All MSHA-reportable accidents at Intrepid Potash-New Mexico, LLC operations in 2015. Fatalities appear first.
One of the B-skip guides had broken from undetermined causes. This occurred at a location below the skip feed location underground. As the skip passed the break, it caught the guide bending some support structure. MSHA Hotline notified at 11:49.
A fire in a construction debris pile was reported at 2:45 p.m. Fire service was called and responded. The pile was located in a remote area of the property. The fire was contained and finally extinguished by 7:45 p.m. A fire watch was maintained overnight. Ignition source undetermined--believed to be spontaneous.
Dent was found top of N conveyance, #2 shaft. Though operable, hoist was removed from service (precaution) pending further inspection. Shaft inspection found loose shaft lagging. 8:55 a.m. hoist was removed from service for repairs. Personnel in the mine were evacuated through the E Mine. MSHA & NM BMS hotlines were then called. Service restored to hoist at 11:45 a.m.
At about 11:18 a.m. the A skip in the production shaft was found to be out of its guide. Investigators reported a broken guide rail near the bottom landing at 11:40 a.m. Repairs were initiated and the hoist was functional by 6:40 a.m. on 3/3. Damage is believed to be a result of wear. No injuries or entrapment.
Shaft crew was lowering VFD unit under conveyance in service shaft. Sling eye failed shifting weight and causing VFD to bind in shaft and fall aprox 250 feet to bottom. No injury or entrapment. Damage to VFD and 2 guide sections. MSHA hotline report within 15-minutes
EE stepped on a rock and fell catching fall with R arm. Shoulder pain treated conservatively and EE continued to perform job functions. Subsequent medical evaluation identified shoulder damage requiring surgery. First LWD 11/4/2015.
EE operating transloader to load truck from rail car. EE stepped too close to conveyor while attempting to close car gate. R leg was caught between the belt and guide tire. E-Stop bar activated to stop belt. EE extricated in < 30-minutes.
EE assisting operator drilling air relief hole. In effort to retrieve drill steel, EE placed L foot under RB boom. Boom lowered onto foot causing bruise.
On 6/15, EE reported recurring back pain from an off-job back strain injury. By 7/8, short-term disability was denied and EE subsequently claimed work injury from operating SC on rough haulage in S-812. After investigation, claim was accepted. LWD start 6/16.
EE fell backward on a chair straining back. Conservative treatment applied. Medical follow-up resulted in medical deferment from work. First LWD 06/14
EE was moving a section of water hose for transport. He felt a sharp pain in lower back. The injury was treated and resulted in LWD on 6/4
EE dragging feeder cable back to work on splice, stepped on rock, turned R ankle, fractured fibula.
EE strained her back while replacing a pump motor guard in #1 hoist house on 4/10. The injury was treated conservatively without restriction or LWD. Upon medical re-evaluation she was removed from active duty effective 4/23
EE was walking from the change room to the electric shop before shift start and slipped, straining his L knee. The injury was treated conservatively but required out-patient surgery on 2/5/16.
On 2/13 EE reported abdominal strain while loading belt idlers onto a trailer. EE was able to continue performing assigned duties pending medical evaluation. On 3/6, EE underwent outpatient hernia repair (1st lost workday).
EE assisting in attachment of 12"" diameter driscopipe section. Pipe end shifted striking EE who fell to ground. Injury to R knee. RTW with Restrictiions
EE working on a shuttle car driveline when some material fell into L eye. No discomfort observed until after shift. Reported to supervisor on 12/7. Medical treated with prescription antibiotic eye-drops. RTW.
EE attempting to close ball valve at 3-A preg cyclone. Significant force was required to close the valve resulting in contact with an adjacent (2-A) valve. A laceration to the R thumb required stitches to close.
EE pinched R #3 fingertip between conveyor take-up hyd. cylinder and frame. Stitches were required to close the wound.
EE was using a torque multiplier to install bolts on miner. Tool locked up. EE attempted to reverse setting when tool slipped pinching R index finger against motor. Fracture
EE was in the process of removing baffles from 2A Hot Leach tank. The baffle slipped and lacerated EE's left index finger. The EE was wearing leather gloves. The wound required stitches.
EE was assisting in removal of pin mixer bottom liner. The drum was blocked but allowed slight movement. EE reached into the enclosure to grip the liner when the drum bumped slightly pinching R index finger. Laceration required stitches.
EE was helping guide the removal of a large equip part and was focused on clearance in one direction and not on the position of his R hand. The equipment shifted unexpectedly, pinching the R palm. Stitches required to close wound.
EE stepped back while co-worker struck link for conveyor chain to remove link. Steel chip from the link struck EE in face. Debriding attempted at ER. Stitches to close
EE was loading 12"" pipe flanges onto a flatbed truck and cut his L #5 finger on flange. The wound required stitches.
EE was checking oil on Lowtrac as part of pre-op inspection when the engine cover fell striking EE's R forearm. The impact caused a fracture of the R Radius.
EE investigating gearbox noise, braced position by placing L hand on gearcase. Finger penetrated undetected fan guard opening and fan blade cut L #3 finger--Injury required stitches.
Using a slide hammer to remove broken torque shaft, EE pinched L#3 finger between the slide and stopper. Laceration required stitches