All MSHA-reportable accidents at Lehigh Southwest Cement Company operations in 2011. Fatalities appear first.
Employee started transferring carbon from the storage tank into the silo when an ignition occurred which blew the top safety hatch open. This was a rather large ignition that resulted in fire shooting out the top of the tank and light up the night sky. When the ignition occurred the employee was standing between the storage tank and silo.
A unplanned inundation of gases into the working area which requied the removal of employees from the affedted location until conditions were stablized.
Heated material came in contact with acetylene and oxygen cylinders. The heated material caused the acetylene cylinder to over heat and the pressure relief valve to break and a 2"" rupture in the acetylene cylinder, creating a flame exiting the cylinder.
In the process of unhooking a trailer mounted generator from behind a pick-up truck, the employee was attempting to loosen the coupler from the truck. While attempting to remove the coupler, the employee attempted to lift the tongue and felt a burning pain in his stomach. A bulge later appeared on the top of his stomach.
Pulling tire from lace, tire fell, struck left wrist.
Employee approached a haul truck parked at the ready line. He lifted his left foot to step onto the lower step of the access ladder, and felt a `pop' in his right knee. He immediately stopped on the ladder, and waited for the situation to feel better. After a few moments, he continued on up the ladder, and completed the work on the door, and then exited the truck.
A fork struck EE on the inside of his left ankle causing a contusion.
On 11/23, the EE noticed pain in his right knee after working as a Brakeman all day. On the morning of 12/20, the EE noticed that his knee had swelled and had pain. He was sent to the clinic where the injury was diagnosed as a possible torn meniscus. The doctor took the EE off until a specialist could evaluate the situation.
While cutting with a hand held grinder the blade bound up and broke. This caused the grinder to flip backward cutting the employee above the right thumb.
Moving empty gas bottles and lifting one up 8 inches into the storage area employee felt a sharp pain in the left side of his groin. Examined at the medical clinic and possible hernia. Returned to work with restricted duty.
While the EE was changing a feed line valve, he lost his footing causing him to slip and attempt to catch himself with his hand, causing his shoulder to jam resulting in an inflamed rotator cup.
Employee reported to his supervisor that his left knee hurt after rolling a vacuum hose that was loose into a full roll. Employee refused medical attention until he requested on 03/03/11 to see a company doctor.
While walking to his job site, the employee detoured around the designated walkway and strained his knee on the uneven ground.
Lower back pain while shoveling walkway along belt way. Employee reported incident, but required no medical treatment. On 1/31/11 employee requested appointment at company clinic and 2/1/11 was placed on restricted duty. No lifting over 25 lbs and no work below knee level.
Employee was utilizing a grinder on a piece of metal, employee felt a dust particle entered his eye and proceeded to remove his safety glasses and rub his eyes.
Employee was rebuilding cardox tubes, and escaping gas released and blew into his face and eyes, Diagnosis: corneal conjuctivitis. EE given prescription for potential infection. EE was sent back to finish shift with no further care.
Laborer was exposed to poison oak while clearing weeds. He did not realize until after he went home that is had happened. He waited until Monday to reort the exposure and was taken to the clinic to be checked out. He was given some ointment and medication and given time off to heal up.
Payroll accountant felt ill, faint, pale, and did not improve upon rest. Ambulance called for transport to hospital. Early tests inconclusive, possible blood pressure medication issue? Upon release from hospital, the patient complained of some pain and sweating, and was subsequently diagnosed with blocked arteries, and remitted for surgery to repair.
Disgruntled employee opened fire in safety meeting.
Disgruntled employee opened fire on co-workers during safety meeting.
Disgruntled employee opened fire in safety meeting.
Disgruntled worker opened fire on co-workers during safety meeting.
Disgruntled employee opened fire in safety meeting.
Disgruntled worker opened fire on co-workers during safety meeting.
Disgruntled worker opened fire on co-workers during safety meeting.
Disgruntled employee opened fire on co-workers during safety meeting.
Disgruntled employee opened fire in safety meeting.