. Factory welds on N Skip broke loose from the top deck that connects to the rope and N skip fell down the shaft.
A new clutch was made and installed on #1 hoist, maintenance was just replacing a part that was worn out. The time frame to install clutch was too long so the mine was evacuated until repairs were made. Down 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Employee was descending a set of 3 steps. He tripped and fell into the handrails of another set of steps, breaking 3 ribs. Started losing time 4-14-06.
Employee was washing salt inside shaft about 580' from collar. While moving spray gun his left arm was hit by a loose piece of salt from above. Fractured L arm. Started losing time 2-7-06.
Employee was driving #999 Jeep to work area. He hit a rough spot in roadway causing a jarring sensation to his back. Asked to see Doctor 2-3-06. Started losing time 2-3-06.
Employee sprained left ankle while exiting a front end loader. He stepped onto the ground with full weight on left leg, foot turned and sprained ankle. Restricted Duty.
Employee was dumping all hot leach tanks. Dump line on 2B leach tank was plugged. He placed a washout lance in the end of the line & the hot brine water gushed out getting on both legs and left arm. Restricted Duty.
EE was driving a S/C and slowed down to make a turn, stepped on tram, it jumped into high tram jerking him forward. He felt pain in lower back.
Employee was checking to see if leach tank was dumping. The floor was covered with 4-6"" of foam. He stepped into 8"" x 12"" hole between 3 leach tank dump lines into the mill sump, filling his R boot with hot brine water, causing burn.
Employee was cutting into a buggy cable. He struck the cable cutter with a hammer and the cable arced and burned his left hand.
Employee was changing out rail section. He was using a rail hammer to drive spikes on both sides of rail and his lower back began to hurt. he continued to work but pain continued to get worse. Taken to Doctor on 6-7-06. Restricted Duty
Employee was working in W 302 N. While moving miner cable with J-hook, he slipped and fell. Trying to break his fall, he stuck his left hand out to catch himself and sprained left wrist in the process. Restricted Duty.
While lifting guard over #4 Centrate pump and motor, he felt a burning sensation in his right shoulder. Asked to see Doctor 2-3-06. Restricted Duty 2-3-06.
Employee was walking past 2nd stage agitator and was looking at other employees. He tripped on an inspection cover laying on the floor and fell into a 3"" angle iron brace causing injury. Restricted Duty
Employee was lifting steel grating on the forks of forklift when grating fell on employee's lower RT leg, causing a cut that required stitches.
EMP & CO-WORKER WERE PULLING 20 HP FAN CABLE. HE WAS HOLDING NIP WHILE SITTING IN PASSENGER SEAT. AS CAR MOVED, CABLE CAUGHT & PULLED AWAY FROM HAND WEDGING IT ON SIDE BAR LACERATING RT LITTLE FINGER. 8 STITCHES REQUIRED.
While emptying a scap metal dumpster, employee cut his finger when he pulled on a piece of metal. Sutures required.
Employee was raising the lid on a set of batteries for a R/C to perform maint work. The prop did not engage the hole to hold lid open. Lid fell striking her R arm. Sutures required.
Employee arrived early for work in order to get ready to go UG. While letting his clothes basket down in the change room the cable apparently got hung in the light fixture which hangs over his basket and the light fell striking him on the head. No Lost Time, Stitches required.