EE was performing inspections when they noticed dust burping from the vent line above the feed bin on the fourth floor of the Preheat Tower. They said they looked up to identify where it was coming from when dust vented out and landed just above their glasses under the brim of their hat. Dust entered their left eye causing irritation. They received antibiotic ointment for the eye.
Employee was using a grinder throughout their work shift. Around 3:30PM they notified site safety coordinator about irritation in their right eye.
EE was walking towards EE's office when EE tripped on a rug causing EE to fall forward landing on both knees. EE then noticed blood seeping through EE's jeans at the right knee. Upon inspecting knee, EE noticed a laceration measuring about 4 inches in length across EE's right knee. EE went to Mercy Jefferson ER where EE received 12 stitches to close the wound.
EE was inside manlift basket using a steel lance attached to a vacuum hose to clear material from apron feeder below. While vacuuming the material the hose became stuck and EE tried to free it by yanking on the lance. The hose broke free and EE's hand flew back striking the corner of the basket's railing breaking the 5th metacarpal bone in EE's right hand.
EE was pulling a Wright dump hopper from under the Clinker Cooler. While navigating through the ""I"" beams the hopper struck the edge of a beam causing the hopper to stop suddenly. EE's momentum continued backwards while gripping the hopper during which they heard a pop in left shoulder. EE immediately felt sharp pain in their shoulder/neck and reported it to a Supervisor.
Employee was sitting on an I-Beam that was stacked on top of another I-Beam with wooden cribbing between the two I-Beams. Their left hand was down near the space between the 2 I-Beams. The wooden cribbing broke, pinching the tip of their left thumb.
While cleaning in the 010 Conveyor area, employees noticed unusual material on the floor, but did not think it was concerning, assuming it was safe since spills or hot materials are normally barricaded. As one employee stepped to retrieve a shovel, the material gave way, and hot material entered their boots, causing a second-degree burn.
EE helped two workers lift a 4x8 screw lid back on top of its housing at Silo 17 Screw Floor. EE and workers lifted the lid onto the housing and began to push it into place when they heard a pop and felt slight pain in left shoulder. EE asked to see a doctor after pain persisted for 10 days. EE had surgery on 09/02/25 to correct a torn rotator cuff and bicep tendon.
Employee was removing a bracket and a grease injector assembly from the center arm of a wheel loader. When they removed the bracket that was over their head they felt something pull in their left shoulder and arm gave out. They have pain in their left shoulder. They saw doctor on 8/5/25 and started restricted duty on 9/8/25.
EE used a hammer to strike the head of a 10"" chisel to free a stuck idler on a belt conveyor. When EE struck the chisel EE felt a sharp pain in EE's left forearm and EE's arm bled. EE was taken to the hospital where EE received treatment for a foreign body puncture (metal from the chisel head). EE received two stitches after the doctor tried to unsuccessfully to remove the metal.
On 5/13/25 EE lifted an oil bucket onto a truck with right arm and felt pain in shoulder. EE told their supervisor but didn't seek medical evaluation. When the pain persisted EE requested a doctor's appointment and was seen on 06/25/25 where they were treated for strain of rotator cuff & prescribed PT. EE had MRI on 8/1 and then surgical repair of right rotator cuff on 11/20/25.
Employee reported to management on 4/1/25 of right and left hand/arm numbness. Nerve Conduction Study on 6/4/25 revealed right & left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. EE had right hand surgery on 7/17/25 and will return to work after left hand surgery scheduled for 8/7/25 is completed.
EE was assisting other Mechanics lift one leg of the Finish Mill 1 duplex compressor north compressor with a crowbar so shims could be placed under the leg. While lifting the motor, the end of the crowbar broke and flung back against employee causing EE to fall and twist EE's right ankle in the process.
EE was fueling EE's loader and when EE finished EE went to lower the rubber cover over the fuel cap. As EE reached for the cover EE jammed EE's left thumb on a bracket EE didn't see. MRI reveals left thumb tendon tear. Tendon transfer surgery performed on April 11, 2025.
EMPLOYEE WAS STANDING IN FRONT OF JOB TRAILER AND ONE OF THE NIGHT SHIFT FOREMEN INADVERTENTLY SHINED A LASER PEN IN THE EMPLOYEE'S DIRECTION STRIKING EE'S RIGHT EYE. THE EMPLOYEE CONTINUED TO WORK FOR THE NEXT TWO NIGHTS AND ON THE SECOND NIGHT EE REPORTED EE WAS SEEING WHITE SPOTS AND EE'S VISION WAS FUZZY AND WANTED TO BE SEEN BY A DOCTOR. EE WAS SEEN BY AN OPTOMETRIST.
On 1/21/25 EE was lying on EE's back with 2"" of clearance while replacing screens on C114 Screen. EE completed job and while lying on EE's back EE had to push self uphill using EE's feet and elbows. EE reported to supervisor a shoulder strain. On 3/20/25 EE saw doctor for first time. EE was given an MRI that revealed right shoulder labrum tear. Surgery was performed on 6/26/25.
EE was working on air cannons on the Pre-heat Tower. As EE finished the job, EE pivoted to the left to take a step. EE stated when EE's left foot landed on the pavement, EE's left ankle gave out and rolled. EE stated heard a pop or a crack and immediately felt pain in the ankle. EE stated lost balance and caught self on the analyzer box to EE's left.
On 10/28/24 EE reported that EE injured EE's right shoulder pulling on a plunger of a grease gun in order to change the grease tube. On 12/5/24 EE requested to see a doctor as the pain had not gone away and EE had lost some range of motion. The EE was eventually diagnosed with a tear in the labrum of the right shoulder and underwent surgery on 05/12/25 to repair the torn labrum.
Miner was air lancing a plugged-up feed chute with the lance pointed down in compacted material causing a pocket of air to form within the material. The compacted material then moved allowing the air pocket to release causing material to billow up and envelop their face. Dust got between their face shield and safety glasses entering their eyes.
Miner was clearing material from a door on south side of Feed shelf using high pressure water gun. Miner was reaching over the handrail to hold the gun when they pulled the trigger. Hot material shot out of the spray port into the miner's glove burning their left wrist and palm.
Employee informed us that they were having problems with both hands (potential CTS). They said that it's mostly numbness and it goes up both arms. If they work with hands too much they also become weak. The numbness wakes them up at night. They've been dealing with it for 10 years and wanted to see a doctor. Surgery was scheduled and received on 11-18-2024.
Employee and partner used Mill Building Hoist to remove Torque Tube off the 5th Floor of the Mill Building and lower it to the Ground Floor. As the tube touched the ground EE's hand contacted the pinch point on top of the hoists lifting block before it stopped moving causing their thumb to be drawn into the pinch point of the hoists rope and sheave resulting in a thumb laceration.
Employee worked in Primary Crusher removing rocks to unplug crusher. Placed one rock on a mound of material while partner would take rock and place it in a bucket. They were working in crusher for 3 hours when one rock they placed on mound slid back towards them falling 2 feet off mound and struck right thigh above knee eventually causing right knee abscess. Surgery: 8/12/24.
EE and EE's partner were trying to push a new troughing idler into position on the 215 Belt Conveyor when EE tweaked lower back. EE informed the supervisor and no first aid was requested. Because of ongoing back pain EE was sent to the doctor on 4/19/24. Diagnosis: low back pain. Work status: Restricted Duty. Limit bending, pushing, pulling, lifting to 15lbs or less.
On 4/10 EE was removing a sump pump from 010 pan conveyor area. EE placed it on a stable surface to remove the coupling from the discharge line. While pushing a 4-ft pipe wrench to loosen the coupling EE felt a pop and some pain in EE's lower left rib cage. EE reported this to EE's supervisor. On 4/12 EE requested to see a doctor. Diagnosis: rib cage intercostal muscle strain.
EE was operating a Komatsu D275 Bulldozer. As EE dismounted the dozer, EE felt a pull in their lower back. EE experienced pain down leg past EE's knee. EE immediately reported this to the supervisor. The next morning upon coming to work, EE requested to see a doctor because of lower back pain. Diagnosis: Strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of lower back, initial encounter.
EE attempted to unclog the vac truck hose with EE's left hand. When EE did, the rock then pinned EE's hand between the hose wall and the rock, causing pain and swelling.
Employee was shoveling material and felt pain in wrist.
EE was driving a 135-foot manlift. As EE approached the railroad crossing, the front tires of the manlift dropped into a swale before the crossing. The two front tires dropped first, then the two rear tires. This initiated the manlift basket to bounce EE causing EE to twist their arm as EE held onto the guard rail. EE sprained left elbow, placed on restricted duty 2/5/24.
EE walked out of the Electrician's Repair Shop towards the Control Building carrying a tool and electric drill in their hands. EE was taking tiny steps due to the ice and a decline on the concrete pavement when suddenly EE slipped and fell on EE's back. Work status is Restricted Duty.
Employee reported to management that they have been feeling pain and numbness in right hand. The EMG/Nerve Conduction Study Test revealed severe right carpal tunnel syndrome and they received surgery to repair on 2/5/24. Currently, employee is off work.
On 8/2/2023 EE removed a block of wood from under a skid steer loader when EE felt a pull/pain in stomach area and noticed a bulge on EEs belly. On 8/13/25 EE still noticed swelling and asked to see a doctor feeling it was related to the 2023 injury. EE was referred to surgeon for evaluation on 9/09/25 and placed on work restrictions until hernia surgery scheduled for 10/10/25.
EE was assigned the task of injecting Visolite Tracer Compound into the bottom of the Coke Mill Dust Collector hopper to determine the condition of the dust collector bags. When EE asked the Control Room to start the Dust Collector Fan, the fan's suction pulled EE into the Dust Collector hopper causing EE to strike head and face on the hopper's door frame.
EE was assigned the task of injecting Visolite Tracer Compound into the bottom of the Coke Mill Dust Collector hopper to determine the condition of the dust collector bags. When EE asked the Control Room to start the Dust Collector Fan, the fan's suction pulled EE into the Dust Collector hopper causing EE to strike EE's head and face on the hopper's door frame.
EE was pulling bags out of the Barge Loading's north vent dust collector baghouse when EE heard a pop in EE's right Biceps muscle. We received MRI results on August 15. Diagnosis: Spontaneous rupture of other tendons [bicep], right upper arm and strain of muscle(s) and tendon(s) of the rotator cuff. Placed on restricted duty on August 15.
EE completed a job charging a skid-steer loader and after job started feeling lower back discomfort and pain that got worse throughout the afternoon. EE told me EE could not point to any particular action that caused the pain or what initiated it. EE said EE was working as EE normally works. Diagnosis: ""Low back pain"".
EE was cleaning a refractory pump when the door to the mixing chamber closed and impacted the EE's left thumb.
EE was exiting the CV06 Conveyor tunnel and was walking towards the Limestone Dome when EE stepped on a patch of ice and slipped and fell on backside with right elbow striking the ground. Diagnosis: Contusion of right elbow; restricted duty authorized.
EE was working on preheat tower shoveling material when dust kicked up and got into left eye, causing an abrasion, resulting in prescribed eye drops with two days off work.
As the employee was completing EE's pre-operation inspection of 100 ton haul truck, EE tripped over EE's own feet in loose gravel at the Quarry parking lot. Employee was sore from left hip down to left calf.
Employee was spraying on the tower and emptying high levels at the clinker cooler when EE felt a pain in EE's right shoulder/neck area.
After checking air cannons on feed shelf of pre-heater tower, EE was walking down the stairs and felt something get in EE's right eye. Same day, EE was seen at Urgent Care. Diagnosis: Foreign body to right eye. Eye drops were prescribed.
Mechanic used a 12-lb hammer to strike flat end of a 68"" pipe that EE was holding to push out plate that wedged between the mill's arm and wall. As the mechanic hammered the pipe, the pipe slipped off the plate and EE tried to steady the pipe by placing EE's hand on the flat end of the pipe just as the mechanic swung the hammer striking EE's hand lacerating L middle finger.
EE was working on the Preheat Tower and in the Clinker Reclaim Tunnel trying to unplug both a Tower vessel and a clinker reclaim pan conveyor feeder. EE believes dust that collected on EE's clothes and person eventually got into left eye while sweating causing the eye to get irritated by a burning sensation. Diagnosis: Corneal abrasion.
While releasing the coupler on a railcar, employee felt pain in lower left groin area. On 4/11/22 they received results of an MRI that determined they need treatment for a unilateral inguinal hernia and is scheduled on 4/26/22 for evaluation by a general surgeon. Amendment: EE went off work for surgery on 5/25/22.
Employee was walking to the plant's Hourly time clock to ""clock in"" when EE stepped on some soft snow/ice mixture and quickly slipped and fell hard on backside. EE immediately felt pain in the lower back, shoulders, and the left side of EE's neck. Diagnosis: Low back pain.
Employee was attempting to remove a conveyor belt's return idler from its bracket using a 3-foot pry bar. While on the catwalk, employee was pulling on the bar to remove the idler when the bar suddenly slipped out and they felt a pop in right shoulder. On 06/22/21, MRI reveals slight tear in right shoulder rotator cuff and employee was put on restricted duty.
Employee was raising the S river bank's winch cable to a higher dock platform due to the rising Mississippi River. As they were pulling the cable up with a rope, a log was coming down the river on the back side of the dock and the log struck the cable that was in the water jerking the rope out of hands causing a fracture injury of L thumb.
Employee started to move the blades of a Rotary Feeder in order to rotate its drive shaft 180 degrees. As EE pushed down with both hands on one blade, EE's left thumb got pinched between the end of the blade and the inside of the feeder housing. Diagnosis: Lacerations and fracture of left thumb. Stitches were required to close the lacerations.
EE was lifting 5-gal buckets of clinker from the ground, under the hopper, and placing it on top of a duct work structure where partner could reach the bucket. While reaching down to lift a full bucket, EE felt lower back tighten up with sudden pain. EE stopped the work activity and reported the injury.
EE was installing material while standing on a scaffolding plank at the bottom of the cone section of an enclosed vessel when debris from beyond the vessel where the employee was working fell and crashed thru the protective scaffolding deck striking EE and causing injury.
EE was installing material while standing on a ladder at the bottom of the cone section of an enclosed vessel when debris from beyond the vessel where the employee was working fell and crashed thru the protective scaffolding deck striking EE and causing injury.
EE and partner were welding 4 x 8 sheets of steel in close proximity to each other. They wore their welding PPE including their welding hoods. Over the course of the shift, EE believes received the arc flashes while the partner was welding both behind and beside EE as the arc flash reflected toward the inside of EE's welding hood. EE was prescribed eye medicine.
EE was working in the Shower Room installing a new trash bag in a can when EE's eye started to itch. From then on EE's eye became irritated, red, and swollen so EE went to wash it. EE reported EE's discomfort to a supervisor. EE was then taken to a Dr to receive medical attention. The doctor saw a scratch in the corner of EE's left eye and prescribed antibiotic medicine.
Employee was using a 6"" grinder to cut off the damaged bottom of a barge access ladder. As soon as EE cut through one leg of the ladder, pressure was released and the leg sprung toward EE striking EE's grinder which then pushed and struck EE's left hand against an adjacent guardrail. Diagnosis of 8/18/20: ""Contusion of left hand"". Restrictions given 08/26/20.
Employee stated that as EE was trying to mechanically move a gate above the pan conveyor, they looked up and the brim of hard hat hit some material causing some of it fall onto their face with some dust entering left eye. Diagnosis: Injury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion of left eye; antibiotic medicine prescribed.
Laborer felt irritation in L eye while walking in the plant. Didn't know the source of the irritation & didn't try to treat eye until arrived home after shift. When they woke up next morning eye was still irritated & swollen so they decided to report condition when they arrived at work. 07/23/20, we sent them to doctor which prescribed antibiotics for eye.
Foreman was feeling the inside of a hole that had been reamed out using right middle finger. Foreman was making sure there was no residue in the hole. As they had the finger in the hole, the porta-power that was supporting the push pole slipped and allowed the push pole to drop. The employee suffered a distal tip amputation sparing the finger nail, there was no bony exposure.
On 5/15/20 employee informed management that R hand has been hurting and it hurts all the time. It started about a year ago when building a house. Now it's an every day thing - for the last 6-8 mos. Sent for a nerve conduction study and both R/L carpel tunnel syndrome was diagnosed. Surgery was scheduled for 06/23 for R hand and then on 07/14 for L hand.
Employee and partner were given the job of drilling 4 3-inch holes in the side of a dust collector's emission stack. Employee used a power drill with a 3-inch circular saw to drill the holes. While drilling the 3rd hole, the saw bound up causing the power drill to quickly twist R hand/wrist resulting in a displaced fracture of the 4th metacarpal bone.
While walking down a grade beside a conveyor EE slipped on a mill ball. EE lost balance and caught self with the same leg twisting R knee. EE felt knee pop. EE immediately reported this to supervisor. EE did not see a doctor until May 11 when knee pain was still present. On November 5 MRI revealed cartilage tear and had surgery on December 8.
While attempting to remove the feed-end door on Finish Mill #2, IE and another EE were taking turns swinging an 8-lb. sledgehammer to try and break the door loose from the gasket. While IE was swinging the sledgehammer, IE felt a pop in IE's R shoulder that caused pain. Diagnosis is ""Labral Tear in R Shoulder"". IE will work until surgery repair scheduled for 04/20/20.
The employee was attempting to pull the roll crusher out onto the service platform. The factory pick point broke causing the the rigging to strike the injured employee in the left fore arm.
Hurt R shoulder replacing a splice pin on a feeder belt. EE used a 15"" bar to break out pieces of the pin before inserting the new pin. After the job was completed EE felt a soreness in R shoulder. EE reported this to supervisor the next day. On 11/18 EE was sent to the doctor when the soreness would not subside and initial diagnosis was sprain of R rotator cuff capsule.
Worker was operating the plant's Water Truck. EE was in the process of filling the truck for the ninth time this morning. While manually closing the water valve EE felt a ""pop"" in the right shoulder that caused immediate pain and EE could not lift arm.
EE entered the Coke Bldg and noticed flames inside the S blower. EE used a fire extinguisher and reported the fire to a supervisor. Again EE tried to put out the fire with other employees assisting. After the fire was extinguished EE was coughing and felt dizzy. EE was given oxygen and sent to the hospital for observation and was diagnosed as having smoke inhalation.
Feb, 5th employee was using a cutting torch when some slag flew into a hole along the seam of their glove's R index finger and landed on their nail. Employee received first aid and was allowed to go back to work by the doctor. Diagnosed with finger infection on Feb 25th they underwent procedure to remove nail and they missed work days.
EE stepped over the mill motor's tracking rail and slipped on ice which measured 24'x18'. EE lurched suddenly and slightly forward to maintain balance. The tracking rail measured 3.25' tall and 4' wide. EE reported to supervisor within the hour and 2 days later ee informed supervisor that ee had significant pain on the left lower side of back.
Employee cut own thumb with a knife while repairing an oxy/acetylene hose.
Team-lifting a timing gear at the 233530 rotary valve for installation on the rotor. EE's fingers slipped off of the gear, and EE felt a strain in the L wrist and palm causing sharp pain throughout EE's arm from the finger tips to the elbow.
Employee reported discomfort in wrist and was referred for a nerve conduction study of which the diagnosis was carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist. On 09/27/19, it was decided to have surgery on 10/08/19.
While helping 4 other employees move a storage locker against a concrete wall, the 4 other employees started pushing the locker. The injured employee was pulling on locker at same time with middle R finger in between the locker and the wall. The locker slid and pinched the end of IE's R middle finger causing lacerations. IE received 5 stitches to close the wound.
EE was pulling out dust collector cages/bags from dust collector compartments for three hours. When finished EE felt an irritation in EE's lower back. Monday morning EE was sent to the doctor due to increasing pain. On 11/05 the doctor gave EE restricted work duties. On 11/06 EE was seen by the doctor who decided to put EE off work until a follow-up appointment the next week.
EE reported slight pain in L elbow. EE was eventually diagnosed with the illness of ulnar nerve condition in L elbow. It was decided to have surgery on 06/06/19.
EE attempted to climb up to cab using the drivers side ladder. As ee was grabbing the horizontal handhold directly below the windshield hand slipped off the handhold while boots slipped off the ladder. EE fell approximately 6' to the ground landing flat on the R side of body. Scheduled for back surgery 01/04/19.
While using a Drill Press EE attempted to drill a hole through a 12'x1' piece of metal to make a strap for an accumulator. While holding the strap with gloved hand the drill bit grabbed and twisted the strap tightly around EE's left thumb pulling thumb and hand around the drill bit. EE sustained crushing fractures and lacerations to several places along the thumb.
Laborer was holding lower part of a pallet that separated from its top part and the laborer tried to position pallet so it would sit flat on pallet's stand. A forklift operator set pallet down before laborer moved hand away from pallet. Laborer's right index finger was pinched between pallet and pallet's stand. This caused a laceration to finger resulting in 2 stitches.
Employee sustained a miner laceration to the back of left glove index finger requiring stitches to close the wound.
Employee cutting chain bolts using tinted face shield and safety glasses. The employee raised face shield and dust and other materials fell into both eyes.
Employee cut self with utility knife cutting in the wrong direction.
Operator of an overhead crane made contact with their body or a tool with the control device for the crane causing it to hoist unexpectedly pinching the injured employee's finger.
EE was pulling a rolling dumpster backwards below the Clinker Cooler towards the #5 South Hopper when EE pinched EE's left hand between the rolling dumpster and a support beam causing a one-inch open wound on the side of EE's left hand below EE's pinky finger. EE received stitches to close the wound. EE was wearing EE's work gloves at the time.
Closing conex door, wind caught door and pulled the employee.
EE was diagnosed with left Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that is work related. On November 20, 2017 Buzzi Unicem USA concluded that EE's diagnosis is a new claim, not something that was caused by a previous injury.
IE and another EE were in the process of setting the crusher in place. The overhead diverter gate lever was in their walkway; so EE raised the lever back with a 3/8"" rope that was looped through an eye at the end of the lever. When EE raised the lever, the rope broke causing the lever to swing free and strike IE's hardhat on the R side of IE's head knocking IE back into hand rail.
Employee was spraying the upper southwest door on the 6th floor of the Preheat Tower. EE was working on a large piece of material and when it came loose it hit the water spray gun pushing it back into EE's face shield. This blow caused a laceration to EE's lower lip resulting in 4 stitches.
EE was getting drafts and walking along the stern side of Barge #SL-409. EE attempted to step over a cable that was left in the walkway when their boot caught the cable and tripped them causing them to over extend the right calf and Achilles tendon. As of the date of this report, BUU is questioning if this is a pre-existing condition. MRI is being scheduled; off work 9/3/17.
While preparing to use an electric spray gun to paint, EE tried to clear a possible obstruction from the tip of the spray gun with left forefinger when EE inadvertently pulled the trigger on the gun. The employee was wearing rubber gloves, but the pressure from the gun punctured through the glove injecting mineral spirits through the skin and into the finger.
EE sustained a right arm triceps tear and elbow bone chip when EE slipped and fell on right side while attempting to walk across the top of a concrete berm to access the creek bridge. Received MRI notification of diagnosis on 02/14/17.
Supervisor sprained r knee and fibula fracture r leg. The supervisor was kneeling in front of the preheat fan VFD when the electrician tripped on the r foot causing the electrician to lose balance and fall on top of the supervisor. Sprained the r knee and fractured lower r leg under the weight of the electrician. Electrician was not injured. Diagnosed on 02/03/2017.
Employee was placing a mechanical vibrator inside a dust collector. While placing the vibrator, it rolled turning employee's left hand, that was still gripping the handle, spraining left ring finger.
While spraying 3rd floor tower north side, middle door, a piece of hot material spit back onto employee's pants, just above boot line burning through jeans, sock, and lodging inside boot burning left ankle.
EE lifted a 5-gal bucket of oil 45"" to the trunion access door of Finish Mill 1 when ee felt a pop in right side groin area. EE was facing the door when ee lifted and poured the bucket of oil into the compartment door. EE worked up to 11/22/16.
Miner was helping remove a wedge from a Clinker sampling Crusher. The wedge pinched left pinkie finger as EE attempted to remove the wedge.
Employee was cutting rubber belting with woven fabric in the core. The employee made a cut with a utility knife and stabbed self in the right thigh.
Employee opened a door that was jammed closed. When EE did EE's middle finger on EE's right hand was pinched between the door and a cabinet.
While cutting into fast-vac hose, employee tried to pull the knife downward and cut the hose in a direction toward self when suddenly the knife pulled out of the hose and sliced across the top of EE's R thigh causing a laceration approximately 1 inch in length. It took 5 stitches to close the wound.
Employee's partner, while using the WOMA spray gun, lost control of it when spraying and gun flew out of his hand striking employee on left elbow.
Walking on barge, EE rounded the corner at port side of bow stepping over barge cable catching his R heel on the top of the cable causing him to stumble forward. Heel came down on barge, which was wet with dew, and R foot slipped forward causing him to begin to fall into split. He caught himself with R arm on the adjacent barge. He felt a twist in R knee.
Employee was cutting liners underneath #3 FM rotary feeder. He was wearing all required PPE. His cutting jacket covered his entire torso except his lower back area below his shoulder blades. It's evident that during the cutting process a piece of slag caught his exposed rear lower shirt on fire thus burning the R side of his torso and back.
Employee removing material with a jackhammer
Difficult location to move materials
Employee was working on the 3rd floor pre-heat tower. At approximately 3 a.m., he started using the WOMA high pressure water gun to remove buildup within the riser. After using this tool for approximately two minutes, he felt a strain in his R wrist. He immediately stopped working with the water gun. (Note: He was working a C shift.)
EE was leaving the Coke Mill Building using the west man door when he stepped on a 1"" diameter mill ball (approximately) about two steps outside the west door. He lost his balance and fell, partially catching himself with his left wrist and landing on his back. Lost time date started 12/18/14.
Employee pulled a pallet into the elevator with the pallet jack. As he entered the landing on the elevator, the landing sat a little lower than the ground causing the wheels on the pallet jack to drop. Employee had the handle in his hands, leaned back, and went to pull/jerk the pallet jack free. When he pulled, he felt his right knee give away.
While sweeping the floor, employee backed up and bumped into a low-hanging 3/4"" air hose that was suspended approximately 5' off the ground causing dust to spill off an overhead airslide down onto his hard hat and face. Some dust got into his left eye. He was unsuccessful washing all the dust of his eye and needed medical attention to remove the dust.
Employee was using a 5' long air lance through a 2x2' door to remove the build up from the bag filters. A gust of wind blew a foreign object into his right eye.
Hand slipped off rail on truck and when I caught myself from falling my lower back had a pain in it.
Employee was walking outside the Maintenance Shop when he slipped on ice catching himself with his left arm on an adjacent truck straining his shoulder. He is working until shoulder surgery which is scheduled for November 3, 2014.
Index finger on left hand was smashed while trying to turn a roller in the mill area. The employee was using a pry bar when the bar slipped smashing his finger requiring 17 stitches. Employee returned to work the next morning as per doctor orders.
While lifting a guard off a conveyor belt, employee felt a pull in his groin area. The following day, he reported to his supervisor having pain in his groin area. It was diagnosed as a hernia. (Employee was on C Shift which started 11 p.m. evening before injury.)
Employee was installing steel plates to cover damaged areas of the silo wall. Holes were drilled into silo wall for anchor bolts to hold steel plates into position. While holding a steel punch with his left hand, he swung a 3 lb. hammer with his right and missed the punch, striking and fracturing his left thumb.
EE tripped & fell over a 20""x20"" concrete footing that he did not see. He didn't have any complaints of pain nor told anyone he was hurt. On 11/27/13, he informed management this could be work related & requested to see a doctor. On 1/23/14, an Independent Medical Examination determined the prevailing factor for his back pain was the fall he sustained on 11/14/13.
employee was standing on a ladder-the ladder slipped and the employee dropped a metal door on his right hand index finger. after x-rays were taken it was determined that the finger was broken.
Employee was hoeing material out from under a conveyor belt. While pulling material with the hoe, he lifted his body from the waste and felt a pop in the lower right-side of his back.
While stepping off a landing onto a fixed ladder, employee missed stepping on the first rung while simultaneously losing his grip on the ladder's handhold. He fell approximately 11 feet to the ground below landing on his feet.
While walking away after shutting off the air for Silo 2 Air Cannon, employee's left foot slipped forward on some wet dust and his right ankle rolled underneath him severely spraining his right ankle.
While working under the Cement Silo #5 hopper, EE was carrying an 8' fiberglass step ladder when he felt a slight ""pull"" in his back.
Diagnosed and treated surgically for carpal tunnel on left hand.
The employee was removing a 1"" bolt with a 3/4"" drive ratchet.He was working in an awkward position due to the design of the area.While pulling on the wrench, he felt a pop in his back.This resulted in a strain.The employee was using the wrong tool for the job which should have been a hydraulic impact wrench.
EE climbed down inside the Finish Mill #1 Cement Coolor to remove six nuts from a coupling using a slug wrench and a 10 lb. sledge hammer. As he swung the hammer to remove the sixth nut, he completely missed the slug wrench and impacted his left hand on the cooler's infrastructure injuring his left hand' s pinky and ring finger between the hammer handle and the cooler.
When door was removed, the air cannons fired. The force blew hot dust toward ee. EE saw dust cloud and turned to his right exposing the left side of his face. Dust entered between his face shield and his nomex covered face. Some dust entered his left eye.
Employee received a laceration to his left hand's pinky finger while trying to remove a lock from a storage locker. While holding the lock with his left hand he struck the lock with a hammer causing a violent twisting motion to the lock resulting in his finger being pinched between the lock and the locker. The injury required stitches to his left pinky finger.
Walking down a descending ramp to his truck, his left foot slipped out from under him causing him to go into a ""split"". His R knee struck the ground with his R foot planted up hill. His lower leg bowed until he heard a ""pop"".
While digging in pile, the loader found some hard digging. When the loader bucket came loose, it caused the machine to bounce.
Employee was checking to see that the cement load out spout was properly lowered into the railcar located at the combination scale. While on the north side of the railcar and looking up at the spout, employee backed up and tripped over a wheelbarrow and fell to the ground injuring his left knee.
EE was at the CV03 using a shovel and manually lifting rock onto a belt which was very congested due to the design of the structure. The employee was in an area approximately 24"" wide. Was in an awkward position while working. He did not feel any discomfort until after his shift had ended at home. He then felt discomfort in his back which was diagnosed as a back strain.
Two employees were a removing a motor which was rigged using the proper equipment. When the second weld was cut, the motor swung into the employee's hand. Due to the angle of the swinging motor, the eye broke causing the motor to fall.
EE was using a WOMA gun to spray build up in the riser duct, 3rd fl, Tower. He was in a squatted position spraying throw the lowest access door on the W wall's S corner next to the 5th stage S meal pipe. A chunk fell onto the wand of the gun causing the gun to throw ee striking his R arm against the meal pipe and mouth by the stock end of the gun as he fell to the floor.
Employee felt something in his right eye after working a job on top of the Clinker Silos by 5B Elevator. He didn't notice anything until after the job was completed. His eye didn't hurt, but he felt something small inside his eye like an eyelash.
Employee had been working for a couple of days on a dozer, kneeling and crawling on the metal tracks of the dozer. He developed a sore spot or rubbed the skin from his left shin causing infection.
Employee was water blasting the feed shelf through the upper SW door when dust blew back out from the cleaning port covering his coat. He felt a burning sensation on his shoulders so he backed away from port and shook his coat. He then felt dust in his left eye.
Unepected release of hot clinker from a kiln.Packing was blown out from around a burn pipe.The hot clinker struck our employee on the back of the head,neck,shoulders,and back causing second degree burns.
The employee was carrying two brooms in one hand and two shovels in the other hand over his shoulders. As he was coming down the steps, the shovel caught on a hand rail causing him to lose his balance and fall down 7 to 8 steps. The resulting injury was a sprained right ankle.
EE stepped over the curb that's located at the west end of the Clinker Cooler at its southwest corner next to the staircase. As he stepped over the curb he felt a pop in his left knee.
Unknown - still investigating.
Employee climbed up on 2nd step of ladder. He struck cone with a 12"" dead blow hammer when material collapsed inside tank forcing door open on 6"" porthole blowing material in face knocking him off ladder.
EE was attempting to open the NW louver ring door on Raw Mill #3. He was using a 4' shim gun steel on the left and near bottom side to pry the door open. While applying pressure, the tool slipped and he struck his right hand against the toe board of the platform he was working off. EE was on his knees on a relatively small platform trying to accomplish this.
Miner entered Feed Shelf. He began picking up, removing material by hand and throwing it into the kiln. While moving back and forth removing chunks of material as he went, he lost his balance and stepped backwards into a pile of dust. He sank approximately three feet into the dust causing 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his right and left ankles and calves.
Annual Audiogram - Recurring Shift in Left Ear - Reportable
Dumping a wheel barrel of clinker from the reclaim tunner, EE started to feel spasm in right shoulder area.
While walking away from pre-heat tower, EE felt his foot roll over. He was walking towards MCC of Control Room. EE wasn't sure, he didn't feel that he stepped on a rock.
Employee was coming down the stairs from the top of the additive silos (approximately the third set of stairs from the top) when he slipped backwards, grabbing the handrail for support with his right hand, when he felt pain in his right shoulder.
Cleaning on the feed shelf on the south east corner top door. When finished, he started to climb down off the work platform when something blew in his left eye. Not sure if it came from his face shield or just blew up from the floor. At the time, he had his safety glasses and face shield on.
EE was fastvacing on the platform above fm2 pump. He was tied off with his safety harness squatting down fastvacing around the duct. As he tried to advance forward, his lanyard was at its limit and slightly threw him off balance and his right knee twisted a little bit.
Employee was grinding on hand rail in Coke Mill Building. He walked over to shop and felt something in his eye and tried to remove it and could not get it out.
Preheater Cone Valve stuck open and the Raw Mill Cone Valve stuck closed causing the Preheater to go positive. The Preheater Fans shut down and hot kiln feed fell out of the Preheat Tower and into the Kiln and Clinker Cooler, then onto the Pan Conveyor mixing with the clinker. This hot materal conveyed to the rubber conveyor belts which caught fire and were destroyed.
The bargeloader had climbed from top covers of barge down to the bow deck of barge using the attached three-step ladder. When he turned to walk toward the starboard side, he tripped on the lid of the bow wing tank causing him to fall, falling on his right shoulder.
Injured was using a 4' long bar to dislodge build-up material within Stage 4 North lower meal pipe located on level 7 of the pre-heat tower. The material was lodged approximately 3' above the door used in this accident. When the material became dislodged, it pulled the bar in such a manner that injured elbow struck against the door frame.
Dust fell from rim of hard hat as employee moved his head to look up. The employee was located on the 2.5 floor of the preheat tower when the incident occurred.
Employee was unlatching a 6"" square port at last stage before kiln & air cannon discharged hot air at him. He received 1st & 2nd degree burns to the right face, eye, neck & forearm.
Employee was uncoupling 2 RR cars from each other. He grabbed the lever bar to release the coupler and it would not release all the way. He then grabbed the coupler itself at the same time as the lever and pulled on the coupler. This is when he felt a strain on his upper right shoulder.
Employee lifted up the face shield attached to his hard hat, and where the shield attaches to the bill of his hard hard, accumulated dust fell into his eyes.
Injury and 3 other workers had the task of moving the kiln's pusher block from the N to S side. Upon reaching the S side, the worker's, except for injury, let go of the block. He tried to steady the block himself causing him to strain his back under the tremendous weight of the block (300-400 lbs).
Bumped head on kiln, fell side ways, hit finger on heat shield on air cylinger. 2 stitches.
Employee was cutting a piece of vac hose with utility knife. It slipped and punctured left forearm just above wrist area. Puncture app 1"" long and as deep as blade.
In the man lift on the ground floor using a sledge hammer to clean out FM#1 discharge aire slide, and got a pain in his lower back.
Employee was returning to the shop. While walking out of the Mill Building's SW roll-up door, he slipped on a mill ball. When he slipped, his left leg went in front of him and his right leg went behind him. He is now having a pain in his right knee and his left ankle is bruised
Employee stated that he was working on top of the 3000 ton silo. Above him about 10 feet was a 5 pound wedge that came loose as they were doing an allignment. The wedge fell and struck employee in the right shoulder causing him to loose balance and fall. Just after the incident employee complained of right knee swelling.
Injury was called to investigate why the #1 raw mill pump was not pumping and was standing apprximately 8' to the west of the pump when for an unknown reason the pump hopper split out spraying him with a large amount of raw dust, some of which got in his eyes even though he was wearing his eye protection.
Alleged cumulative trauma injury to bilateral wrists. States has hand numbness.
While standing on blow pipe, his foot slipped between blow pipes and bent his toes backwards. He was carrying a candle-abra. This was approximately the fourth one he carried. He knew some of the candle-abra were wobbley.
Injury was working on hard build up inside the waste dust silo with a chipping gun (most of the work above his head due to the location). He had been working on the build up for about 45 minutes. After he stepped down for a break, he informed me that his right shoulder was starting to hurt.
Employee received a puncture wound on the palm side of his right hand while installing insulation board over a CD weld pin used for anchoring the insulation.
Employee was removing his face shield after grinding on duct. A metal dust particle fell into his left eye.
EE was emptying two 32-gal. plastic trash cans with wheeled dolly for transporting from the Lab. He brought the cans to the Burner Floor dumpster to empty. While lifting one, dolly detached and fell to the floor. He had to lift it (about 20 lbs.) to a height of 50"" to dump the can over the lip of the dumpster. He felt a ""twinge"", soreness in right shoulder.
Employee was moving scrap pieces of steel out of the kiln when he felt a discomfort in his abdomen. Scrap pieces weighed between 30 & 50 lbs.
Employee fell while stepping from structural steel onto a scaffold. Employee was using fall protection equipment but fell approximately 9 ft to a lower level before fall protection equipment engaged. He struck his head and shoulder on structure during the fall, non-life threatening. He was able to walk under his own power from the accident location.
It was first reported on 21 Aug 08 by employee that he was experiencing swelling in his left hand on 21 Aug 08 at approx 10:30 AM. He said that another ironworker and he were trying to align boltholes with a bullpen and mallet. He stated the mallet reflected off the bullpen causing it to strike him in the left hand.
Employee was assigned to #2 clinker tunnel to assist with #1818 drag clean out. He arrived at the head pulley area and took the fastvac hose. The hose then surged causing him to fall against the drag with the hose between his leg.
Employee was tightening bolts on plunger valve ring when he felt a strain in his left shoulder. Employee visited Dr. on 8-8-08 initially, and was listed as a strain. Injury did not get better through the month of August and Sept. Surgery was finally scheduled on 9/26. Returned to work with restrictions on the following Monday.
Employee was using a port-a-power and a welded dog to fit up metal ductwork approximately 20' in diameter. The weld on the dog broke and port-a-power kicked out, striking his left index finger, causing a fracture.
EE stated he had been working at the clay dome welding plates to anchor bolts for steel erection. He said he doesn't remember any foreign material entering his eye. This resulted in not realizing there was ever a problem. There was additional welding taking place by another coworker, he said he was not sure if it was just irritated by a potential flash burn.
Employee was using a hand held grinder. His hand was too close to the wheel and it grabbed his glove. His hand was pulled into the blade which resulted in a cut to his right index finger. There was a properly installed guard on the grinder. The laceration to employee's finger required 4 stitches, a bandage wrap, and antibiotics.
While working, employee felt a burning sensation in his eyes. Later, he noticed a foreign object on his right eye.
While unplugging chute, dust got in left eye.
EE said he was at the clay dome pinning and bolting the steel set over the apron feeder. He said as they were pinning the steel, the work was taking place on the platform around the apron feeder which is under the steel they were bolting. He stated it could have been dust coming off the flanges or maybe an eyelash that he couldn?t flush out.
Employee was walking through work area where another employee was cutting steel using a cut-off disk. While employee #2 was cutting the disk bound up and jumped out of cut and struck employee #1 in left knee. Cut required 4 sutures to close. Employee # 1 was likely too close to the operation.
Employee was tightening structural bolts pulling a wrench toward himself. The wrench slipped off the nut and he fell backwards to the ground as he was reaching back to catch himself his thumb got caught between another piece of steel and a spud wrench hanging on his tool belt. This caused a fracture to the tip of his right thumb.
EE said he was working at the additive silos reaming holes. He stated that material had entered his left eye around his eye protection due to the wind. He said he thought he had removed the material. He continued to say when he woke up Monday morning his left eye was swollen. As per the doctor's direction, a prescription was issued for the infection.
While repositioning an open step ladder with a powered cut-off tool in his left hand, the tool became energized, due to a faulty lock-off lever. The tool then slipped from the individuals hand, causing the rotating blade to come in contact with his hand. The blade passed through his leather glove, cutting the left index near 1st knuckle, resulted in 5 stitches to hand.
EE was cutting and hanging steel throughout the mid day time frame. A metal fragment entered his left eye, but was not noticed until after work. All PPE was worn for each task performed. The fragment was retrieved by a doctor and Sean has continued to work with no limitations due to the metal retrieved from his eye.
EE was transporting mill balls with a forklift. One of the drums fell over. He tried to lift the barrel back onto the pallet and pinched his finger between the barrel and the forks on the forklift.
Attempting to empty a gypsum rail car from the top of a stair case platform. The load inside shifted and the rail car moved, bumping the platform and knocking it over. The worker sustained fractured right foot upon falling to the ground.
He was jack hammering a concrete plug on an existing storm sewer. The bit was stuck and while trying to remove it, the bit released causing the jack hammer back and it turned, smashing the man's left hand between an existing pipe and the handle from the jack hammer.
Two employees were moving a piece of floor grating (4'x10') weighing approximately 130 lbs. One employee noticed a pain in his back after this task. This was initially diagnosed as a slight strain, after a month it has not improved, employee has been taken off work and scheduled for back surgery.
While unplugging a chute, employee's right foot slipped twisting his right knee.
Employee was using a rope and well wheel to pull 6""x6"" steel plates to an uper floor. This activity caused a strain to his lower back.
While walking in the plant, he realized foreign material somehow entered his right eye.
Employee was inside FB furnance #2 cleaning out the fused sand. As he was carrying out chunks of fused sand, some sand blew up under his safety glasses into his eyes.
Employee lifted compressor up to put stand under it with stand in place he dropped the tongue and it struck the hitch on the pick up with his finger underneath it.
Employee was using a wedge and sledge hammer to put pressure against welds in the clinker cooler in order to free up walls of clinker cooler. He felt a strain in his right side (back and ribs).
While working in the crusher building, feed was taken off the crusher which caused an abnormal amount of dust to accumulate in the area where the employee was working. Over time his eyes became irritated. The next day he reported his eye irritation to his supervisor.
Employee was unloading material from rail cars. This included lifting and placing a vibrator on the rail car hopper. By the end of this job, employee noticed stomach was tender and upset with a knot above his navel.
Operator backed and stopped loader within 3' of kiln door. After operator stopped, EE stepped behind the loader to pick up wire cable and shackle. When he stood up, the loader inexplicably lurched backwards pinning him against the kiln door. The right rear of the loader struck EE's right arm, hip/torso area, compressing him against the door.
The employee was using sledge hammer on the side of a rail car. While ""choking up"" and swinging the sledge hammer, his right pinky finger got smashed between the handle of the sledge hammer and a rib that was attached to the rail car hopper. The employee required 15 stitches to close the lacerations on the end of his finger.