All MSHA-reportable accidents at Intrepid Potash-New Mexico, LLC operations in 2022. Fatalities appear first.
EE contacted a low-hanging salt water formation with hard hat while driving into the UG part of mine. Flesh wound was cleaned. No medical treatment & released to full duty. On 4/15, EE experienced a seizure at home. WC determined it was related to the 2/24 incident resulting in a reportable injury. Diagnosed head trauma resulting in post-traumatic epilepsy. EE remains hospitalized.
EE was walking at the bottom floor of the plant, and slipped and fell. Discomfort in right knee. Medical released to full duty with self care. Several days later was referred to orthopedic due to discomfort, and MRI requested. Surgery not required. 3-31-2022 Physcial Therapy and restricted duty ordered by orthopedic.
Ee was cutting accumulations of string from pull cord. As Ee was resetting the pull cord, the knife blade contacted the Left Forearm and a small laceration resulted on the inside of the arm. 5 stitches were required to close the wound.
Ee was using a come-a-long to pull a tripper (belt) back on track. Ee stated they began to have discomfort in lower back and on Left side. Ee came to work the next shift, report the discomfort to supervisor. Ee was seen by a physician and encouraged to apply ice and stretch. Several days later, Ee reported still having some discomfort and requested to be seen by a Chiropractor.
Ee was drilling into the bung cap on a plastic 55 gallon container in order to place a hand valve. Drill bit pierced cap and contacted Ee's Left palm causing a laceration. Laceration did require stitches.
EE was assisting in removing a broken bit from the insert of a continuous miner head, using a punch hammer and a 6 lbs. hammer. A small chip broke free from the punch hammer and struck the EE in the upper left chest, penetrating the skin. During medical evaluation, physician removed the metal chip and applied 2 stitches.