THE EE STATES THAT WHILE CHANGING A 16"" TIRE THE TIRE CAUGHT A RUBBER MALLET THAT WAS ON THE MACHINE. THE CONTACT CAUSED THE MALLET TO FLIP UP AND STRIKE THE EE IN THE UPPER LIP. HE WAS EXAMIN ED & 3 SUTURES WERE USED TO REPAIR THE LACERATION. THE EE WAS RELEASED TO RETURN TO WORK FULL DUTY.