Fatality #26 - June 17, 2014

Accident Classification: Other

Location: Holcim (Texas) LP, Texas

Mine Controller: Holcim Ltd; Crow Holdings

Mine Type: Facility

Mined Material: Cement

Incident Date/Time: June 17, 2014 10:30 am

On June 17, 2014, a fatal accident occurred at Holcim Texas LP. On, September 3, 2014, MSHA referred the accident to the Chargeability Review Committee. On February 2, 2015, the Chargeability Review Committee determined that this death should be charged to the mining industry. The autopsy report indicated that the manner of death was accidental and that the cause of death was asthma exacerbated by environmental dust exposure.

PUBLIC NOTICE

This posting serves to provide a public notice to employees of the mine, employees of the mining company(s), employees of independent contractors with any connection to the mine, persons with any connection to the mine, and any person with information regarding the cause or contributing factors of this accident.

Please provide any information to:

Maria Rich, Lead Accident Investigator
Phone: 214-767-8401

PRELIMINARY REPORT

The truck driver parked his bulk tanker truck at a tanker top access platform, went to the top of the trailer, and opened the bulk hatches on the trailer in preparation to get loaded with cement. Another driver noticed the victim was not on top of the truck. The driver found the victim conscious inside the tank of the truck but could not get him out and called for help. A responder team arrived and found the victim unresponsive. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. Apparently the victim dropped his asthma inhaler into the tank of the truck and then entered the tanker to get it but was unable to get out.

On September 3, 2014, MSHA referred the accident to the Chargeability Review Committee. On February 2, 2015, the Chargeability Review Committee determined that this death should be charged to the mining industry. The autopsy report indicated that the manner of death was accidental and that the cause of death was asthma exacerbated by environmental dust exposure.