Hercules Cement LPMetal/Nonmetal

While employee was cutting the rubber insulation from around the wires in the motor junction box, their retractable utility knife cut through abrasion-resistant glove on left hand, resulting in a laceration of thumb. They immediately went back to the Electrical Shop to clean and perform basic first aid on the wound.

While setting up a chain breaker to disconnect the drive chain on an Elevator, the handle of the tool detached and struck the employee in the mouth, resulting in a chipped tooth

EE was moving the 4 separator elevator gearbox with the help of another millwright on a wagon. The Millwright in the pulling positions twisted their knee and felt a sharp pain that travelled through knee and leg.

Employee closed right hand in tailgate of end-dump trailer. Employee lacerated right middle finger and lacerated - broke right thumb.

After the employee bled the hydraulic system for the raw mill, the EE checked the gauges to verify that they were reading zero. EE started removing a blank off one of the hydraulic manifolds for #3 roll cylinder, but as EE was removing the third bolt from the blank, the hydraulic fluid sprayed out hitting EE in the chest with fluid.

EE was trying to seat the drive shaft into a screw conveyor using a 10 lb. dead blow hammer when EE felt a sharp pain in EE's groin. EE said EE had a hernia repair 10 years ago and was worried EE tore the mesh used to repair it. EE said EE felt a sharp pain while swinging the hammer

Employee was removing concrete blocks that were installed to contain the grinding balls from a finish ball mill for bull gear work. The employee was assisting in the removal of the blocks by guiding a block out from under the mill. Employee's finger was pinched between the block and the wall.

Employee was showing another employee where the pullcords were on the A-2 conveyer to check if it was the reason the belt tripped. As the employee was climbing down the four rung ladder to access the area, employee stepped on some loose material at the bottom, which caused employee's foot and knee to twist slightly.

Employee was assembling the drive chain on a feed elevator hunched over. Once EE got the chain in position and connected, EE was tried to get back to a standing position, but was unable to straighten EE's back. EE felt it lock into position. When EE forced self up, EE felt pain in EE's lower back.

Employee bent over to pick up a bucket of tools weighing 27 lbs. When they stood up, they felt discomfort in abdomen on the right side.

Employee was cleaning on top of the blending bins silos. The manhole lid for a silo was removed for material to be swept and pile to be cleaned. The employee stepped on the edge of the grate causing it to lift up. As the grate lifted up, EE's leg fell in the hole causing it to strike EE's right shin on the edge of the manhole opening, causing a laceration.

Employee had just finished parking the 775G (2023) in the north muster area and was exiting the truck. On EE's way down, EE's right foot got stuck between the fire suppression tank and the bottom step of the stairs. As EE turned around to go down the two rung ladder, EE lost balance due to EE's foot being stuck and fell down approximately four feet to the ground.

Employee was attempting to loosen a 7/8 inch nut that was securing the fan motor at waist level. Employee pulled on a 24 inch adjustable wrench and felt a sharp pain in groin area.

Employee was in a scissor lift with another employee torquing liner bolts with an impact torch wrench when employee felt discomfort in left shoulder.

Employee was attempting to manipulate hydraulic lines for the Loesch roller lift cylinder in the number one position when EE felt a pain in left testicle. The physical constraints of the location and relationship of the hydraulic lines to the cylinder required EE to be in an awkward position.

Employee was cleaning debris at the end of the work day when EE picked up an 83lb liner plate with left arm. As EE lifted the liner plate, EE felt a pull in left shoulder.

The employee was operating a jackhammer to clear hard build-up in a chute from a manlift. EE was operating the jackhammer in a horizontal position when EE broke through the hard build-up. The jackhammer dropped, pinching EE's finger between the weight of the jackhammer and the edge of the chute.

Employee was removing a wheel chock from behind the tire of a haul truck. EE reached down to pick it up with right hand and proceeded to lift it above their waist to the front of the haul truck in the designed rack. As they lifted the wheel chock up, they felt a pull in the lower abdomen, groin area. Employee refused treatment until 2/22/24, the day of the diagnosis.

Employee was working with the vac truck in the lower magaldi. Employee was holding the stick for the end of the vac truck hose and had a sudden pain in their right forearm on the inner side.

Employee bent down and lifted 5 gallon jug of oil, felt pain in groin at location of two previous hernias. Prescribed restricted duty.

Employee was vacuuming material through plastic hose when static built up was discharged into right knee, jolted up to chest and head, and down leg. Unknown if EE hit EE's head. Diagnosed with concussion.

Employee was cleaning a screw housing trough when dust splashed into EE's eyes resulting in corneal abrasions.

Employee had to periodically move bags of cement while waiting for assistance with mechanical and electrical issues with the palletizer and hood stretch. They reported neck and back pain to their supervisor the next morning and was taken to the clinic for evaluation.

Employee slipped on a wet concrete pad and dislocated right thumb while bracing self for the fall.

ASP Field Service Technician splashed with 19% Aqua Ammonia. There was an airlock in line at filter housing restricting flow to pump. Pressure pushed priming plug out and splashed Mono Goggles which pushed up on EE's face. Initial injury was trouble breathing and eye irritation from the Ammonia vapors and some burning on top lip. This all subsided with the introduction of water.

Employee was welding patch on alternative fuel transport line. Sparks/slag fell on tire fluff on beam below and began to smolder. Coworker swept material off beam. Material ignited and blew into employee's right eye and throat.

Employee was attempting to remove a conveyor screw drive belt guard. Their left foot slipped off a cross beam and lower leg scraped against a piece of grating, resulting in a laceration. Required stitches and restricted duty.

Employee was lifting/pulling a jackhammer on Friday afternoon when EE felt a ""pinch"" in the right forearm. EE rested and iced it over the weekend but it did not improve. EE reported it Monday afternoon. Diagnosed with a muscle strain.

Employee was hanging a chain-fall to conduct a weight test on the kiln feed tank. Employee tried to reposition hand and the left middle finger was pinched between the chain-fall and the tank door, resulting in a fracture.

Employee was using an acetylene torch when the hose got snagged on an unknown obstruction and the flame grazed the back of the employee's left hand. This resulted in a burn and blister which required medical treatment and restrictions.

Employee was attempting to stop an uncoupled fan from freewheeling by applying a board to the shaft hub. The board caught the hub bolts causing the board to pinch EE's finger against the motor housing, resulting in a fracture of the right ring finger and damage to the nail.

Employee was trying to free jammed plastic from the hood stretch pallet wrapping machine when the plastic scratched employee's right eye.

Employee removed cap from port on choked vessel. Hot material spilled from port onto employee's right hand, resulting in burn.

Employee was cleaning out a chute with a metal rod when it became entangled in the machine, causing right hand to strike against the machine housing. Resulted in lacerations on fingers of right hand.

Employee was using high pressure water lance to clean build up. Piece of material hit tip of lance causing lane handle to strike left side of EE's head. Force of blow resulted in concussion.

Employee fell backwards and braced self to stop fall. Felt pain in abdomen. Med exam diagnosed with hernia on right side and undetermined muscle injury on left side. Referred for surgical eval.

Employee stepped in a pile of hot material after a choke was cleared and received third degree burns to both of their feet.

Employee stepped on a rock and rolled ankle, resulting in avulsion fracture. Prescribed air cast, crutches, and restricted duty.

Employee pinched tip of right middle finger between steel plate and screw shaft while positioning plate. Received crushing injury, prescribed finger splint and restricted duty.

EMPLOYEE WAS LIFTING A PIECE OF ANGLE IRON AND MOVING TO A WORK BENCH WHEN EMPLOYEE FELT A PULL IN LOWER BACK. DIAGNOSED WITH A MUSCLE STRAIN AND PRESCRIBED RESTRICTED DUTY.

Employee unchoking hopper, locked out wrong discharge rotary valve. Reached into port, fingers pinched between valve flights and housing. Amputated left middle fingertip to nail and ring fingertip to cuticle. No surgery required. Will result in lost time and restricted duty.

Employee was replacing O-ring on 775E haul truck. Loosening bolt, felt pop in right wrist. Replaced ring, reattached oil hose. Reported to Sup. No first aid or med attention. Med eval following week due to pain. Restricted duty, brace.

Employee was assisting lifting section of grating off of an elevated platform. They lost their grip and the grating fell, pinching employee's left middle finger between grating and platform frame. Employee received a displaced fracture of distal phalanx and laceration, resulting in restricted duty.

Employee was moving a heavy object while stepping onto a temporary flooring (plywood) when the flooring split in half causing employee to fall striking knee on Loesche Mill Table. Left knee was injured and employee was sent to Emergency Room for evaluation.

10/05/20 employee was putting drag chain on tail sprocket with come-along/prybar, come-along broke. Drag chain tensioner jolted, jarring right arm. Reported immediately, no med attn needed. Requested doc's exam 2 weeks later, received injection. Follow up MRI on 12/28/20 found torn tendon, surgery scheduled 01/05/21. Out as of 01/04/21.

EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PRY A PAN CONVEYOR FREE FROM UNDERNEATH AN IDLER. THE PRY BAR SLIPPED AND EMPLOYEE'S RIGHT HAND & WRIST HIT THE CONVEYOR'S TAIL SPROCKET. EMPLOYEE WAS EVALUATED BY A PHYSICIAN & DIAGNOSED WITH A RIGHT HAND/WRIST CONTUSION.

Employee was tossing cement bags down a chute above a packing machine when they felt a pain in right shoulder.

Employee was jackhammering hardened material, bit got stuck. As EE was pulling it out, it suddenly came loose, pinching EE's right hand between jackhammer & steel beam. Lacerations on web between forefinger & thumb required stitches.

Employee was climbing a ladder when EE felt a ""pop"" in ring finger of right hand. Incident reported immediately to supervisor, did not require medical attention. Complained of more discomfort weeks later, evaluated by doctor. Prescribed PT on 9/28/20 to begin on 9/30/20.

The employee was walking down a set of steps when EE slipped & landed awkwardly on EE's left ankle, resulting in a sprained ligament.

Employee pulled muscles in neck & left shoulder while positioning compressor employee was replacing.

Employee fell from stationary ladder. Received lacerations to head & fracture to right leg.

The employee fell on metal kitch (a tool similar to a garden hoe), resulting in a cut on lower left leg.

Inspection hatch struck employee's knee, resulting in sprain.

Employee got cement powder in right eye.

Employee was watching another employee welding without any eye protection.

While carrying a jackhammer to the next room the fitting broke causing the hose to swing and hit them in the groin.

Employee was working on a locked out fan. The employee wedged a wrench in the fan blades to keep them from moving while EE worked. The fan blades are being pushed by high air pressure in the system. Wrench slipped causing employees hand to be pinned between the wrench and the base of the fan.

Employee was removing guarding from a locked out machine. The guard had extended metal with rough edges on it. While the employee pulled on the guarding to remove it EE's hand slipped causing a cut on EE's left hand.

Employee was replacing guard on 50 HP motor with help of second employee. During the next work day employee complained of left shoulder pain claiming it was from replacing the motor guard.

Employee slipped on klinker ball causing them to jerk their leg in an awkward motion. This resulted in a sprained left leg injury.

Two employees were pulling (120 lbs.) bucket off of forks of a forklift sliding it onto the chain to our reclaimer. While pulling the bucket one employee felt a sharp pain in lower back.

Employee bent over to lift a bundle of empty cement bags that were no more than 40 lbs. EE picked up the bags using back and felt a sharp pain from back right side to groin.

Employee was walking down slanted walkway next to a belt conveyor when EE slipped hitting left elbow and straining lower abdomen.

Employee was unclogging chute on hopper when small rock fell 3 feet from hopper, bounced off of belt below and hit employee in the mouth. Resulted in two teeth getting slightly chipped.

Employee was using a hand held grinder with guard in place on grinder and gloves on hands when the grinder slipped out of EE's right hand and landed on top of EE's left hand.

Employee slipped and fell on marked wet surface causing EE to break left elbow.

Welder got welders flash by other welder.

Employee stepped on a stone 4-6 inch diameter, rolled an ankle and fell on the ground. By 4 pm the employee was experiencing pain in left ankle and foot.

Miner slipped injuring left leg.

Miner was ducking under a pipe and hit head, EE felt a pain in EE's back.

Employee claims carpal tunnel syndrome from work activity.

Employee received first degree burn to face while adding oil to hot bearing.

Employee injured right thumb while working around a conveyor belt.

Material was blown into worker's face.

Employee was stepping off a crane when EE felt a pop in EE's knee

While cutting rope, employee cut right leg with a box cutter.

While pulling electrical wires through conduit employee hurt right shoulder.

EE was on the property of the Stockertown Quarry and needed to pass a cement truck that was parked. As EE was passing the cement truck the driver of that truck pulled rapidly away from parking spot thereby sideswiping EE's truck & pushing it to the right. Truck damaged & EE's wrist hurt.

Employee stepped backwards off a platform and rolled ankle.

EMPLOYEE WAS PUSHING MATERIAL WITH A SHOVEL AND HAD PAIN IN FOREARM.

EMPLOYEE AGGRAVATED PRE-EXISTING ELBOW INJURY WHILE USING A CHAIN BLOCK.

Employee aggravated a pre-existing condition involving lower back.

employee stepped on stone and felt pain in employee's knee. Employee did not lose time or have restrictions. On 12/20/2017 employee had surgery on same knee.

Employee was taking a break. During break EE was sitting with ankles crossed and elevated resting on a tool box. Left foot had fallen asleep. Got up to answer the phone and after taking two steps left ankle collapsed causing a fall. EE got back to feet and tried walking but felt a sharp pain in left leg. Fell again and crawled to a nearby chair.

Two miners on a ladder were lifting a hydraulic power cylinder weighing approximately 100 lbs off supporting stand the cylinder was resting on, the cylinder became unbalanced, slipped from one employees grip and when the cylinder fell it pinched the other employee's left middle finger tip between the cylinder and the steel support plate.

Employee discovered a crack in the welded base at the top of the ladder on the Dresser Haulpack truck. Employee parked truck at garage for repair. When descending ladder the weld completely broke and startled employee causing EE to loose grip and fall backwards. Employee struck EE's head against garage door and then fell to ground.

Employee rolled foot while descending steps and fractured 5th metatarsal bone

While tightening bolts inside #3 clinker cooler employee stood up and hit head. Employee was wearing hardhat at the time and did not seek immediate treatment.

Pouring cement with protective suit on, unaware the suit tore, burns on both legs.

Pouring cement with protective suit on, unaware suit tore, burns on both legs.

The employee was shoveling material inside the reclaimer dome when EE strained EE's lower back.

Employee strained lower back while shoveling material.

Employee was removing a white board from a wall. The white board fell to one side and the partially removed screw at the top of the white board grazed the employees left forearm requiring stitches.

Employee bent over to install a small metal cap on a port. As the employee stood up, he felt a strain in his lower back.

Employee was holding a bar as another hammered the bar to loosen a shiv when a small metal fragment chipped off the bar and embedded into back of employees head.

Employee was lifting a motor starter when he pulled his groin causing a hernia.

Employee was working in the material storage building and got dust in left eye.

While working on a drag chain the employee was using a 4 pound hammer, the hammer was deflected and struck him in the knee

EE was rigging a rod head weighting approximately 800 lbs when the rigging slipped and the rod head shifted, hitting his finger between the mill stand and the rod head.

Employee was cutting conveyor belt when the knife slipped and employee cut left thigh.

Employee bent over to pick up water hose and strained lower back. This injury was contested by the Worker's Compensation insurance provider. A judge determined the injury to be work related.

Employee slipped in mud and strained left knee.

Employee was climbing down a vertical barrel ladder when he felt a strain in his lower back.

A vac truck hose fell from vac-truck and grazed a laborer's left forearm resulting in 6 stitches. A bolt on the hose connection caused the cut.

Employee slipped on ice patch and injured right shoulder.

Employee was assisting another employee in lifting a piece of steel and strained groin area.

Employee slipped on loose material that he cleared away prior to beginning work on a bindicator and strained left knee.

Employee was working from his knees. As the employee stood up, he felt a sharp pain in his right knee.

Employee was moving scissors lift using ground controls and pinched hand between the lift and air slide structure requiring 6 stitches.

Employee was lifting a steel liner plate and strained lower back.

Employee tripped on 2X4 in his work area and landed on right knee.

Employee stated that he twisted his knee stepping out of his electricians truck and onto a crack going into the wash house.

Employee strained lower back removing a sonocell from #2 Feed Silo.

Employee slipped climbing over rail and strained bicep.

Employee strained back lifting a section of vac-truck hose.

Employee was lifting a heat shield with another employee when the weight shifted and caused lower back pain.

Employee strained shoulder removing lumps of cement from grating.

Employee was descending ladder on 988B loader and strained right shoulder.

Employee was climbing a ladder when he felt a sharp pain & burning sensation in his groin.

Employee strained back while jack-hammering.

Employee was walking down stairs when he slipped and strained his knee.

Employee was scraping sides of vac-truck bin when dust got in left eye.

Employee opened a tool cabinet when a hammer fell out and onto his left foot.

Employee shows a confirmed standard threshold shift in right ear when compared to the baseline audiogram.

Employee was closing elevator door when he strained the left side of his neck.

Employee was removing metal tray when the tray slipped and caused the employee to hit right elbow on metal beam.

Employee tripped and fell on angle iron resulting in bruising to his back.

Employee was using a bar to tighten a valve when the bar slipped and the employees left index finger hit a metal beam behind him requiring two stitches.

Employee was operating his loader and when moving the shift lever he felt something ""pop"" in his left shoulder.

Employee stepped off of stair onto ground with right foot first. The employee felt ball of foot move/ shift in an awkward position as he stepped off stair.

Employee took shortcut through snow covered grass area and slipped and fractured ankle.

Employee pulled his dust mask down to respond to a radio call when the respirator slipped and contacted the eye. The employee was wearing safety glasses at the time of injury.

Employee was removing Kiln analyzer when employee strained their back.

Employee hit head against beam while wearing hard hat. Back pain/ numbness in hand reported 7 days after incident.

Employee was roping off area and punctured thumb on metal burr on handrail

Employee was walking in the cooler room and dust got in left eye.

Employee strained right shoulder shifting conveyor belt

Employee slipped in mud and fell on right knee.

Employee stepped off ladder on pit loader twisted knee on rock.

Employee was operating control board for loading bulk tankers. She turned to talk to another employee and felt something pop in her neck.

Employee was standing looking at a fuel tank that was sitting on the ground. He turned to walk away when he then felt a sharp pain in his knee. No work activity was involved.

Employee was doing maintenance on a drag chain. While removing a return idler end that was lodged in the drive sprocket, the employee turned ninety degrees with the weight supported to hand the steel plate out when he felt a pull in his lower back.

Hot raw feed spilled from inlet to kiln. The feed came in contact with a wooden pallet which caught fire. Employee stepped in pile of raw feed which he did not believe to be hot. Some got down back of his shoe on left foot causing burn to skin.

EE was ascending 4 step fixed ladder to machine platform of DM45E Drill - in reaching at an approx 45 degree angle for right handhold, EE felt pain in right shoulder

EE was replacing wall 8000 BTU Confort Air A/C unit in P&H crane cab. EE had placed A/C unit on thigh and was lifting unit over crane ops chair into hole position in wall -- felt pain in lower back.

EE was 1 of 2 man team using JBC powershot to clear lower diverter pipe choke--at initiation of the 7th shot, the shot tube was ejected from grip case with force followed by a projectile (scale) that ricocheted off structure back 16' to where EE was standing NW, 160 degrees from port opening-projectile struck EE in left side of neck.

EE was one of 2 personnel removing broken hyd cyl & nut from SW roll on Loesche-this EE was holding nut being tapped out of the cylinder when broken piece of thread snagged top outside edge of EE's right pinky finger--EE was not wearing rubber gloves in lieu of leather work gloves.

EE repairing 990 bucket tooth-air-arced old shank off day prior to incident. Was welding shank back into place date of incident.EE using Big40Miller Welder w 70/18 rods. Wearing weld helmet w/o safety glasses underneath.Felt pain in L eye at shift end,told super,but didn't seek med. treatment-as pain didn't subside EE req. med. treatment 7/23,finally sought treatment on 7/26/10.

Incline coal belt, for transport of petcoke (not coal) to the coal (coke) boxes for the mills started on fire at the take up pulley platform. Internal investigation conclusion: One self greasing bearing seized on take up pulley generating heat that ingnited grease and remnant coke in the immed area of the pulley & ultimately ignited the belt. Root cause: Inadequate maintenance

Medical condition unbeknownst to the EE (heart-related issue) EE was standing against a wall in Finish Mill Bldg, was not involved in any job activitiy at time of event - felt faint & blacked out falling face forward to floor. EE was not working in normal job nor full-duty capacity at time of this event.

EE was on job of opening up kiln hood all day--entailed wrenching or burning off bolts. Near end of day EEs R elbow started hurting-in looking was red/swollen. EE went home, saw something & dug it out w/tweezers--EE alleges little metal sliver Returned to work 1/4/10, reported pain in elbow to super and requested med treatment.

EE had RTW in light duty capacity from previous injury 3/9/09--was assigned to indoor painting of 9'x15' block room using paint roller & 3&4"" paint brushes--EE alleges that painting activity performed 12/7thru 12/11 resulted in causing pain in right hand.

EE alleges that act of getting into and out of maintenance PU truck (Chevy Silverado) not equipped w/running board resulted in recurring sciatic type pain radiating from right buttock to right calf. EE requested treatment on 1/25/10.

EE was standing on a 2-step stepstool to access area to change oil bypass hose - EE alleges that in twisting 2.5' to right to reach for an adjustable wrench he'd laid on framework of 210M HaulPak that he blew his left knee out.

2 EEs were @#9 Elevator to move head shaft that had slipped, could not get lower section of oil pan guard out-was wedged between large sprocket and casing. EEs manipulated guard far enough down to place rams, did not support guard. EEs rammed shaft & when released guard fell striking this EE above tongue of boot on right shin.

EE was walking to the rear of the vac-truck and into the north bay load-out (cement silo) area--EE tripped on what he surmises was the grating for drainage upon entry to the bay and fell to ground on knees & right arm.

Plant was having probs w/flow of gyp (quality poor)-kept choking in chute. To clear this, EE had to poke mtl in a downward motion using a 3' pointed pry bar. Problem persisted for 10 hr period fairly continuously - repetative action of poking for extended period resulted in injury. EE started his shift 2:30 AM 7/29/09.

EE was assisting drill operator in loading new drill rods onto IR DM45E--EE had attached lifting device to rod & jib hoist but as rods were drawn up they were snagging on 4x4s they were laying on. As third rod was being drawn up, EE chose to assist by lifting trailing end over the snag spot--felt pull in groin.

EE was assigned to clean up spillage in blending bin pump pit by using a long handled shovel to put mtl in 5 gal bucket. EE then carried up narrow stairway (12 steps)-EE did this task on/off over period of 9+days. Repetitiion of climbing stairs w/bucket resulted in EE suffering low left back & right knee pain.

EE was using an 8# sledge hammer to loosen syngyp that had become hung up in the box in order to improve flow. In swinging hammer, EE felt pain in groin area.

EE was detailed to work on horizontal belt-on approach to work area & walking down slight incline, EE stepped on NE side of floor grating used for clean-up. Grating is secure but sits approx 1-1.5"" above floor level. EE felt pain in left ankle and went down to the floor on left side where he stayed until the shift super arrived to evaluate the situation.

EE (1of4) was on 3rd fl of Mill bldg operating hoist as part of process in changing bucket elevator chain links-end of shift came to ground level to see how rest of team was progressing--standing approx 8-10' from EE operating Ennerpac Pin Press, EE was struck in L eye area by sheared head of pin, shattering L Rx lens.

Two EEs on OT were to use VacTruck to clean under #3 clinker cooler. Near end of OT shift, 2' of mtl was left--instead of getting more hose, EE stood on hose, bracing body against cooler fan housing in order to keep hose stretched out to gain length. Hose jumped, resulting in EE falling to ground--EEs under no pressure to complete job.

At 8PM CROs alerted of main baghouse fan trip via PLC PC cntrl sys-2 plnt electricians responded to check cause-in opening E. door to Main Baghouse MCC electricians observed room filled w/black smoke-notified shift super who called 911. Electrician's discharged 1 fire ext.& pulled power to the bldg-Forks Twp FD arrived on scene w/in 10 mins-fire extinguished by 9PM. Cause TBD.

Employee was operator of a ""Guzzler"" suck truck tasked to suction out inside of a hopper. Prior to entry, employee had secured hose on outside of hopper to prevent movement, but realized he needed more slack inside to complete job. Employee pulled and lifted on secured hose (approx 30-40lb) resulting in muscles strain in left arm bicep.

EE alleges that activity of climbing a fixed ladder to flip a floodgate for a silo resulted in exacerbation of previous injury 3/8/09. In actuality, medical records indicate a new injury, a superior labral tear-- actual cause unknown. Claim initially denied as a WC claim pending litigation--as of 6/21/09 injury is accepted as resulting from work.

Employee had to climb 2 fixed ladders in order to access head pulley of choked stacker belt to apply belt dressing. Performed action 4 times (up/down) throughhout 5-hr period. 2nd trip heard knees ""pop"" but did not report to super at the time. Self-medicated/rested over weekend, but pain persisted-requested treatment 2/10/09 - was not determined as work-related until 2/19/09.

Employee was working at #2 packing machine bagging cement. A bag had landed in the cheek/support area improperly and he had to correct prior to filling. In reaching down to right the bag, he contacted sharp edge of support lacerating 1st digit of left hand.

Employee was walking up stairs to finish mill dust collectors when he heard left knee ""pop"" - reported but continued to work indicating no discomfort - claims that addtional movement of knee while poking ring in mill exacerbated initial injury.

Employee states that hearing loss is result of occupation as bagger of cement. Confirmatory Auditory Evaluation results in loss of greater than 10% - PA requirement for compensability. Claim accepted by carrier 7/14/08.

Employee was working under primary crusher (A2-belt) to clear mtl. spillage. Had not heard communication that maint. mech would be ""blowing down"" bars in crusher. Dust was generated into A2-belt area & in effort to exit, employee slipped on rock suffering a severe ankle sprain/strain injury.

HOTWORK hired for curing of refractory. 10AM Alternate Energy vaporizer pressurized, leak checked and lit-then Hotwork burners lit. Fittings checked on vapor outlet & inlet lines. 10:15AM Hercules plant worker let know that vaporizor was afire-2.5' flame - Pressure outlet valve shut off & flame went out. Exam of piping shows that elbow was not tight at connection.

HOTWORK (D843) contracted for curing of refractory. High capacity vaporizer converts LP to a gas for use in their heating systems. Equip was set up, leak checked, then lit & operating for 1hr. 9:30am HW employee saw 8' flame burning at vaporizer burner regulator. Supply line was shut off, fire dept called-advised gas be allowed to burn off.

Reported 7/8/08 - employee was wearing a harness / retractable lanyard system when tasked to shovel material from flat roof of coal screw bldg. (outage OT) - claims that action of retractable lanyard resulted in injury to left shoulder and repetative motion of normal job position (bulkloader) aggrevated the condition.

Employee was in process of cleaning up tools/materials at end of shift. He had unknowingly placed his foot between 4 bolts that secured a cap/lid on floor. As he twisted to right to retrieve a tug-it laying on the ground, felt pain in left knee. He states that his left boot was boot was wedged between the bolts.

Employee was tasked with checking and documenting the water level at east dam. It had rained excessively (1.25"") that day. In performing task, employee slipped on wet 2A mod, went to catch self, and in doing so twisted right knee. Employee did not seek treatment at this time, reported as First Aid - Employee requested & sought treatment 3/31/08.

Employee arrived early morn 12/5 to clear material from clinker cooler-worked inside until 5:45 AM, ate breakfast 8 AM, then proceeded to norm job of forklift op rest of shift. Washing up, shower water entered r. eye, emp felt irritation - asked others to check eye for object- saw none-rinsed out-eye became red in and around, sought medical treatment.

Using long bar to throw SK Valve; hand position extreme end of bar. When valve thrown bar came back and pinched right ring finger between bar and handrail. Corrective actions: pad bar, shorten bar or realign valve for diferent throw angle.

Close quarters in which to maneuver. Function shut down to repair leak in cooler.

Ascending stairs in labor shanty. Right foot slipped on concrete as left foot lifted body twisted.

Bent down to attach west drag cable to motor; stood up and experienced back pain. No specific cause.

Using ballpeen hammer to drive out connecting link RC160-4 roller chain. Piece of pin sheared off and entered right thumb.

Cleaning clinker spill in mill utilizing wheelbarrow to remove debris. Due to possible hole in floor wheelbarrow twisted. In attempt not to lose load employee twisted left knee.

Pulling & tugging to remove 94 lb. filled cement bag jammed on conveyor belt. Initially filed as first aid; did not request medical treatment until 10/07.

Employee complained of shoulder pain due to excessive shoveling of mud and debris. Excess build up of debris due to lack prior shift. Injury an exacerbation, aggravation of previous work injuries to shoulder. Addendum: Originally no lost time or restricted work activity. Lost Time eff. 11/21/07, left shoulder replacement surgery.

Full bag (94 lbs.) of cement turned and became jammed on packing machine. Employee pushed, pulled in attempt to free bag. Felt pop in left shoulder.

Employee dismounted drill to check second hole and remove rock from top of hole. Slipped on terrain and in trying to catch himself sustained injury to left wrist.

Descending steps from P & H and Cleveland crane respectively when he felt pain, pop of left knee.

No new or specific injury, event or incident sited by employee. Recurrence same problem years ago. Past treatment for ""trigger finger"" and Derka Vein Syndrome.

Employee alleges that when exiting the fuel truck by stepping off the running board to ground level he twisted his right knee. Truck has right side grab bar - driver's side. He descended with body twisted instead of parallel to length of truck. Originally first aid. No medical treatment. First request for medical evaluation 2/19/07; diagnostic.

Closing driver's side door of pick-up truck, slamed door on right hand which was between door and frame.

Using high power water gun (Woma 400 PSI) to remove material buildup on #3 tower slope. EE twisted to straighten Woma gun hose; slipped and fell on wet dust covering deck.

Shoveling: sharp pain left shoulder

EE was cutting lids off 55 gal. drums. While moving drum, EE cut thumb on sharp edge. EE was not wearing hand protection as instructed. Temporary summer EE (student).

Working with two other employees to change #7 cement collar drive reducer. Knee swelled and became painful

Tightening flange bolts after installing new gaskets. Dur to location of the valves work area restricted. Employees have to stretch/reach over pipe line to do task.

using yard loader to push up clinker: D: bin. Wind blew dust curtain into loader. tangling it with left mirror. Employee parked loader and climbed down ladder to push curtain back and untangle it from mirror. As he stepped down from ladder onto ground, he slipped, pulling left pectoral area.

WALKING FROM REPAIR CAGE WITH GREASE GUN TO GREASE COOLER FAN. TRIPPED ON MILL BALL BURIED IN DUST SIDE OF #3 COAL MILL.