Rio Tinto Group safety activity

After loading at the ES59, the HT471 operator noticed lower back discomfort. The operator attempted to continue operating to see if the pains would subside. After about a half hour, and the pains continued, the operator reported the pains to their supervisor. The operator was assessed by onsite ERT's, EMT then RMCC where they were released back to duty with restrictions.

Miner attempted to puncture aerosol can on vice at which time the can exploded, lacerating EE's face and chipping a tooth requiring stitches and outpatient cosmetic dentistry

Local temperatures reached 97 degrees F just prior to the illness. Employee became ill and was treated for heat exhaustion by on-site EMT's before being transported to a local hospital. It was determined that this employee was dehydrated/Heat Exhausted.

HT driver stated their haul truck was getting loaded around 9pm last night and they noted neck and back pain at the time of the load. EE continued driving and had 2 subsequent loads that worsened the pain in low back and neck. Employee stated they had a hard time breathing due to the muscle tightness.

While installing Tech screws into a panel, a metal shaving went in to employee's right eye. EE did not notice it until EE got in EE's car as was going home around 16:20. It felt itchy, and EE began rubbing it. EE didn't think much of it and EE thought EE would just flush it out when EE got home. The pain intensified, and EE called EE's supervisor to report it.

At 14:50, IP had been clearing brush and felt a sting on their neck. IP told ERT/EMT that they were feeling numbness and tingling in extremities. IP stated they threw up after the sting. IP vitals were elevated. EMT transferred IP into ERT ambulance and transported IP to meet with UFA at Notch gate at 15:35.

At approximately 04:30 am, Craftsman was walking from change house to truck shop through haul truck access road walkway. As they approached eastern side, they stepped on a rock and was knocked off balance, but not falling. The felt a crack/pop in lower back. The pain increased later in the shift. Supervisor was notified at 10:30am and then taken to clinic for further evaluation.

Employee was moving core boxes from an elevated platform to bench and felt a pop in their right knee with minor discomfort. Continued to work for the remainder of the shift but knee progressively got worse through the night. On 7/10 at 07:33, IP arrived with supervisor at first aid exam room. EMT performed assessment and vital signs were normal. Referred to RMMC.

At the end of day shift, an Electrician was relocating equipment by manually carrying it from a parked scissor deck to a nearby light vehicle. As the Electrician was walking, they lost their footing and fell, contacting the bottom lip on the equipment being handled, causing a laceration.

The death was caused by a heart attack, as confirmed on the death certificate. This was a personal medical event unrelated to work. No workplace factors contributed, and no controls could have prevented a condition not linked to occupational exposure.