All MSHA-reportable accidents at US Silica Company operations in 2023. Fatalities appear first.
At approximately 3:00am a ground failure occurred at the HB pit on the east side access road. Ground failure was approximately 150 in length and approximately 46 feet in width, blocking access to the pit via the east access road. Extremely wet conditions, coupled with freeze/thaw episodes contributed to the failure. No persons were injured or trapped during this ground failure.
Employee failed to lock out, tag out, test out a belt-driven piece of equipment and used right hand to get the energized belt to move. Belt engaged and right hand fingertip was cut off by pulley/belt assembly. Fingertip was amputated.
While standing at an elevated position, employee lost balance when a tight bolt on the air filter housing assembly loosened abruptly. Employee fell backwards approximately 2 feet onto the concrete floor, bracing self with left hand resulting in a fracture to EE's left wrist.
Employee was setting up bulk bag area to start filling sacks of sand. The employee placed a pallet on the load stations. When EE bent over to start centering pallet to the spout, EE felt pain in lower right side of back.
Employee was climbing up into haul truck. EE's feet were muddy, and EE slipped. EE landed on EE's shoulder injuring it.
Employee's right hand was crushed between the knuckle and wishbone on an A-40 haul truck when the hydraulic jack they were using released during the removal of the bearing and race, causing fractures and laceration to the right hand.
Employee was changing a reducer on the dust screw because it was locked up, while they were trying to remove the bolts the reducer broke free and shifted to the side smashing the ring finger at the second knuckle.
EE was assisting with carrying an electrical cabinet. While re-positioning after walking through a doorway, EE twisted right arm and felt a pop in right elbow. The injury was initially treated as first aid with no restrictions. On 8/16/2023, EE visited a medical clinic and work restrictions were given.
EE descending ladder of loader and felt a discomfort in left shoulder. Medical consultation resulted in restricted duty.
Transloading hose plugged. Disconnected hose, pressure blew powder into face. Safety glasses blown off, powder entered left eye. Eyes flushed. Irritation, blurry vison persisted. Visit to medical clinic. Abrasion of left cornea. Treated with prescription medication. Employee returned to work following morning.
Miner was kneeling and using an angle grinder to remove welding slag when the grinder caught and kicked back, striking the miner in the left thigh just above their knee resulting in sutures.
EE placed finger between two flanges when trying to bolt them together. Pinky finger was smashed causing stitches.
Employee was cleaning up Loadout area with a skid steer. The employee contacted concrete footing with the right edge of the skid steer bucket. The sudden impact propelled the employee forward and the top of their head hit the rearview mirror. Incident resulted in a laceration on their head that required 8 staples to close.
Employee was holding a lug in the left hand and cutting it with a porta band saw in the right hand. The porta band saw slipped and lacerated the left index finger and slightly cut the long finger. Employee received six sutures and was returned to work full duty, no restrictions, no prescriptions.
A third-party trucking contract driver was found unresponsive near the mine exit. Trained CPR providers from the mine responded and performed CPR until EMS arrived on scene. The driver was pronounced deceased by EMS staff.
A non-miner customer truck driver was knocked unconscious when a gust of wind blew their trailer doors open and slammed them, headfirst, onto the ground. The driver received medical attention for a concussion.