All MSHA-reportable accidents at United Salt Hockley, LLC operations in 2014. Fatalities appear first.
A roof fall occurred in the screening plant in the mine. There were no injuries on any kind, no restriction to travel in normal work areas, no change in ventilation and as we understand definitions in 50.2 no reason to complete a 7000-1. MSHA did issue a 103j order on 09/29/204. Termination of citation/order #8854245 was issued on 05/04/2015.
The plant mgr noted smoke coming from the shaft and notified MSHA. The smoke was from a planned detonation of det cord tails - plant mgr was not previously informed. There were no miners underground and as we understand definitions in 50.2 no reason to complete a 7000-1. MSHA did issue a 103j order on 08/30/2014, MSHA ventilation study conducted on 10/06-09/2014.
The accident occurred while performing maintenance on a forklift. Injury occurred when the forklift apparently moved, crushing the miner between forklift and wooden support column. Specific details are currently under investigation.
Employee was struck in the face with a crowbar while attempting to remove counterweights from counterweight compartment of man cage. Another counterweight inside compartment fell on top of crowbar, lifting opposite end of bar and striking employee. Suffered a cut to the lip, broken tooth, and contusion on the cheek.
While scaling ceiling and removing large rock, smaller rock fell, hit front of hard hat and pushed safety glasses into bridge of nose, resulting in a contusion.
While holding a rubber hose at an open end with gloved right hand, and another person operating a pressure washer with tip of wand at the same end of rubber hose, the wand tip came into close proximity of the hand, penetrated the glove and cut the thumb. Two sutures were used to close the wound.
Right index finger was smashed and cut when a 75 lbs. hydraulic cylinder on a front-end loader shifted and fell on the finger while attempting to remove the part for maintenance. Examination showed slight fracture at the finger tip. Cut was cleaned and bandaged. Antibiotics were prescribed.
Employee injured back when struck by pallet of plywood when forklift tail-swing bumped into the stack on opposite side. Soreness only symptom. Internal First Aid report was submitted. Returned to work next scheduled day. Nearly two months later, he saw a doctor with soreness in back. Occupational doctor released employee to work with lifting and bending restrictions on 4/10/14.
Small particulate blew into left eye, became irritated and was rubbed. Eye was flushed with eye wash solution, but irritation persisted. Incident was not reported until following day when Supervisor noticed swelling of the eye. Infection was apparent. Physician examined the eye and found very small particulate, and removed by flushing. Medication was prescribed.