Mining Incidents

Hephzibah PlantMetal/Nonmetal

Covia Clay LLC · Surface
Controlled by Covia Holdings LLC
Hephzibah, Richmond County, GA · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0900149
Fatalities
0
Total incidents
41
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
Aug 2025
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

41 on file

2025 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

While attempting to loosen an air hose on a rail car with a 24"" pipe wrench FLW overexerted self and irritated an existing condition. Incident resulted in a sprain/ strain injury to the right arm requiring modified duty work restrictions. Follow-up is required.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

While lifting the lump basket from the loading opening of a bulk pneumatic trailer FLW experienced a ""pop"" in the center of the back. Continued working until about 10:00 AM until they determined they would require medical attention. Diagnosed with a ""lumbar back strain"".

Struck by falling object

While attempting to pry against a stuck rotary mill, an employee propped a large pry bar in the inspection port, while positioning to look into the hole, the bar slipped out and fell onto right thumb causing a contusion and a fracture.

2024 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

While attempting to remove a stuck bolt, employees hand slipped from tool causing EE's left forearm to strike a piece of plate steel, causing ~2"" laceration. Required 6 stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While attempting to remove a screw conveyor coupler, via striking, employee suffered a lumbar strain.

2023 · 1 incident

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting a standing floor fan, during the lift employee felt a pop in right elbow. Doctor diagnosed Biceps tendon rupture, traumatic/ stage 2 hypertension/ and strain of right biceps brachii muscle or tendon.

2022 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

Emp. loading a bulk truck closed the top hatch, stood under loading spout, struck the airline with right shoulder. The Hep. GA plant is reporting the inc. due to the doctor prescribing modified duty, the diagnosis was osteoarthritis indicating an existing condition. Emp. worked normal duties from 10-14-22 until the morning of 11-04-22 without requesting treatment.

2021 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted EE's right knee after obtaining a stockpile sample. Employee has now had surgery which makes this reportable.

2020 · 1 incident

Struck by rolling or sliding object

Employee attempting to flip forks on forklift, the fork rolled back and struck right thumb. Employee reported the incident & continued to work. Employee was taken for an exam on 1/10 and was diagnosed with fractured right thumb w/no restrictions. Doctor visit on 1/16 recommended restriction of use right hand as tolerated until ortho. visit. .

2019 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee had EE's left thumb struck by a spring-loaded gate while descending a ladder in the Plant # 2 processing plant. EE was examined and diagnosed with a contusion and was prescribed an anti-inflammatory. Employee inattention and failing to SLAM contributed to the incident.

2017 · 1 incident

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

2016 · 3 incidents

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

X Ray Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

Fall from machine

The employee was attempting to disembark from a rail car crossing over from the platform to the end ladder when ee slipped off the ladder rung to the ground causing sprain to ankle.

2014 · 1 incident

Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was inspecting machine for future repair. His foot slipped and fell approximately 6"" and fell on a small ledge on the conveyor. He did not think the injury was serious and did not ask for medical attention until Thursday 9/25/14.

2013 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

The employee was attempting to remove a 3/4"" bolt with a socket wrench and the bolt broke causing his hand to strike against a piece of angle iron that was adjacent to the bolt. This caused a laceration that required four stitches. X rays were negative and the employee returned to work with no job restrictions or modifications.

2011 · 1 incident

Struck by flying object

Employees were replacing roof panels on clay shed. An unexpected gust of wind caught the roof panel striking employee on back of left hand. The laceration to hand required six stitches.

2010 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

A supervisor stepped on a nail that was sticking out of piece of wood. The wood was on the ground near a trash dumpster located near the slurry plant where the supervisor was placing trash in the dumpster. The nail came through a crack in his left boot and it punctured his left foot. He received a tetanus shot and was prescribed an antibiotic at a local medical facility.

2009 · 1 incident

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

An employee was walking through the warehouse portion of the plant between rows of tall supersack bags. He stopped as he approached an open area and another employee was backing out of a row on a forklift. The employee driving the forklift ran over the left foot of the first employee just as he stopped to look out for moving mobile equipment.

2008 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

The employee was loading a bulk truck from a silo. When coming from the bottom of the silo area, the employee failed to lower his head enough to avoid hitting a pipe. His head struck the pipe, causing a sprain to the neck area. The employee was wearing a hard hat. The medical diagnosis was a cervical sprain.

2007 · 3 incidents

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

After loading a tank truck, the employee was retracting the loading spout from the truck . While swinging the loading spout from the truck at the pivoting point , the tip of his right ring finger was severed in the pinch point where the spout pivots.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Mechanic was working at the bulldozer with a pipe & chain. While pulling on the pipe, he strained his right rib area. Employee reported accident on 8/3/07.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was changing screens using an approx. 6 1/2 ft. pipe to move the screen. The pipe slipped & caused the employee to jam his small finger on the right hand between the pipe & screen frame cutting his finger. The cut required five stitches.

2006 · 2 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Driver was releasing the roll bar on trailer #DT180. The tarp broke loose and spun the roll bar too quickly causing the operator to have to let go of the bar, resulting in right shoulder blade (scapular) strain.

Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

The employee is a mechanic who was working on a vibrator for an IBC loading platform when he smashed his finger causing a laceration. The bolts had broke in the vibrator & hung down. Due to the vibrator being wedged, the force of pushing it in place caught the employee's finger between the vibrator & mounting brackett. Medical treatment performed 5/31/06.

2005 · 1 incident

Fall down stairs

Employee received a broken right fibula when he slipped walking down the steps. The area was wet because of rain.

2004 · 3 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

Climbing on rail car to adjust brakes, foot slipped, causing body to swing into car. Initial diagnosis was bruised rib but followup on 8/30 showed cracked rib at which time employee duties restricted.

Struck by powered moving object

Railroad cars got loose and ran into a boxcar that an employee was unloading.The employee did not want med. attention that day , but reported stiffness in the neck the following day.Treated & limited to lifting no more than 20 lbs. & limiting motion & neck turning.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee wanted to release on a rail car and strained his left shoulder.

2003 · 1 incident

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS INVESTIGATING AN UPSET CONDITION AT CM 321, HE FOUND A PIECE OF MACHINERY OVERLOADED AND RAN TO TURN THE MACHINE OFF. HE DID NOT SEE AN IBEAM AT 4' OFF THE GROUND AND HIT HIS HEAD (HARD HAT).

2002 · 2 incidents

Fall onto or against objects

EMPLOYEE WAS REPORTING FOR WORK TO PLANT 1 CONTROL ROOM, WAS CROSSING TRACKS FROM PLANT 2. WHILEGOING UP THE SORT STAIRWAY TO THE CROSSOVER HIS TOE CAUGHT UNDER THE STEP AND HE FELL FORWARD, H IS FIST WAS STILL CLOSED WHEN HIS HAND HIT THE UPPER STEP, CAUSING A BREAK IN THE OUTER BONE OF HIS RIGHT HAND. NO RESTRICTIONS DUE TO THE NATURE OF HIS JOB.

Struck against stationary object

EE WAS STEPPING OFF PARKED LOCOMOTIVE. HIS RIGHT FOOT SLIPPED ON LOOSE STONE AS HE WAS STEPPING DOWN, CAUSING HIM TO LOSE HIS BALANCE. RESULTED IN A STRAINED HAMSTRING & HIP MUSCLE.

2001 · 5 incidents

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EMPLOYEE WAS GUIDING A TRACTOR TRAILER TO THE LOADING DOCK AT PLANT 1. HE WAS BACK PEDALING AT THE RAMP NEAR THE LOADING DOCK WHEN HE SLIPPED AND FELL BACKWARD, SPRAINING HIS RIGHT ANKLE.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE STEPPED ONTO EMPTY PALLET THAT WAS ON THE NEW BAG STORAGE RACK. THE EMPTY PALLET WAS NOT COMPLETELY SUPPORTED ON THE WEST SIDE. WHEN HE STEPPED ON THE WEST SIDE, HIS WEIGHT CAUSED THE PALLE T TO FLIP UP AND IT HIT HIS HAND, BREAKING THE OUTSIDE BONE OF HIS RIGHT HAND.

Fall onto or against objects

EE AND OTHER WERE CARRYING A JOHNBSAT UP THE RAMP FROM THE POND. EE TRIPPED ON A ROCK. AS HE FELL, HE PUT HIS HAND OUT TO CATCH HIMSELF. HIS RIGHT SMALL FINGER CAUGHT ON A ROCK AND WAS BENT BA CKWARDS, DISLOCATING IT.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE STATED THAT HE INJURED HIS RIGHT SHOULDER RELEASING THE HAND BRAKE WHEEL ON THE RAILROAD HOPPER CAR. HE WAS STANDINGON THE PLATFORM PROVIDED AT THE END OF THE CAR. WENT TO THE DR. ON 5-18, DIAGNOSED OF BURSITIS.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WORKING ON LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE, PULLING CYLINDER HEAD WITH BOOM TRUCK. ACCESS/INSPECTION DOOR IS ON HINGE AND LIFTS UP. EE WAS LOOKING IN INSPECTION DOOR AS HEAD WAS BEING PULLED OUT. DOOR GOT B UMPED AND CAME DOWN, STRIKING EE'S HEAD AND CUTTINFG SCALP AND LEFT EAR. REQUIRED 19 STAPLES IN SCALP AND 5 STITCHES IN EAR.

2000 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

SHOVELING CLAY BY TAIL PULLEY OF BC301 AND STRAINED LOWER BACK.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE USED A METAL BAR AS A LEVER TO RAISE A MOTOR TO CHANGE BELTS, WHEN LETTING MOTOR BACK DOWN, BOTH LET GO BEFORE MOTOR ALL THE WAY DOWN. BAR JUMPED UP AND STRUCK HIM IN THE SIDE/ CHEST.

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS TRYIN GTO DISLODGE CLAY BUILD-UP FROM BIN WHEN HAND SLIPPED AND WAS CUTT ON EDGE OF BIN.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS STACKING 50LB PAPER BAGS.