Fractures

An employee was preparing a mortar mixer for use at the start of the day. After draining water from the barrel, which had been lowered with the handle positioned downward, he reached over the equipment to engage the gear mechanism. Hardened mortar inside the drum caused resistance, preventing the paddles from turning freely. The mixer jolted and its handle made contact with the employee, causing him to lose his balance and pushing him backward about 8 feet until he came into contact with a nearby dumpster. He was not crushed or pinned, but he suffered fractured/chipped vertebrae. The employee was hospitalized.