MINER POSITIONED HIMSELF OVER WITHDRAWAL POINT IN MIDDLE OF SILO WHILE TRYING TO DISLODGE OBSTRUCTION. WHEN MATERIAL STARTED TO FLOW MINER BEGAN TO SINK AND WAS ENGULFED - RESULTING IN SUFFOC ATION.
Durkee Cement PlantMetal/Nonmetal
- Fatalities
- 1
- Total incidents
- 110
- Years on record
- 2000–2026
- Latest incident
- Feb 2026
Fatalities at this mine
1 recordedReportable incidents
109 on file (excluding fatalities above)2026 · 1 incident
Employee working under other employees checking on a dust collector when a small amount of debris fell hitting employee on the top of EE's hard hat causing neck pain.
2025 · 1 incident
Employee was entering water truck heard pop in their knee. Employee filled out an Incident Report but did not want to seek medical attention. Employee went for their well medical visit for routine care and mentioned the knee still had some pain. The MD ordered an MRI. The MRI indicates surgical intervention is needed. This turned the first aid claim into a recordable.
2024 · 1 incident
EE was working at height from a Platform. EE unhooked Fall Protection Carabiner from the equipment, but it got snagged while the EE was walking away. The strap and carabiner swung over shoulder and struck EE in the upper lip. Five stitches required to repair wound. Root canal to move the tooth back into position.
2021 · 2 incidents
As a production laborer was drilling a cardox port, the drill bit became stuck. As EE pulled back to get the bit loose, EE's weight shifted backwards and EE's thumb collided with a steel plate. The result from x-ray was closed fracture of the distal phalanx, thumb.
After entering the plant, a truck driver stepped out of their truck and missed the first step, causing them to twist their ankle. Driver asked for help after they got the truck loaded and pulled up to the carbis unit. 4 torn ligaments in ankle.
2020 · 4 incidents
Employee had just finished shift and slipped in the parking lot while entering personal vehicle. Caught themselves without falling to the ground. Experienced no pain initially, with tightening later that evening. Ultimately diagnosed with bulging discs, likely related to a previously surgically repaired injury to the same area.
A quarry employee was attempting to clear a plugged feeder using a controlled and planned detonation placed inside the hopper; although EE placed themselves in a protected location, a metal piece ricocheted off the tunnel wall, striking them in the lower right leg, causing a bone fracture.
Injured worker was cleaning out a tire chute with a steel rod out bar. During cleaning, pinched left index finger between the bar and steel port opening. EE was wearing gloves. The pinch caused a laceration requiring stitches.
Employee was sliding a heavy part (shaft pinion drive) from a ground position and suffered a right bicep injury. Employee was treated with first aid and sought medical treatment on 5/26, at which time was diagnosed with a probable bicep tear and put on restricted duty pending further diagnostics.
2019 · 1 incident
Employee was dumping a hopper full of kiln feed and debris into a dumpster. When employee went to release the handle, the hopper rocked back, smashing the tips of employee's left middle and index fingers between the forks and hopper frame. Both fingertips were fractured, with nail damage and degloving of finger pads.
2017 · 3 incidents
A Production employee entered the tower elevator at ground level. During ascent the elevator stopped between floors 1 and 2. The employee radioed for assistance and attempts to reset proved unsuccessful. A safe rescue was performed via the roof hatch. A call was made to MSHA when it became apparent the rescue would take longer than 30 minutes.
A welder / repairman was using a pry bar to lift up a welded bearing mount plate. The bar slipped and struck the employee in the mouth, causing a small, superficial lip cut and a cracked canine tooth.
Mobile Equipment mechanic cut left pinkie finger while removing metal shards from HiVac truck metal coupler. Shard cut through leather glove, requiring first aid and medical attention. Employee went to an emergency room for cleaning and 3 small repair sutures. No lost time, restrictions or medications.
2016 · 1 incident
Employee slipped and fell outside while walking in snow / ice conditions. EE fell to EE's buttocks, experiencing mild back and leg pain. EE received initial first aid and on 12/25/2016 went to the ER for increasing pain. EE received a CT scan disclosing disc bulge in the lumbar area, with 4-6 weeks of PT and an MRI ordered. No missed work to date.
2015 · 1 incident
Two employees were involved in cutting a HiVac hose with a carpet knife. One employee was finishing his cut when the second employee reached over to stabilize the hose. The knife slipped, cutting the holders Right arm. The injury was initially treated with first aid and later that evening the employee sought outside medical treatment.
2014 · 5 incidents
The plant coal mill system sustained an internal fire to the upper bag house. During normal operations the mill pressure unexpectedly increased, causing the engineered pressure relief vents to deploy as designed. Ensuing fire damage was confined to bag house cages, tube sheets, pressure venting and electrical systems, which will all be replaced / repaired.
Mechanic was installing a flow meter in a truck using two pipe wrenches, sustaining a right shoulder strain. The incident was treated with 1st aid measures until a 2/5/2015 Independent Medical Examination revealed a rotator cuff tear requiring medical treatment. *Surgery on 4/1/15 with lost time. Modified return is anticipated on 5/15/15, with full duty targeted on 10/1/15.
Welder / Repairman was replacing tube sheets in bag house. During positioning and installation, suffered a minor low back muscle strain. The incident was treated with first aid measures until 9/18/2014, when the employee went to a chiropractor for adjustment. There has been no missed work or restrictions.
Chronic back condition aggravated by stationary sitting in a one hour meeting (6/5/2014), resulting in muscle spasms. Diagnosis of minor aggravation of underlying condition 6/10/2014.
2013 · 1 incident
Employee was loading cement into rail cars; lifted top railcar lid and strained lower back. The lid was an older, heavy style lid and the employee was using improper body positioning / technique. The incident was initially treated with first aid until an off the job flare-up required chiropractic treatment on 7/8/2013
2012 · 2 incidents
EE opened heavy equipment compartment door, felt popping sensation and pain in R shoulder. First aid until 11/20/2012; confirmation of positive MRI for minor shoulder tear.
EE was attempting to slide a liner when it moved unexpectedly and caught his finger. There were no broken bones and no stitches required.
2011 · 6 incidents
Employee was climbing down from a forklift when he slipped in the mud. This caused him to loose his grip and hit the forklift with his side.
EE reports that he has been having discomfort in his left elbow for the last seven months. He went to a physician and received treatment for tennis elbow.
Employee was changing a lamp in a light fixture. When he placed his hand on the fixture some dust was dislodged and got in his eye. He went to the Dr. and received a prescription for his eye.
EE was assisting in cleaning up material with a vacuum truck. He had attached a rope to the end of the hose and wrapped the other end around his hand. When the hose moved it pulled the rope attached to his arm and dislocated his shoulder.
EE was driving a track mobile when he hit a bump and began to feel discomfort in his back. EE went to chiropractor had his back adjusted and was released with no restrictions and no lost days.
EE was in a man basket when the mast stuck momentarily then released causing a jarring to the employee. EE did not receive medical treatment until 5/10/11 when he was referred to a chiropractor.
2010 · 4 incidents
EE states that while he was working on a tire jam he was holding his flashlight in his mouth. He cracked a front top tooth when he bit down. EE did not report medical treatment until returning from layoff 3/2/2011.
EE states that while he was vacuuming in the grate cooler his elbow started hurting. There was no bump or fall just pain. EE did not report medical treatment until returning from layoff on 3/2/2011.
EE was exiting the shop through the large roll up door. He stated that he felt something get in his eye like a piece of dust. He instinctively rubbed his eye which cause the piece of metal dust to emmbed in his eye. Conditions were breezy.
EE was cutting with metabo. The cutting disk wedged and kicked back. The power tool fell and then cut his left leg below the knee. Wound was cleaned and he received six stitches to close the wound. EE was returned to work with no restrictions.
2009 · 1 incident
EE states that he was using a pry bar to clear blockage in a chute. When he stepped back from the chute he hit his elbow on the handrail. He was diagnosed with a contused elbow.
2008 · 11 incidents
EE was using a 1 inch ratchet to turn a bolt which raises a coal mill tire. The ratchet failed causing a jolt to his neck and back.
The employee was pushing a coal reject hopper through a doorway when one of the wheels caught throwing the cart sideways. This resulted in the employees left ring finger being smashed between the cart and the door frame.
This incident was not discovered to be a work related incident until 8/28/2008. The EE cannot point to any particular incident, just that he noted that his back was tight after working in the preheat tower.
EE was using a shovel to clean up a rock spill. He could not point to any particular incident that caused his injury but only had problems the next morning when he got out of bed.
EE was attempting to lift a vibrator on to a rail car when he strained his lower back.
EE was drilling a cardox port on the preheat tower when some dust came out of the hole and fell inside his hot coat.
EE states that he was unplugging a silo discharge with a chipping gun when he felt a sharp pain in his left shoulder.
EE states that while grinding a flange on the shop table, he got something in his left eye. He states that he was wearing his safety glasses and a face shield at the time. The incident did not require medical attention until 3/21/08.
EE was lifting a bucket of rubble while cleaning the tower. When he lifted the bucket to hand to another employee he stretched and twisted resulting in pain to the lower back.
EE was in the process of tearing out old refractory inside the preheater tower using an air powered chipping gun (rivet buster). As EE was pushing the rivet buster into the refractory the bit broke causing his hand to slip and his left index finger to be caught between the rivet buster and the wall.
EE states that he was repairing a heater in the electrical shop. He was holding up a burned out heating element with a pair of pliers while removing the bracket. When he gripped the element a piece of the coating broke off and struck him in the left eye.
2007 · 9 incidents
EE was installing a water bottle on the water cooler when he felt a cramp in his right bicep. He later noticed that his bicep had a bulge in it. Surgery was performed and it was determined that EE had bone spurs that caused the tendon in the bicep to become frayed. Bone spurs are the result of long term work stresses. The EE did not receive medical care until 12/12/2007.
EE states that he was climbing the ladder on to the CAT 777D Haul truck. As he reached the fourth step he missed the handrail and fell back landing on his tail bone. He suffered a broken vertabrae in that area.
The EE was bending over to use a vacuum hose to pick up dust, when he felt a sharp pain in his back.
EE began to feel pain in his chest. An ambulance was summoned and the EE was transported to a local hospital. Medical Professional diagnosis did not indicate occupational accident or illness.
EE states stepped down off boom truck and lower back started hurting. EE did not require medical attention until 6/18/07.
EE was backing a CAT 777 haul truck and hit the 992 loader boom with the left top corner of the bed. This caused the haul truck to stop suddenly, causing the EE discomfort in his neck. The EE did not receive medical attention until 5/25/07.
EE states that when dumping the coal hopper one wheel caught on a rock causing the dumpster to spin, which in turn caused pain in my right shoulder. EE did not seek medical attention until 6/15/07.
The employee was using a grinder to grind out welds in a diverter chute when he got a piece of slag in his eye. The EE states that he was wearing his safety glasses and welding hood at the time.
The EE states that ""he is not really sure when or what he did. May have been when using a bar to clean the eyebrow off the burner tip or taking the bar off the burner floor to get worked on. He had to do some twisting when getting the bar down the steps.""
2006 · 4 incidents
Trying to hook up a six inch hard line hi-vac hose onto the hi-vac truck. Hose came off (slipped) and end of hose hit employee in the top lip, knocking out a tooth.
Employee was changing out skirting on sugar rock belt when something got in his eye. He flushed out eye but was still sore next day so went to Dr. Nothing in eye but Dr. gave employee prescription for eye.
Employee was working on heated sample line termination at floor level. He stood up and hit his head on a electrical junction box on his way up. Had a hard hat on.
Employee was running conduit above his head and dust got into his left eye.
2005 · 11 incidents
Employee was removing a rock from raw mix # 1 and another rock struck the back of his right hand breaking his index finger.
Employee claims to have a sore knee from walking on concrete, reported on 12/21/05. Found out going to Dr. on Jan. 5, 2006.
Employee claims to have sore wrist on 9/9/2005, reported on 12/21/2005. Found out going to Dr. on Jan 5, 2006.
While welding, employee's coveralls caught fire under his left armpit. Employee had 2nd degree burns.
Employee walking down stairs carrying to ""cardox tubes"", slipped and fell down stairs.
Carpal tunnel in hands wrists and elbows has developed and worsened over the years. Reported condition around the first week in May 2005. Went to Doctor.
Cleaning under six pack. Clinker dust got in right eye. Flushed several times through the weekend and even when I got home. I got to work something still in eye. Reported on 7/1/2005.
Employee wiped hand across forehead and got something in eye.
Was rodding tower and conducting normal duties and left shoulder was sore. First reported on 5/11/05 but went to Dr. and filled a $7.00 prescription on 5/17/06.
Getting into pickup truck and hit head on upper part of door frame. Jammed neck, had hard hat on.
Stepping off of brick in the kiln and left foot slipped out from underneath employee when he stepped on the kiln floor. The kiln floor was wet, floor dry was already put down.
2004 · 15 incidents
While grinding on duct, the wind blew dust behind the faceshield and under the safety glasses. EE did not require medical treatment until 12/18/04.
Employee was throwing tires when his left shoulder was sore. Reported he went to doctor on 12/2/04.
On 11/20/04 EE reported that he had continual pain in his neck, shoulder and elbow & numbness in his hands mostly on his right side. He said he hit his head on a steel beam over a year ago & used a chipping gun. He said he was not getting any medical treatment. On 1/3/05 EE indicated he was getting medical treatment and may get carpal tunnel surgery. WC carrier investigating.
Employee was lifting a 15 pound bucket of tools up some stairs and set the bucket down. He experienced some pain in his back between his shoulder blades. * Employee informed me on November 15 he filled a prescription he received from his Dr. over the weekend making it MSHA recordable.
Employee claims he was cleaning under railcar scales and his back started hurting. Employee claims accident happened 10/17/04, reported it on 11/09/04. Found out went to Chrioprator on Feb. 10, 2005 once we got the bills.
EMPLOYEE WAS CLOSING DOOR ON A COAL CAR AND WAS USING A PRYBAR TO GET IT TO LATCH. PRYBAR SLIPPED & HIT EE IN LEFT SMALL TOE.
Employee was lifting car viabator into car slots on gypsum cars. pain in lower abdominal area.
EMPLOYEE WAS HI-VACING. HE FINISHED HI-VACING AND STARTED ROLLING UP THE HOSE. THE HANDLE AND CLIP WERE REMOVED FROM THE HOSE. WHEN COILING UP THE HOSE, THE HOSE SLIPPED OUT OF HIS HAND. THE HOSE, STILL ON, MOVED TOWARD THE EMPLOYEE WHO ATTEMPTED TO CATCH IT WITH HIS HAND WHEN IT SUCKED HIS HAND AND ARM INTO THE HOSE. BRUISED SHOULDER AND ARM, SPRAINED THUMB, SWELLING.
EMPLOYEE WAS WORKING ON UNPLUGGING 323VF6 FEEDER USING BARS, HAMMER IN OVERHEAD MOTION TO GET FEEDER UNPLUGGED. BOTH SHOUDLERS SORE IN COLLAR BONE AREA AT END OF DAY, MUSCLE RUNNING UP LEFT SIDE OF NECK SORE. **EMPLOYEE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE UNTIL JUNE 19, 2004 AFTER HIS RETIREMENT DATE OF MAY 31ST, 2004.
Strained neck while using a crow bar to loosen rock and dirt in a ditch.
Another EE was removing mill liner plates with a jackhammer. A piece of metal struck injured in cheek.
EE CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN STRUCK BY A SLEDGE HAMMER. HAMMER CUAGHT SAFETY HARNESS CAUSING HIM TO WRENCH HIS NECK.
WHILE PUTTING ON WORK BOOTS IN THE LOCKER ROOM, WAS BIT BY A SPIDER.
WHILE PREPARING TO CHANGE A FILTER ON THE CAB OF A LOADER, WAS REMOVING A CHAIN THAT WAS ON THE WORK DECK. THE CHAIN HUNG UP AND WHEN THE OILER PULLED ON IT, IT SUDDENLY CAME LOOSE AND THE END STRUCK HIM IN THE FACE.
EMPLOYEES REPLACING THE NOSE RING CASTINGS ON THE FRONT OF THE KILN (DISCHARGE END). MOVING THE PLATES FROM THE RAMP TO THE KILN SHELL WHERE THE PLATES WERE INSTALLED. WHILE LIFTING PLATES FROM RAMP TO KILN SHELL, EE HURT HIS BACK. EE DID NOT SEEK ANY MEDICAL ATTN. UNTIL JUNE 19, 2004. EE IS OFF WORK AS OF JUNE 20, 2004.
2003 · 11 incidents
WHILE STEPPING DOWN FROM A PIECE OF MOBILE EQUIPMENT, STRUCK JACK HANDLE.
WHILE REMOVING A DOOR TO SERVICE A BUCKET ELEVATOR, STRAINED HIS SHOULDER WHEN HE PICKED UP THE DOOR.
WHILE INSTALLING STEEL PLATE, PLATE SLIPPED AND SCRAPED HIS LEG. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS, HE WENT TO DOCTOR DUE TO POSSIBLE INFECTION. RECEIVED ANTIBIOTICS FOR TREATMENT.
WHILE KNEELING TO WORK, FELT SORENESS AND PAIN IN LEFT KNEE. SUBSEQUENT REVIEW BY DR.& AN MRI INDICATED ON 10/9/03 THAT EE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH LIGAMENT DAMAGE TO THE KNEE.
MOVING MAN BASKET WITH ANOTHER ELECTRICIAN DVER HANDRAILING THE WEIGHT OF THE BASKET SHIFTED AND GOT AWAY FROM US AND SMASHED MY FINGER BETWEEN THE BASKET AND HANDRAILING CAUSING OPEN WOUND ON MIDDLE FINGER AND BROKER BONE.
SMASHED THUMB WHEN PIECE OF METAL SHIFTED.
WHILE CARRYING WATER HOSE, TRIPPED ON A ROCK & FELL.
EE WAS INSTALLING A DISTRIBUTION BAND AT THE TOP OF A CEMENT COOLER. EE BRUSHED THE BOTTOM OF A CATWALK BEAM WITH HIS HARD HAT DISLODGING ACCUMULATED DUST WHICH ENTERED HIS RIGHT EYE. EE TAKEN TO PHYSICIAN TO HAVE MATERIAL RINSED FROM EYE. PHYSICIAN PRESCRIBED EYEDROPS.
EE WAS HELPING TO REMOVE BRICK AND DEBRIS FROM THE ROTARY CEMENT KILN. THE CHUTE WHERE THE BRICK WAS BEING CONVEYED FROM THE KILN PLUGGED. THE EE WHILE UNPLUGGING THE CHUTE HAD A BRICK STRIKE HIM ON THE LEFT ARM ABOVE THE ELBOW. EE WAS TAKEN TO THE PHYSICIAN AND ARM WAS X-RAYED. SEVERE BRUISE. PAIN MEDICATION ADMINISTERED.
EE WAS LOOSENING/TIGHTENING A FITTING ON A PNEUMATIC CONVEYING LINE (FLEXABLE), WHEN HE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN HIS LEFT SHOULDER. AN MRI REVEALED A TORN ROTATOR CUFF, WHICH WILL REQUIRE SURGERY. NOTE ORIGINAL ACCIDENT REPORT FOR BACKSTRAIN 1-23-03, THIS REPORT WAS FILED 2-18-03 AFTER EE VISITED PHYSICIAN.
2002 · 5 incidents
WAS RODDING OUT TOWER AND TWISTED FUNNY, HURTINGLOWER BACK.
LIFTING BUCKETS FULL OF CASTIBLE FOR COAL MILL BAGHOUSE REPAIR AND HURT LOWER BACK.
EMPLOYEE HAS WORKED HERE 31 YEARS & HAS NOISE INDUCED HEARING LOSS.
A CONTRACTOR MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING A TRACK ON A D6 DOZER. IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING THE MASTER LINK HE STRUCK THE PIN WITH A STEEL SLEDGE HAMMER CAUSING A CHIP OFF THE PIN. SHOULDER TO BE PRPELLED STRIKING EE STANDING 15' AWAY, INT HE RIGHT AIR BI UPS. THE FRAGEMENT BECAME IMPEDDED ABOUT 1"" DEEP.
WAS TORQUING BOLT DOWN AND WRENCH SLIPPED AND HIT IT ON BUSS BARL-DISLOCATED RIGHT THUMB.
2001 · 6 incidents
WAS WALKING DOWN QUARRY ROAD TO GET INTO LOADER AND SIMPLY SLIPPED AND LANDED ON LEFT KNEE. DOCTOR DIAGNOSED THAT SOME OF THE BONE HAD BEEN CHIPPED ON THE KNEE CAP AND REQUIRES THAT HE STAY OFF OF IT FOR AWHILE.
EMPLOYEE WAS LIFTING 100 LB RAW MILL LINER PLATES AND FELT A SHARP PAIN IN THE BACK OF HIS NECK. HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL HELP UNTIL 12/5/01. AT THAT TIME IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HE HAD BULGED D ISCS #5-6 AND WILL REQUIRE SURGERY TO REPAIR IT.
HE WAS WALKING ALONG BELTLINES AND RAN INTO THE EMERGENCY STOP CABLE EYELET WITH HIS RIGHT SHOULDER. PLEASE NOTE: DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTIONUNTIL 11/29/01.
EE ACTUALLY SLIPPED ON SOME CLINKER NEAR KG JEFFREY PIT ON 6-11-00 AND HAS STRUGGLED WITHHIS BACK EVER SINCE. HE WENT TO THE DR. ON 8-29 AND IT WAS DECIDED LOST TIME IS NEEDED, PLUS SURGERY RE QUIRED 9-1-01.
EMPLOYEE WAS CLEANING OUT QUARRY BC3-FEEDER #7 WHEN A FEEDER PIN MOVED FROM VIBRATION AND GLANCED TOP OF HIS HEAD. HE WAS WEARING A HARD HAT. HE DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL & RESTRICTED STATUS UNTIL 8/20/01. HE WILL BE A LOST TIME FOR A WHILE.
THIS IS AN OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS CLAIM FOR EMPLOYEE'S BACK. HE DOES MUCH LIFTING AND BENDING AND REPETITIVE MOVEMENT IN HIS JOB AS A SHIPPER RECEIVER AND HIS BACK HAS GOTTEN WORSE. HE WENT ON L OST TIME AS OF 5-1-01.
2000 · 3 incidents
RECEIVED DIAGNOSED CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESS FROM REPETIVE TASKS.
SLIPPED OUTSIDE OF SHOP AND STRAINED BACK.
WAS TURNING A LUG NUT WITH A WRENCH AND IT SLIPPED. THE WRENCH HIT ANOTHER LUG NUT AND T CUT MY LEFT FOREARM. FOUR STITCHES WERE REQUIRED.