Mining Incidents

Sandersville Calcine Plant Metal/Non-Metal

Imerys Clays Inc · Facility
Controlled by Imerys S A
Sandersville, Washington County, GA  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0900111

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
36
Years on record
2001–2025
Latest incident
Oct 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
254
citations
38
significant & substantial
$74,538
proposed penalties
$70,700
paid to date
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 6,448 7 0 1085.6
2025 Q3 25,586 0 0 0.0
2025 Q2 7,680 1 0 130.2
2025 Q1 28,336 6 0 211.7
2024 Q4 7,560 0 0 0.0
2024 Q3 21,311 2 1 93.8
2024 Q2 30,317 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 8,010 3 0 374.5
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

36 on file

2025 · 1 incident

October 17, 2025 GA · Metal/Non-Metal utility man, shift tech, service/dump truck operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall down stairs

Employees knee buckled while descending the stairs and employee fell and twisted their knee.

2023 · 1 incident

August 10, 2023 GA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Miner was attempting to retrieve a bag from conveyor.

2022 · 2 incidents

December 7, 2022 GA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was using a knife to cut plastic electrical flex with an electrician knife. EE cut EE's left hand/wrist resulting in a laceration requiring 10 sutures.

July 7, 2022 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE tried to tighten the hand brake wheel on a railcar to release brakes. EE felt a pop in the left wrist.

2021 · 1 incident

April 7, 2021 GA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

On 04/07/2021, an Imerys employee approached me at 8:00AM in my office, in reference to a possible shoulder injury EE sustained several weeks ago. EE stated was restacking a pallet at the Lapp Warehouse when EE felt a pain in the shoulder. EE had surgery on 7/08/2021 to repair torn rotator cuff.

2019 · 3 incidents

May 9, 2019 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

3 mechanics were working on a screw and motor. when the last bolt was removed, the screw twisted around and bumped the mechanic and knocked EE down.

March 5, 2019 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was exiting warehouse C thru the rear door. Employee slipped and fell on the wet concrete floor that had a small section of algae on the floor. They landed on their left shoulder. Employee got up and continued working. They requested to go to doctor on 3/6/19

February 4, 2019 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was descending the calcine silo stairs carrying post mill samples (3 samples weighing approximately 6lbs each), EE turned to stepped down from the landing to the next step. While shifting EE's weight onto one leg, EE felt a sharp pain in EE's left hip followed by a burning sensation down EE's left leg

2018 · 2 incidents

August 24, 2018 GA · Metal/Non-Metal bagging, package operator MACHINERY
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

The EE was operating bag machine when the EE reached up to position a fan. The blade on the fan struck EE's thumb causing a cut. Stitches were required in thumb.

January 17, 2018 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

The employee was reclaiming 50lb bags and strained EE's back.

2017 · 2 incidents

June 26, 2017 GA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was using a packer pole while loading a bulk truck. Employee strained a mid back muscle while using the packer.

March 24, 2017 GA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Lifting an approximately 65 - 70 lb roller slide.

2016 · 3 incidents

May 11, 2016 GA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright POWERED HAULAGE
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee applied light pressure to the aerial lift joystick expecting to raise the basket just a few inches. The lift responded to the controls by abruptly raising at least a foot crushing the employee's hand between the lift basket and an I beam. Employee received severe lacerations and a joint fracture to the little finger on EE's right hand.

March 22, 2016 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was looking for a leak in dust collector. As ee went to shut the door it did not close properly and as ee tried to adjust the door it caught middle finger. EE was wearing gloves and ee removed it to find it had cut finger. EE then was taken to doctor where ee stitched it up and the employee returned to work the next day.

February 23, 2016 GA · Metal/Non-Metal plumber, pipefitter, millwright HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Placing roof decking on a warehouse with half ownership. Could not disturb the other side. The ridge cap was lifted by hand to slide new roof panels under. EE finger became pinched between the ridge cap and the new roof panel cutting finger.

2014 · 1 incident

April 6, 2014 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

The employee reached into a moving conveyor to attempt to remove an empty bag that was caught in the roller. While attempting to remove the bag, his arm was pulled into the conveyor.

2012 · 1 incident

January 18, 2012 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was removing bolt from sweco screen band when the wrench slipped off bolt and struck employee in mouth resulting in a small chip of a front tooth.

2010 · 1 incident

April 24, 2010 GA · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was replacing bricks in calciner hearth door, after he finished he felt a pain in lower back.

2009 · 3 incidents

February 6, 2009 GA · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor OTHER
Imerys Clays Inc · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was found on floor of office unconscious, EMS called and employee died at the hospital ER, probably from cardiac arrest.

January 20, 2009 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was repairing a water ring. A piece of the floor grating was removed to access the area. The employee stepped back and fell in the opening. The employee recieved a laceration to his right elbow.

January 12, 2009 GA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a pipe to unstop a screw conveyor and the pipe struck the employees hand causing a bruise.

2007 · 2 incidents

December 5, 2007 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was attempting to bolt a shaft to a gearbox, when the shaft slipped in clamp pinching left thumb betwwen clamp and coupling.

August 8, 2007 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

AT END OF SHIFT EE DISMOUNTED HOPPER RAILCAR & BEGAN WALKING ACROSS CROSSING AREA BETWEEN TRACKS & STEPS AT ENTRANCE TO CALCINE BAG SHACK WHEN HE SLIPPED & FELL, BRUISING LEFT ELBOW. AREA HAD JUST BEEN WASHED OFF & WAS CLEAN, BUT WET & SLIPPERY.

2006 · 1 incident

May 29, 2006 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was picking up #50 bag and turn to step up and felt a pull in his groin area.

2005 · 1 incident

December 13, 2005 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee felt pain in back while tying shoe.

2004 · 1 incident

July 29, 2004 GA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck against stationary object

EE WAS GETTING OUT OF TRUCK AND PUSHED DOWN ON DOOR HANDLE. IT BROKE OFF, LEAVING A JAGGED PIECE WHICH CUT HIS FOREARM. TEN STITCHES REQUIRED.

2003 · 4 incidents

December 14, 2003 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator NO VALUE FOUND
Imerys Clays Inc · No Value Found

Slip (kaolin) was on work area floor. Employee lost footing, fell, and landed on back/buttocks resulting in contusion...Slip/fall

July 15, 2003 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE TRIPPED OVER A PRUTUDING FLOOR BOLT TRIPPED AND JAMMED HIS RIGHT HIP WHEN HE CAUGHT HIMSELF.

March 23, 2003 GA · Metal/Non-Metal NO VALUE FOUND
Imerys Clays Inc · No Value Found

MECHANIC WAS WORKING ON A TRUCK TIGHTENING PTO SHAFT. WRENCH SLIPPED IN TIGHT SPOT AND MECHANICHIT HIS ELBOW ON HYDRAULIC PUMP. SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AS CONDITION WORSENED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS. HE WAS EMAMINED AND GIVEN CELEBREX ANDRELEASED TO RETURN TO WORK.

March 4, 2003 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Imerys Clays Inc · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS CLEANING CALENDER AND TOP ROLL DROPPED UNEXPECTEDLY PULLING EMPLOYEE'S HAND BETWEEN ROLLS RESULTING IN CONTUSION TO THE RIGHT HAND.

2002 · 3 incidents

March 20, 2002 GA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Fall to the walkway or working surface

WALKING ACROSS ROUGH CLEARED GROUND AND TRIPPED OVER A ROOT AND FELL ON SIDE. WHEN EMPLOYEE STOOD UP, LOWER BACK WAS HURTING SEVERELY.

February 15, 2002 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stepped off a forklift and felt a pain in his left knee. The accident was not initially reportable to MSHA. He continued to work unrestricted until 02/17/05 when surgery was preformed to correct the pain problem.

January 10, 2002 GA · Metal/Non-Metal coal sampler HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by falling object

EE ATTEMPTED TO CATCH CERAMIC JAR AS IT FELL TO CONCRETE FLOOR. HAND LACERATED BY BROKEN JAR.

2001 · 3 incidents

August 16, 2001 GA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Imerys Clays Inc · Struck by flying object

MILLWRIGHT WAS WORKING ON A PIPE SWITCHING BETWEEN WELDING AND GRINDING. WHILE GRINDING, A PIECEOF METAL WENT INTO EYE. HE WAS WEARING FACE SHIELD.

May 3, 2001 GA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

SHAKING A 1,000 LB BAG OF CLAY THAT WAS HANGING ON THE BIG BAG DISPENSER WITH SIDE OF BODY OR HIP.

April 18, 2001 GA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Imerys Clays Inc · Over-exertion in lifting objects

LIFTING & STACKING 50LB BAGS OF CLAY ONTO PALLETRESULTING IN PHYSICIAN DIAGNOSED TENDONITIS IN THE LEFT SHOULDER.