# HANDLING OF MATERIALS
> MSHA accident `220142880011` · 09/05/2014 · Westmoreland Kemmerer, LLC
## Details
- **Degree of injury:** DAYS AWAY FROM WORK ONLY
- **Classification:** HANDLING OF MATERIALS
- **Accident type:** Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects
- **Occupation:** Tipple/Top lander/Skip dumper operator, Binman, Topman
- **Activity:** Handling supplies or material
- **Injury source:** METAL COVERS & GUARDS
- **Nature of injury:** SPRAIN,STRAIN RUPT DISC
- **Body part:** BACK (MUSCLES/SPINE/S-CORD/TAILBONE)
- **Days lost:** 108
- **Mine experience:** 1.54 years
## Operator
- **Controller:** Westmoreland Coal Company
- **Operator:** Westmoreland Kemmerer, LLC
- **Mine:** [4800086](https://api.ai-analytics.org/mine/4800086)
## Narrative

An employee was pulling on a rail switch when they felt a burning sensation in their back. The employee woke up the next morning with numbness extending down the left leg. After the investigation and an MRI, it was determined that the employee had an acute herniation of the L3 and L4 vertebrae. This information was made available to this office on 10/14/14.

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*Source: [MSHA Open Government Data](https://arlweb.msha.gov/OpenGovernmentData/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*