Hibbing Taconite Company safety activity

An employee was changing out ripper tooth on Bulldozer in the pit Webb area when left finger became pinched between new ripper tooth and shank shroud. Employee was guiding tooth onto ripper when tooth stuck momentarily. It released sliding forward suddenly pinching employee's left middle finger.

MMG working in belt shop was preparing GFR-1 belt for Pellet Plant. MMG & partner began placing notches on edge of the belt for splicing. MMG had left hand on edge of belt, began cutting/notching side of belt w/right hand using 4" skiver knife. When pressure was applied knife to make notch, blade slipped & contacted left thumb resulting in a cut to thumb & medical glue.

EE in Central Shops using a battery powered DeWalt 4.5" grinder w/flapper disc to debur 6" pipe section. EE was holding the pipe section w/left hand & sanding interior of pipe w/grinder in right hand when edge of the pipe caught between rotating flapper disc & grinder guard causing grinder to rotate into left hand. This resulted in cut to the left index finger & stiches.

EE was working on Pellet Plant plugged sump pump, feet became stuck in place due to suction (water/mud) caused them to tilt forward 1-2 ft. towards handrail of surrounding the sump. EE stopped themselves with left hand on the handrail resulting in pain to left arm/shoulder.

Employee was driving the Probe truck past Drill 10 and believed the space was tight. EE contacted the Pit Foreman, who confirmed there was enough room. A wet area caused EE to move closer, and the truck equipment contacted the drill. EE reported the incident; minor damage occurred. No injuries were reported.