ON 22 DECEMBER 2003, AT APPROXIMATELY 11:15 PM, AN EMPLOYEE OF THE MINING DEPARTMENT WAS DESCENDING THE STAIRS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE EAST WASHER. AS HE WAS DESCENDING THE STAIRS, HE FELT A NUMBNESS IN HIS LEG CAUSING HIS FOOT TO SLIP FROM THE STEP. HE EXPERIENCED PAIN IN HIS LOWER BACK.