Mining Incidents

Mills Plant Metal/Non-Metal

Black Hills Bentonite · Facility
Mills, Natrona County, WY  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 4800617

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
68
Years on record
2000–2025
Latest incident
May 2025
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
278
citations
97
significant & substantial
$196,578
proposed penalties
$132,501
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 15,665 2 0 127.7
2025 Q3 6,128 3 0 489.6
2025 Q2 8,521 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 5,902 0 0 0.0
2024 Q4 16,005 3 0 187.4
2024 Q3 13,531 23 3 1699.8
2024 Q2 14,287 0 0 0.0
2024 Q1 5,191 0 0 0.0
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

68 on file

2025 · 1 incident

May 11, 2025 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall onto or against objects

EE was barring mud out a rail-car when EE slipped and hit the big toe area of EE's right foot on one of the interior ribs of the rail-car. EE broke EE's big toe and bruised the top of EE's foot.

2024 · 1 incident

December 30, 2024 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck against stationary object

EE was housekeeping below a screw case. EE bend down to clean and hit their head on the frame holding the case up.

2023 · 2 incidents

September 22, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall from machine

Employee was exiting the loader and missed the last step while descending the stairs, resulting in a hurt ankle. Awaiting x-ray results and employee is off work.

February 12, 2023 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was barring down a dryer chute, and upon completion stepped down onto a raised platform. The grating on the platform folded and the employee's leg went through the platform. Injuries suffered were bruising of the shin and a hyper extension of the knee. Medical recommended 3 days of rest and a reevaluation before returning to work.

2022 · 1 incident

August 13, 2022 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall from machine

employees were moving railcars when the employee was told over the radio that the railcars weren't slowing down. The employee jumped on the end railcar and attempted to tighten the hand brake on the lead railcar, but was unable to do so before the front car hit the derailleur and jumped off breaking their left leg.

2021 · 1 incident

September 2, 2021 WY · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite · Contact with hot objects or substances

Employee was using a cutting torch when the torch started to back burn into the barrel. The employee removed the acetylene hose and attempted to clear the torch barrel with oxygen. The mixture inside the barrel was still lit and shot a fireball down the inside of the left glove. This gave the employee 2nd degree and 1st degree burns on the inside of their left palm.

2019 · 4 incidents

December 13, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was attempting to lift a transmission, and felt a sharp pain in their back and couldn't stand up straight afterwords.

November 19, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall from ladders

The employee was working from a ladder, when the ladder slipped and the employee fell. The employee tried to catch self with their left arm. After the fall they expressed that they had pain in the left shoulder. On 11/22/2019 the employee contacted the safety department that they were going to the doctor to check out the arm and shoulder.

August 9, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by falling object

Employee was working on an overhead conveyor belt when a large amount of dirt and debris fell from the ledge causing left eye irritation. The eye was rinsed out, but after a couple days the employee was still experiencing issues and consulted an eye doctor.

June 29, 2019 WY · Metal/Non-Metal dryer operator, kiln operator, dry plant operator, fluid operator, bed dryer operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

employee was assisting with moving railcars, when they stepped onto the railcar scale and sprained their left ankle.

2018 · 2 incidents

October 29, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator OTHER
Black Hills Bentonite · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee had been in a sitting position for roughly five minutes, when they stood straight up and immediately experienced a sharp pain in their lower left back. The employee could not stand straight afterwards, without continually experiencing pain.

June 13, 2018 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

A maintenance employee with 9 years total mining experience was attempting to cut a rubber hose with a utility knife, when the knife slipped and the employee cut the top of the left thumb near where the joint meets the hand. The cut resulted in 4 stitches to close the wound.

2017 · 2 incidents

September 21, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal assistant mine foreman, assistant mine manager POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was diagnosing a return roller on the C & D belt and become entangled in it

March 9, 2017 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech OTHER
Black Hills Bentonite · Bodily reaction, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was working on the coal mill, was bent over when employee stood up too fast and pulled some muscles in lower back

2016 · 1 incident

October 17, 2016 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE was out side moving a rail car with hand movements and ee slipped and fell, and hurt neck and back.

2015 · 4 incidents

November 1, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall onto or against objects

Employee took a bad step and slid off the rail car. He was tied off and he caught himself and hit his face on the side of the railcar. and he needed to have a cut glued shut

June 10, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was using a rope to pull a ladder into place on a piece of machinery he was working on. The rope dropped and got wrapped up in a tail roller. and then rope wrapped around his leg. It tightened around his leg until it broke.

March 2, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall onto or against objects

Employee was walking up some stairs in the plant when he slipped fell against the railing. And he hurt his right arm.

January 8, 2015 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was picking up a Drive shaft to a slicer and when he put it down said he felt a sharp pain in his arm and shoulder.

2014 · 4 incidents

November 19, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck against stationary object

EE was shoveling underneath the dryer. When his shovel hit a rock. The impact caused his right wrist to bend. He immediately felt pain and went to the Wyoming medical center.

July 8, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

Employee was grabbing a 50 lb bag to weigh when his left index finger got stuck in a metal conveyor. He was treated at the WMC and received 5 stitches and released.

July 2, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was trying to remove a Stuck bag from a conveyor. when his hand got wedged in-between the conveyor and the Rolled. EE was treated at WMC and released with minor scrapes

June 3, 2014 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was checking and changing pins in a pin mill that was locked out. He rotated the drum by hand and caught his right between a pin and the pin mill top side-wall edge. X-rays at the hospital revealed his hand was broken in a couple of places. He is scheduled to see a surgeon soon for plan of action.

2013 · 6 incidents

December 26, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE was trying to rotate a plugged pin-mill feeder with a pipe wrench on the shaft when it broke free, causing his left middle finger to get caught between the wrench and feeder. It required 3 stitches to close the laceration and there was no lost time from work.

November 6, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was shovelling bentonite when he twisted left hand, causing discomfort.

October 7, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE slipped in mud while shoveling and felt a sharp pain in lower right back and hip. It was diagnosed as muscle strain, causing some lost time.

August 17, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE developed tendonitis in right wrist while stacking bags.

July 31, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE shoveled during cleanup and stacked 50 pounds bags onto pallets and strained knee while doing so.

March 21, 2013 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was stacking 100 lb bags when he felt a pain in his left arm. He went to Urgent Care where they diagnosed him with a tear in his left bicep. He is undergoing therapy and rest at this time.

2011 · 2 incidents

December 7, 2011 WY · Metal/Non-Metal prep plant foreman, supervisor, mill plant supervisor, kiln supervisor DUST DISEASE OF LUNGS
Black Hills Bentonite · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EE was engaged primarily in bulk loading for most of his tenure and as a supervisor he was not involved directly in the bagging process but rather management of those processes.

October 19, 2011 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was pulling bags off of a platform and stacking them on a pallet. He grabbed the corner of a bag to spin it around to get a better grip when he strained the muscles in his right wrist.

2010 · 4 incidents

December 28, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE lifted a 100 pound bag with the help of his left leg when he experienced a pull in his muscle followed by some pain. He went to doctor and took a few days off to heal. He was diagnosed with a pulled groin muscle and was released to work on 01/04/2010.

November 17, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck against a moving object

EE deposited a pallet of product in storage area with a forklift. When backing up, he and another forklift backed into each other rear-end to rear-end. The other lift driver, not injured, said they did not watch where they were going - equal negligence. Injured EE's hat was knocked off, he felt discomfort in his neck and left work an hour later. He is now in doctor's care.

June 23, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by falling object

EE was handing 6# sledge to man on walkway above him. Sledge hammer dropped 18 inch to top of ee head.

April 27, 2010 WY · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was lifting pipe and aggravated a previous hernia injury on lower left side of stomach. He will assume light duty until medical action is determined or taken by doctors.

2009 · 7 incidents

December 3, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal front-end loader, scraper-loader operator, pan operator, payloader, scraper rig operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall from machine

EE stopped wheel loader to climb out and move a piece of grizzly screen that had fallen from hopper. Climbing down steps and thinking he was on the bottom step when, in fact, he was on the second step three feet above the ground, he let go of side-rails and fell on left hip on hard frozen ground - breaking the hip as determined at the hospital that he was ambulanced to.

May 13, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE felt a sharp pain in right shoulder blade while stacking bags onto a pallet.

April 16, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE slipped on wet bentonite and fell, causing strain to lower back.

April 16, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE strained muscles in lower back while stacking 50 pound bags of product.

March 13, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Cleaning and shoveling bentonite from Mill floor. Muscles in back tightened causing pain.

February 3, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by flying object

EE was removing bearing from shaft of Rotex gear box when the bearing broke. A piece of metal entered through top of left thumb and lodged in left wrist. Surgery will be scheduled to remove the metal fragment.

January 6, 2009 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was operating a bagging machine, twisted wrong and felt discomfort in his lower back. He continued to work for a number of days and began taking time off on 01/21/2009.

2008 · 7 incidents

October 17, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall onto or against objects

EE slipped on paper cushion on packer seat and fell between seat and deck, dislocating left knee.

September 22, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was stacking 50 pound bags on a pallet and felt a pain in left bicep and pectoral muscles.

September 2, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was stacking 100 pound bags onto a pallet, over-exerted himself and strained lower back.

July 14, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was stacking bags and twisted lower left back, felt discomfort and had some numbness in back of leg.

June 24, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was stacking bags on pallet and over-extended right shoulder and neck, causing muscle strain.

May 8, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator NONPOWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Slipped on wet bentonite while dumping a wheelbarrow. Traumatized back.

March 10, 2008 WY · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

EE was helping dump garbage into dumpster when container slipped backwards away from dumpster. When attempting to grab container, the full weight came back on right arm, causing tendon to snap. One day lost time was required for surgery.

2007 · 2 incidents

December 7, 2007 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was stacking bags on pallet and began to have muscle spasms in left side of abdomen.

August 7, 2007 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between running or meshing objects

EE was cleaning mud out of product screw, still running, when he grabbed for a chunk that had fallen in towards the elevator and before he knew it, the screw grabbed his hand, running it through the fletching, causing crushing injuries and a serious laceration on top of the hand. Reconstructive surgery will take place next week. Lockout/tagout was not in effect.

2006 · 4 incidents

September 21, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee twisted knee while stacking 100 pound bags onto a pallet.

August 16, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Forklift operator backed away from trailer while looking over his right shoulder, then turned left hitting the unseen driver about 12 feet from initial backing point. The driver was knocked down; his yell alerted operator to stop and pull forward to free victim. Large bone in lower left leg was cleanly broken 4 inches above ankle.

February 23, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

Employed complained that his left rotator cuff was damaged from throwing a 100 lb. bag on a pallet. A visit to doctor that day revealed nothing definite. He was released to work with restrictions. An MRI the following day has revealed no tears or problems of any kind. He will not return to work - terminated.

February 13, 2006 WY · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee lifted a bucket of samples and felt something pull in right elbow. It was diagnosed as a pulled tendon and was to be watched for a while. No time was lost. It was later decided to operate, which took place on June 23rd, return to work was July 17, 2006 for a total of 16 day lost time.

2005 · 1 incident

September 30, 2005 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

An employee on a forklift set a loaded pallet down on the toes of a fellow employee, causing trauma to foot. There were no broken bone according to x-rays and he returned to work after missing only one day of work.

2004 · 2 incidents

August 5, 2004 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck against stationary object

WHILE CLEANING A PIT FLOOR, EMPLOYEE STRUCK REAR OF LEFT ELBOW AGAINST IRON STEPS THAT LEAD INTO THE PIT. X-RAYS FROM 8/16/2004 REVEAL A HAIRLINE FRACTURE. HE HAS NOT MISSED WORK BUT WILL SEE DOCTOR ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2004 DUE TO CONTINUED DISCOMFORT. THE REPORT OF THIS ACCIDENT WAS RECEIVED IN THE SAFETY OFFICE ON 8/30/2004.

January 6, 2004 WY · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite · Contact with hot objects or substances

HOT SLAG BURNED A HOLE IN 02 LINE WHEN CUTTING METAL WITH OXYACETYLENE UNIT ABOUT 6" BELOW FITTINGS, RESULTING IN 1ST & 2ND DEGREE BURNS TO LOWER RIGHT ABDOMEN AT BELT LINE. THE 2 X 3" AREA OCCURED THROUGH 5 LAYERS OF CLOTHING, 4 OF WHICH WERE COTTON OR PARTLY COTTON. E.R. ADMINISTERED CARE & HAD HIM TAKE ONE DAY OFF.

2002 · 6 incidents

November 6, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) MACHINERY
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by flying object

EE WAS USING A DIE GRINDER TO ENLARGE BOLT HOLES ON A BEARING WHEN A SMALL PIECE OF METAL GOT PAST HIS EYE GLASSES, STRIKING HIM IN THE RIGHT EYE. HE MISSED WORK THE FOLLOWING DAY AS HE SPEN T TWO HOURS IN THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE TO HAVE THE PIECE REMOVED.

October 21, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall from machine

EE CLIMBED INTO THE FRONT END LOADER TO START AND WARM IT. THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE LOADER SO HE CLIMBED OUT TO GET THEM. A HYDRAULIC LEAK IN THE CAB FROM THE CONTROL CONSOLE HAD SATURATED THE FLOOR AND WITH OIL ON HIS SHOES HE SLIPPED WHILE DESCENDING THE STEPS AND PULLED HIS LOWER RIGHT CALF MUSCLE.

October 16, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator EXPLODING VESSELS UNDER PRESSURE
Black Hills Bentonite · Contact with hot objects or substances

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST OXYACETYLENE PRESSURES FOR USE WITH A #8 ROSEBUD TIP TO HEAT AND REMOVE A FAN FROM A STRAIGHT SHAFT, THE OXYGEN LINE BLEW UP AND SET EE'S CLOTHING ON FIRE JUST ABOVE THE WAISTLINE. THIS CAUSED A 1 SQ/FT OF HIS ABDOMEN TO RECEIVE 2ND DEGREE BURNS AND HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT.

May 20, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Black Hills Bentonite · Fall to lower level, (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS GETTING DOWN OFF A FORKLIFT WHEN HE STEPPED INTO A HOLE OR DEPRESSION, CAUSING HIS RIGHT ANKLE TO TWIST AND BECOME SPRAINED. HE WILL MISS 3 DAYS OF WORK.

April 10, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck against a moving object

EE WAS OPERATING FORKLIFT WHEN ANOTHER FORKLIFT OPERATOR LIFTED HIS MACHINE OFF THE GROUND 6-8" FROM THE REAR. THE FIRST MACHINE SLIPPED OFF THE FORKS OF THE OTHER LIFT AND DROPPED TO THE GROU ND, CAUSING TRAUMA TO HIS LOWER BACK. AN MRI WAS SCHEDULED FOR 4/29/02. EE FILLED OUT ACCIDENT REPORT ON 4/25/02.

January 21, 2002 WY · Metal/Non-Metal welder (shop) POWERED HAULAGE
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

COAL MILL GEAR BOX WAS BEING FLIPPED OVER WHILE IT WAS SITTING ACROSS FORKS OF LIFT TRUCK WHEN IT BEGAN TO SLIDE OFF. EE WAS STANDING IN FRONT & TRIED TO CATCH IT WHILE ALSO TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. THE ATTEMPT TO PUSH IT AWAY RESULTEDIN INJURY TO TENDONS OF RT HAND. EE DIDN'T MISS ANY WORK FOR NEXT MONTH, HOWEVER, WRIST DIDN'T GET BETTER & TIME OFF IS NECESSARY FOR HEALING.

2000 · 4 incidents

December 1, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS PULLING ON A 100LB BAG WHEN HE TWISTED HIS RIGHT ARM INJURING THE ELBOW & FOREARM HE IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO WORK ON 12/13/00 (7 WORKING DAYS)

October 3, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Black Hills Bentonite · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

APPARENTLY GOT SOME DUST IN EYE WHILE CLEANING, HE IS NOT CERTAIN WHEN IT HAPPENED.

August 1, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in wielding or throwing objects

WHILE THROWING BAGS, THE EE STRAINED A MUSCLE IN LEFT FOREARM NEAR THE WRIST. HE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR XRAYS. THE MEDICAL REPORT INDICATED THAT HE HAS ACUTE TENDONITIS.

April 14, 2000 WY · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Black Hills Bentonite · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

THE INDIVIDUAL WAS PULLING SOCKS AND CAGES OUT OF MILL BIN DUST COLLECTOR WHEN HE STRAINED LOWER BACK. HE THEN WENT TO A CHIROPRACTOR FOR MANIPULATION.