Mining Incidents

Ottawa PlantMetal/Nonmetal

Controlled by Covia Holdings LLC
Ottawa, Le Sueur County, MN · Active
MSHA Mine ID: 2100790
Fatalities
2
Total incidents
92
Years on record
2000–2024
Latest incident
Jul 2024

Fatalities at this mine

2 recorded
Fall from scaffolds, walkways, platforms

Incident is still under investigation. Cause of death is unknown, awaiting autopsy report. The victim was working from an elevated location that was provided with handrails. He was using an 8 foot stepladder. While preparing to weld on an overhead vent pipe, he fell going over the handrail and landed on a railroad track 47 feet below.

Contact with electrical current

INDIVIDUAL CAME INTO CONTACT WITH OVERHEAD POWERLINE CAUSING DEATH BY ELECTRICUTION.

Reportable incidents

90 on file (excluding fatalities above)

2024 · 2 incidents

(Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee is reporting blood clots associated with sitting in a excavator. This claim is being contested by the site.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was walking up stairs when pain was felt in the lower back/right hip area and it was reported to the supervisor that evening. The employee took the following day off 3/6/24 and visited the clinic where they recommended work restrictions. The employee returned to work on modified duty 3/7/24. The employee returned to work with no restrictions 3/12/24.

2023 · 1 incident

Accident type, without injuries

An anonymous member of the public reported a grass fire along County Road 23 that is not part of the active mining area. Sherriff and Fire Department arrived on scene at approximately 4:30pm, which is the time mine personnel were made aware. The cause of the fire is unknown. The fire department cleared the scene at 5:19pm. MSHA was called at 4:50pm.

2022 · 1 incident

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

An employee was exiting the main plant when a gust of wind forced the door to close quickly. The employee tried to catch the door to keep it from slamming but ended up catching the tip of the middle finger on EE's right hand between the door and frame causing an open fracture.

2020 · 1 incident

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee reported feeling pain in left shoulder towards the end of shift. The next day the employee stated that the pain was a little better and wanted to continue to monitor it. On 4/22/20 EE reported pain to the Plant Superintendent once again and asked to seek medical attention. The employee sought medical attention on 4/22/20 and was put on modified duty.

2019 · 1 incident

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While using a utility knife employee cut arm which resulted in stitches.

2018 · 2 incidents

Struck against stationary object

Employee struck hard hat/head on overhead conduit causing neck strain.

Unclassified, insufficient data

Employee felt soreness in lower back and reported it to the supervisor. Went to the doctor for medical treatment and requires physical therapy.

2014 · 10 incidents

Fall from machine

Employee was tied off to a live beam. The live beam became dislodged and fell causing the employee to fall as well.

Struck against a moving object

EE operating excavator-back pain at lunch, told FM, but didn't know what happened worked to end of shift, came in Monday 11/17/14 - wanted to seek medical attention - taken to clinic as precaution.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was loosing bolts on ME-51's cutting edge when he felt discomfort in his lower back. Employee was put on modified duty.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a 4 1/2"" grinder with wearing gloves, the grinder also did not have a guard on it and he was not wearing the required PPE to protect his eyes. He ended up injuring his finger / requiring stitches - he was suspended for 3 days.

Struck by falling object

EE was welding on a pipe fitting with fitting sitting on saw horses. EE bumped the saw horses with his leg & the fitting started to sup. EE tried to catch it & the fitting crushed his right pinky finger.

Struck against a moving object

Employee reported back pain as a result of the air-ride suspension seat's air compressor not functioning at full capacity. Employee woke the following day experiencing intensified pain and did not report to work. He received medical attention the following day and was returned to work.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee strained his back after picking up a bucket. Employee went for chiropractic treatment on 4/18/2014.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was attempting to close a knife gate valve. After the valve was closed, the employee began feeling pain and discomfort in his lower back. The pain continued after a night's rest, so the employee requested medical attention.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was shoveling spillage from under a portable crusher and strained his back on 12 January. The employee woke the next day experiencing pain which he thought would go away. He tried to work through the pain, it did not subside. The employee sought chiropractic care on 14 January.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee reported shoulder soreness after cleaning in quarry. Reason for reporting at this time: Employee had additional cortisone treatment on 6/17/2014. Employee did not notify company of additional treatment until 8/20/2014.

2013 · 6 incidents

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

Employee was fixing a coagulant pump and was splashed in the eyes with coagulant. He was given a sample of prescription eye drops from the doctor.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee strained his back with trying to loosen a bolt from a pump platform. Employee went for chiropractic treatment on 8/5/2013.

Contact with hot objects or substances

Hot sand got blew out the door onto employee causing burns to right forearm and right hand

Contact with heat

Employee exhibited signs and symptoms of heat related illness/dehyration and was transported to ER for IV fluids

Struck against stationary object

Employee bumped right side of head while unplugging wet scrubber collection box. Employee went for chiropractic treatment on 6/19/2013.

Struck against stationary object

EE was stripping forms off of a 6X6 pad. He was dragging a corner and went to toss it into the skid steer bucket and the head of a duplex nail cut the back of his arm.

2012 · 4 incidents

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a new impeller on slurry pump while manually spinning the sheave to thread on the new impeller. Two fingers were pinched between the v-belt and the sheave which resulted in stitches.

Struck against stationary object

Employee removed his gloves to change a rubber sleeve on a rotex screen he cut two fingers on his right hand on the metal discharge boot. This resulted in 5 stitches on his ring finger.

Fall onto or against objects

EE was re-adjusting the water stand sock in order to load the water truck. As he was climbing up the ladder to position the sock his foot slipped and his right shin contacted the ladder rung resulting in a deep cut that required stitches.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee strained his back in the process of bending over to pick up his hard hat. Employee went to the clinic and was placed on modified duty.

2011 · 4 incidents

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Work was being done to remove a section of the railroad track, two excavators were in use. Excavator #1 moved into position and was directed to stop. Excavator #2 mirrored movement of excavator #1 without direction and because it did not stop as it should have, it pulled the rail towards itself and struck the leg of employee.

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

Employee was in a JLG boom lift. As he moved to the left the boom dropped. Employee lost balance and had his foot caught in the pedal housing causing a dislocation of right ankle and fracture of 5th toe

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE STEPPED ON A ROCK WHEN EXITING A BUILDING CAUSING HIM TO TWIST HIS ANKLE WHICH RESULTED IN MODIFIED DUTY.

Struck by falling object

Employee was removing a loading dock bumper with a cutting torch and bumper fell on employee's small toe resulting in surgery.

2010 · 6 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was exiting his vehicle and slipped on ice. Employee was taken to the clinic due to shoulder pain and was placed on modified duty.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was vacuuming under a product bin and raised his head up; he hit his hard hat on the bottom of bin. Employee felt a strain in his neck. Employee went to clinic and was returned to work, employee then returned for additional chiropractic treatment on 8/2/10 returning with restricted hours.

Struck against stationary object

Employee was shoveling sand and he struck a beam, the shock from the shovel hitting the beam traveled to the employee's right elbow, resulting in pain & swelling. The employee is unable to work until he see's his doctor for a follow up appointment.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was standing by the bed of his maintenance truck and slid a toolbox to the edge of the truck bed as he grabbed the toolbox off the edge of the truck bed he experienced a pain in his lower back. The employee was taken to the clinic and was placed on modified duty due to lower back strain.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was grinding slag off angle iron, the grinder caught the slag and jumped causing the employee's hand to slip resulting in the grinder cutting through the employee's glove and cutting his thumb knuckle. Employee was placed on modified duty.

Struck by powered moving object

Employee was doing maintenance on a material handling boom (rake) attachment for the utility loader the rake rolled and the corner struck the employees foot breaking bones in the employees right foot.

2009 · 4 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was standing at the side of the catwalk to clear rocks, he was reaching and pulling the rocks toward him instead of getting on the catwalk and picking them up, he heard a ""pop"" in his sternum. Employee went to the doctor and was placed on modified duty.

Struck by flying object

Employee was mowing lawn on his shift. After his shift he went home and woke up in the middle of the night with an irritated left eye. He went to the eye clinic where he was given prescription eye drops.

Struck by falling object

Employee was installing a chute in the screen room adjacent to a ladder, vibration caused a wrench to fall from the ladder and struck the employee in the mouth chipping his front tooth. Employee had his tooth filled in by the dentist.

Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

EE was changing oil for 14G blade (unit 304002). As he reached in to change the filter, his arm was fully extended. When he pulled on the filter wrench, he felt a pull in his upper right arm, the muscle had been pulled. The poor design of this area of the blade is considered to be a major factor in this injury. It is very difficult to change oil filters on this equipment.

2008 · 5 incidents

Struck by flying object

Employee was doing maintenance on a catwalk, when he felt a foreign object in his right eye. Employee flushed his eye and object was still in there, so he was taken to the hospital where the object was removed and he received a prescription eye drop.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee lifted incorrectly, which caused a back strain. Employee is seeking chiropratic treatment and also has been seen by a physician.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was driving forklift and suddenly felt something in his eye which he thought was an eyelash. After his shift he was home and looked closer and discovered a foreign object which caused irritation. EE went to the doctor and they removed object and gave him prescription eyedrops.

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

The employee was hammering on the bottom side of a conveyor in attempt to break the frozen belt loose, the belt broke free and the employee's arm was pulled between the belt and troughing idler, which resulted in a fractured right forearm.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was installing a waterline when he was struck in the forehead by a piece of metal causing a laceration which resulted in 12 stiches.

2007 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was accessing bridge when he slipped and his knee buckled under his body. Employee had an x-ray, received a cortisone shot and is on modified duty.

Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE TURNED TO SET A PIECE OF STEEL BEHIND HIM, IN DOING SO, HE STRUCK HIS FOREHEAD ON A PIECE OF STRUCTURAL STEEL ON THE SCAFFOLDING. CAUSED A LACERATION, RECEIVED 4 STITCHES.

Struck against a moving object

Employee was operating end loader in quarry and drove over rough area and jarred his back.

2006 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee sprained his ankle as he dismounted from the loader, in the quarry. Reporting due to mod. duty.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE CUT HIS LEFT HAND BELOW FIRST MIDDLE FINGER KNUCKLE WHILE USING A UTILITY KNIFE TO REPLACE HOSES. REPORTING DUE TO STITCHES AND MODIFIED DUTY.

Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS ON CREEPER UNDER FRONT END LOADER GREASING DRIVE SHAFT. WHEN LIFTING HEAD TO LOCATE GREASE FITTINGS, HE STRAINED RIGHT UPPER BACK AREA. REPORTING DUE TO PRESCRIPTION MEDS, PHYSICAL THERAPY AND MODIFIED DUTY.

2005 · 8 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

As employee was dismounting haul truck his right foot slipped on the packed snow, twisting/straining his knee.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE'S 4TH FINGER ON RIGHT HAND WAS POKED/PUNCTURED WHEN PULLING DOWN ON DRILL CABLE. RECEIVED PRESCRIPTION FOR INFECTION.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee lacerated and bruised his left hand and wrist while replacing the motor on VS-09. Laceration required stitches.

Fall from machine

WHILE EE WAS DISMOUNTING FROM THE FRONT END LOADER HE MISSED THE LAST RUNG WITH HIS FOOT CAUSING HIM TO SLIP AND FALL ONTO HIS RIGHT KNEE, TEARING A LIGAMENT. HE DID NOT GO TO DR UNTIL 8/4/05.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

While employee was locking the brake on the railcar, he strained his right shoulder.

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

While replacing an auger in the screen room employee pinched his left middle finger. Reporting due to prescription meds.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee finished loading a shot and unrolled the lead in line when he stepped in a snow-covered hole. He lost his balance and fell on his right arm and shoulder.

Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

WHILE SPRAY APPLYING PRIMER, EMPLOYEE HAD AN ALLERGIC RESPIRATORY ATTACK RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS.

2004 · 2 incidents

Struck against a moving object

After operating front end loader in quarry, Employee complained of back pain. Reported due to additional medical treatment & physical therapy.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE A DRAIN CAP ON A PIPELINE, EE FAILED TO SHUT OFF THE WATER PIPES AND THE PIPELINE SHIFTED BACK HITTING EE IN THE LEGS.

2003 · 7 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

STRAINED BACK WHILE RETRIEVING BAG THAT HAD DROPPED BY THE PALLETIZER ROLLERS.

Struck against a moving object

WHILE RUNNING UTILITY LOADER AND HAUL TRUCK EE EXPERIENCED BACK PAIN. THE PAIN PEAKED AFTER RUNNING THE LOADR IN THE QUARRY ON 9-17-03.

Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS GOING UP THE STEPS TO THE CONTROL ROOM. ON THE LAST STEP HE TRIPPED & FELL FORWARD JAMMING HIS FINGER INTO THE FLOOR GRATING, BREAKING A BONE IN HIS LT HAND.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE REACHING FOR A PIECE OF STEEL EE SLIPPED &CAUGHT HIMSELF WITH HIS LEFT ARM, STAINING HIS LT. SHOULDER. EE WAS SEEN AT HOSPITAL & MEDICATION WAS PRESCRIBED FOR SHOULDER/MUSCLE STRAIN & SPASM. REPORTING DUE TO MEDICAL TREATMENT MODIFIED DUTY & PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.

Struck against a moving object

EE COMPLAINED OF PAIN IN HIS RT. HIP FROM SITTING IN THE BACKHOE.

Struck against a moving object

EMPLOYEE COMPLAINED OF LOWER BACK PAIN FROM BOUNCING AROUND IN THE HAUL TRUCK WHILE HAULING SAND TO THE DUMP SITE. ROAD CONDITIONS ARE ROUGH THIS TIME OF THE YEAR. REPORTING DUE TO CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENTS.

Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PULLING A DUMPSTER WHEN IT COLLIDED WITH A STEEL ANGLE IRON- PINCHING HIS HAND IN BETWEENHE SUSTAINED LACERATIONS ON HIS LEFT AND FOURTH AND FIFTH DIGITS, REQUIRING STITCHES.

2002 · 3 incidents

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EMPLOYEE WAS REPLACING DV-04, AT ABOUT 9:00 AM, WHILE TRYING TO PULL A CHUTE HE NOTICED HIS BACKHURTING ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND SIDE.

Struck against a moving object

EE STRAINED HIS TRAPEZIUS MUSCLE (UPPER BACK) OPERATING A FRONTEND LOADER TO THE QUARRY. REPORTING DUE TO : THIS INJURY REQUIRED PHYSICALTHERAPY, ICE PACKS IBUPROFEN AND MODIFIED DUTY.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS PICKING UP A 50# BAG OF SAND WHEN HE FELT A SHARP PAIN IN HIS RIGHT GROIN AREA. HE IS ON MODIFIED DUTY WITH A GROIN STRAIN.

2001 · 9 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

NO SPECIFICE INJURY, EE HAS LIMITED RANGE OF MOTION IN LEFT SHOULDER. DIAGNOSIS: PROBABLE LEFT SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT SYNDROM. EE FEELS THE PROBLEM IS FROM OPERATING THE KOMATSU LOADER 3 YRS. AG O. (L. SHOULDER SURGERY).

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS DESCENDING THE WEST CATWALK ON BC-50 AFTER A ROUTINE CHECK OF EQUIPMENT. AS HE GOT TO THEFLIGHT OF STEPS AT THE BOTTOM, HE SLIPPED, CATCHING HIS LEFT ARM ON THE RAILING. SURGERY 11/23.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS THE EMPLOYEE'S RIGHT SHOULDER HAS BEEN GETTING PERSISTENTLY MORE PAINFUL. HE HAS A SHARP PAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS SHOULDER BLADE. THE DOCTOR HAS RECOMMENDED PHYSIC AL THERAPY FOR A STRETCHED SHOULDER JOINT.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE WAS LOADING ROCKS INTO A BAG. HE STARTED TO WORK FASTER AND TWISTED AS HE LIFTED. HIS BACK DID NOT START HURTING UNTIL HE LAID DOWN AT HOME.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

AFTER TIGHTENING A FLANGE ON THE SLURRY LINE, EE NOTICED A PAIN IN HIS RIGHT SHOULDER WHEN WAVING TO OPERATOR TO START UP PUMP. MODIFIED DUTY AS OF 4-17-01.

Struck against stationary object

WHILE DRILLING A HOLE IN A BEAM, THE DRILL BIT BOWED (CAUGHT) & THE TORGUE TWISTED THE DRILL CATCHING EE'S RIGHT HAND AGAINST A BEAM. FRACTURED RIGHT HAND

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE PERFORMING MAINTENANCE ON A CONVEYER BELT ROLLER, EMPLOYEE SHIFTED HIS WEIGHT TO HIS RIGHT LEG AND SPRAINED HIS CALF MUSCLE.

Over-exertion in lifting objects

INJURED LOWER BACK WHILE SHOVELING OFF CONVEYOR. SEEN MEDICAL DR. AND ATTENDED THERAPY. MODIFIED DUTY.

Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS CUTTING A PIECE OF CHANNEL IRONS WITH A CUTTING TORCH. THE PIECE FELL HITTING ANOTHER OBEJECT & BOUNCED & HIT EE IN THE FOREHEAD. A SMALLLACERATION WAS GLUED BY DR.

2000 · 8 incidents

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EXTREME COLD WINDY CONDITION LOWER BACK PAIN WORKING HUNCHED OVER INSTALLING PIPE LINE IN NORTH QUARRY. WENT FOR MED ATTENTION 1/3/01 PLACED ON MODIFIED DUTY

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

EMPLOYEE WAS MOVING ""SNAKE"" CONVEYOR INTO BOXCAR TO PREPARE FOR NEXT DAY, WHEN HE PINCHED HIS RIGHT HAND FINGER BETWEEN CONVEYOR & BOXCAR WALL; HE RECEIVED MEDICAL EXAM FOR INJURY ON 8/6/00--M ODIFIED DUTY 8/6/-8/13/00 TO ALLOW TIME TO HEAL.

Absorption of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

AFTER CUTTING WEEDS NEAR PIPELINE, EE NOTICED A RASH ON RIGHT ARM. AREA CONTINUED TO ITCH AND RASH PERSISTED. SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION, A CREAM WAS PRESCRIBED FOR THE AFFECTED AREA.

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

EMPLOYEE WAS HOLDING THE STRAP UP ON THE IBC BAGSO THE FORKLIFT COULD GET UNDER IT. HIS FINGER GOT PINCHED BETWEEN THE STRAP AND THE FORK, RE- SULTING IN A DEEP CUT.

Struck against a moving object

EE DID NOT IDENTIFY A SPECIFIC INCIDENT WHICH CAUSED HIS NECK TO BECOME SORE AND STIFF. HE WAS PEROFRMING HIS REGULAR DUTIES-OPERATING FRONT END LOADER IN QUARRY.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

WHILE SERVICING D8 DOZER. AN OLDE BACK INJURY WAS AGGRAVATED.

Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE BEGAN EXPERIENCING SORENESS IN FOREARMS IN 3/00. ONLY INTERMITTENT SORENESS UNTIL JULY, WHEN SYMPTOMS INCLUDED INCREASED PAIN, NUMBNESS, THROBBING IN FINGERS. SYMPTOMS CONTINUE DURING AND A FTER WORK HOURS. ALSO EXPERIENCING WEAKNESS IN FOREARMS. EVALUATED BY A DR. 7-31. PRESCRIBED AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICINE AND THUMB SPLINT.

Fall from machine

CLIMBED ONTO ROLL CRUSHER HOUSING TO INSPECT FOR PROBLEMS. SLIPPED WHEN STEPPING DOWN - DROPPED 18"".